UK Food & Drink Shows return with a bang

The NEC saw the return of UK Food & Drink Shows this week, the first outing for the events post-pandemic. Farm Shop & Deli Show, Food & Drink Expo, National Convenience Show and The Forecourt Show were held together for the first time in two years, and their organisers are reporting a “flood” of positive feedback from visitors and exhibitors. 

The Farm Shop & Deli Show hosted its annual Retailer Awards in-person for the first time since 2019 – discover the nine regional winners here – while the newly-launched Product Awards celebrated the sector’s best farm shop and deli-suitable food and drink. 

Andrew Reed, managing director – events and exhibitions – at William Reed, said, “The familiar feel-good factor that sets these events apart really has returned, and yet the enforced break has resulted in an almost festival air – driven by people’s relief to get back to some semblance of normality, back to the show floor and back to business. 

“This enthusiasm is writ large in the positive feedback and weight of exhibitor commitment to the 2023 shows we have already received, but also in the sense of togetherness we have felt this week. It’s been a fantastic showcase for our industry.”

Farm Shop & Deli Show and Food & Drink Expo will return to the NEC, Birmingham, on 24th-26th April 2023, and will be joined for the first time by The Ingredients Show and Foodex.