FAQs

  • When and where?

    The UK Food & Drink Shows will take place Monday 12 April - Wednesday 14 April 2027 at the NEC, Birmingham, B40 1NT.

    Opening times:

    Monday 12 April 2027 | 10.00am - 5.00pm
    Tuesday 13 April 2027 | 10.00am - 5.00pm
    Wednesday 14 April 2027 | 10.00am - 4.00pm

    Where?
    Food & Drink Expo: Hall 6 & 20
    Farm Shop & Deli Show: Hall 19 & 20
    National Convenience Show: Hall 17, 18 & 19
    Forecourt Show: Hall 18 & 19
    Foodex Manufacturing Solutions: Hall 6, 7 & 8

  • What are The UK Food & Drink Shows?

    The award-winning UK Food & Drink Shows encompasses Food & Drink Expo, Farm Shop & Deli Show, National Convenience Show, Foodex Manufacturing Solutions and Forecourt Show.

    Food & Drink Expo is the UK’s leading trade event for the food and drink industry, bringing together buyers, retailers, wholesalers, hospitality operators and industry leaders to discover the latest products, innovations and trends shaping the future of the sector.

    Farm Shop & Deli Show is the UK’s leading trade event for the speciality retail sector, bringing together farm shops, delis, independent retailers and foodservice operators to discover new products, uncover emerging trends and find inspiration to drive business growth.

    National Convenience Show is the leading trade event for the convenience retail sector, bringing together retailers, forecourt operators, wholesalers and industry professionals to discover the latest products, innovations and business solutions shaping the future of convenience.

    Forecourt Show is the dedicated event for the forecourt and fuel retailing sector, bringing together forecourt operators, fuel retailers, convenience businesses and industry suppliers to discover the latest products, innovations and solutions shaping the future of the market.

    Foodex Manufacturing Solutions is the UK’s leading event for the food and drink manufacturing sector, bringing together businesses of all sizes, from innovative SMEs and growing manufacturers to some of the industry’s largest food and drink producers, creating a unique platform for discovering new technologies, equipment, ingredients and services that drive efficiency, innovation and growth.

    What accessibility and inclusivity measures are in place at the show?

    We want everyone to enjoy their visit to The UK Food & Drink Shows and we’ve put together some useful information about the event and venue here. You can also visit the NEC website for more information here.

  • How do I get there, where can I stay and do I need to pre-book parking?

    To find out how to get to the NEC Birmingham and where to stay, please see our travel and accommodation pages for further information.

    If you pre-pay for parking online before the day of your visit you can save £5. Click here to book.

  • How can I register, can I register colleagues, and is there a charge to attend?

    You can register your interest here. Registration will open in January 2027.

    Attendance is free for trade visitors. Please note that each visitor must complete a separate registration, and no under 18s are permitted.

    Once you have completed your online registration, we have made it even easier to let people know you are attending and invite them to join you via social media and email! Simply click on the pop-up that appears once you have completed your registration (or the link in your confirmation email) and choose where to share.

  • Who can attend?

    The UK Food & Drink Shows is a trade-only event, open to industry professionals and businesses operating within the food and drink sector. This includes retailers, foodservice and hospitality professionals, distributors and wholesalers, producers, manufacturers, and other food and drink professionals. If you're in the process of setting up a business in the food and drink industry, you're welcome to visit the show. If you have one, please bring a business card with you on the day.

    Selling to exhibitors is strictly prohibited. ID and trade checks will be carried out at the event. Please note all registrations are vetted, and entry is not guaranteed until you receive your visitor confirmation email. Please refer to our admissions policy for full details.

    Students

    We welcome students each year. Please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

    Under 18s are not permitted to attend.

    Children

    No children are permitted into the trade events. The only exception is for parents or guardians of nursing infants. If this applies to you, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information. Please note that pushchairs are not allowed.

  • Do I have to provide all of my personal details?

    We require the mandatory fields on the registration form.

  • How can I get a press pass?

    Press badges at the show are restricted to publishers, editors, journalists and broadcasters associated with the industry.


    If you receive show press releases from us, you will automatically be registered as Press for the show and your Press Badge will be emailed to you a week before the event.


    If however you wish to start receiving our releases and would like to attend the event, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with details of your publication and job title.


    Advertising personnel, photographers and media sales representatives will not be registered as press but should register via visitor registration - but must be aware that registrations will be vetted. Attendees are NOT permitted to solicit for business on the show floor (including refreshment areas). The organiser reserves the right to insist that any visitors found selling products or services to exhibitors or other visitors must leave the show immediately. Please view our Admissions Policy here.

  • Will there be any seminars, workshops or demonstrations?

    Yes, there will be several visitor features running throughout the show including: free seminar sessions, book signings, demonstrations and awards at the event. 

  • How can I plan my visit and view exhibitors and products ahead of the event?

    While there will not be a printed copy of the show guide, you can access everything you need through the Show App, powered by Sitka. The app allows you to browse the exhibitor list, products, book meetings with exhibitors, plan your visit and create your own schedule. A link to download and access this will be provided on your confirmation email.

    You can also view the exhibitor list and product list via the website. 

  • Is there a cloakroom at the event?

    Yes. Cloakrooms are open 30 minutes before the show opens, until the close of show.


    Please note: Coats, bags, suitcases and umbrellas, will be permitted in the cloakroom at the daily cost £2 per coat or umbrella £3 per bag or piece of luggage.

  • How can I access the internet while I'm at the event?

    All visitors to the NEC can connect to WiFi across the entire venue completely free of charge.

  • Where can I buy food while I'm at the exhibition?

    There are several outlets within the halls.

  • What access does my ticket give me?

    Your ticket allows entry on multiple days and provides access to all five co-located UK Food & Drink Shows events.

  • How do I obtain a visa invitation letter to attend the show?

    Unfortunately, we cannot issue personal/individual letter of invitation for visa purposes. Once you have registered for the show you will receive a confirmation email which should be sufficient for visa applications. 

  • What if I don't want to be contacted after the event?

    We will keep you informed of products and services from William Reed Ltd. If you do not want to receive such information, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or write to Data Manager, WRBM, Broadfield Park, Crawley RH11 9RT.

  • What if I still have questions about the event?

    Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.