Attending food shows is a great way to boost your knowledge and your network. Industry events offer a wealth of insight into market trends and regulatory changes as well as the chance to meet industry figures and try new products. Here are some of our recommended food industry events 2018.
March 2018
Food Protein Vision 2018
Food Protein Vision promises “actionable solutions to strengthen your business” with expert speakers from Quorn, Mosameat and Arla, to name a few. Programme themes include: alternative proteins, protein performance and sustainability, looking at innovation and cutting-edge food science in the name of protein-based products.
7-9th March, Amsterdam Marriott Hotel
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April 2018
The Ingredients Show
The Ingredients Show will be running alongside four other food shows (Foodex – see below, Food and Drink Expo, National Convenience Show and Farm Shop & Deli Show) during the same week. Altogether there will be over 1,500 exhibitors and 250 speakers in attendance. It provides what the organisers call a “360-degree perspective of the industry” and a great opportunity to discover new textures and flavours, as well as solutions tailored to your business.
16-18 April, NEC, Birmingham
More information.
Foodex
This trade event encompasses the food and drink processing, packaging and logistics industries. Its focus will be on food manufacturing’s top trends from improving traceability, transforming productivity and highlighting new ingredients and super foods.
16-18 April, NEC, Birmingham
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The Natural Food Show
If you’re in the market for natural, free-from, organic, special diet, sustainable or fair-trade products, this is the show for you. There will be over 700 natural and organic suppliers, new products launched exclusively at the show, show-only offers and educational seminars along the themes of natural food and health.
22-23 April 2018, ExCeL, London
More information.
May 2018
Vitafoods Europe
For those in the nutraceutical realm, Vitafoods Europe is an unmissable event. The show covers four key industry areas: Ingredients and Raw Materials, Branded Finished Products, Contract Manufacturing and Private Label and Services and Equipment. Apparently, 70% of visitors attend to source ingredients and raw materials so if you’re looking to buy there’s a lot on offer, and if you’d like to exhibit there’s plenty of interest. In addition, there are R&D and business and marketing forums as well as a personalised nutrition workshop.
15th -17th May, Palexpo, Geneva, Switzerland
More information.
June 2018
Commercial Kitchen Show
This is the place to find the latest, innovative equipment and ideas for your commercial kitchen. There’s also a free seminar programme which will include expert panel sessions and interviews, 80 exhibitors, the inspiring CEDA Awards Gallery and you can vote in the exciting Innovation Challenge.
5th-6th June, NEC, Birmingham
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Taste of London
13th-17th June, Regent’s Park, London
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The Food and Gift Show
5th-6th June, Cranmore Park, Solihull
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BBC Good Food Show, Summer
This is the place to find the latest, innovative equipment and ideas for your commercial kitchen. There’s also a free seminar programme which will include expert panel sessions and interviews, 80 exhibitors, the inspiring CEDA Awards Gallery and you can vote in the exciting Innovation Challenge.
14th-17th June, NEC, Birmingham
More information.
Bellavita Expo
The biggest artisan Italian food and beverages exhibition outside of Italy.
17th-19th June, NEC, Birmingham
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July 2018
The Eat Smart Show
Consumer-focused event featuring food and drink that is lower in sugar, calories and salt.
6th-8th July, Olympia, London
More information.
September 2018
Speciality & Fine Food Fair
Focused on connecting independent retailers, delicatessens, chefs, hoteliers, restaurateurs, importers, distributors and wholesalers with producers and suppliers of artisan food and drink. 50 Great Taste Awards finalists will be present and the Discovery Zone is worth a look for over 200 new products.
2nd-4th September, Olympia, London
More information.
lunch!
The food-to-go industry’s leading event, lunch! will feature over 350 exhibitors, educational panels from leading industry figures, thousands of new products and opportunities to network. There’s a brilliant Start-Up Zone for those new to the industry and the Innovation Challenge where the most innovative products (as voted by buyers) get to pitch to industry judges.
20th-21st September, ExCeL, London
More information.
October 2018
Bread and Jam
Bread and Jam tells us we can expect “a ground-breaking programme of panel discussions, inspirational keynotes, hands-on workshops and mentoring sessions”. Its focus is giving a boost to independent and ambitious food and drink brands and it’s a very vibrant and well-connected event.
4th-5th October, Institute of Directors, Pall Mall, London
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November 2018
The Free From Show – Winter
Celebrating and showcasing ‘free from’ food, drink and lifestyle products.
3rd-4th November, Exhibition Centre, Liverpool
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European Pizza and Pasta Show
B2B trade event that connects UK and European food wholesalers, retailers, pizza operators and pizzeria owners, restaurant chains, independent restaurants, hotels and catering companies with equipment manufacturers, specialist ingredients and food product suppliers and service providers.
13th-15th November, Olympia, London
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Food Matters Live
This event brings together the food and drink industry, retailers, food-service providers, government and those working in nutrition, “to enable collaboration and innovation to support a sustainable food landscape for the future”. Last year saw over 800 exhibitors, 80 free seminar sessions, awards and special events such as the Food Matters Live and Free-From Eating Out Awards and Match, a matchmaking service for exhibitors and visitors.
20th-22nd November, ExCel, London
More information.