Street food, quick-serve restaurants and coffee will be among the topics in the spotlight at the 2026 UK Food & Drink Shows.
Businesses from across the trade - from grocery and hospitality to farm shops and forecourts - will come together for three days of innovation, inspiration and networking.
Food & Drink Expo is taking place at the NEC Birmingham from Monday 13 to Wednesday 15 April as part of The UK Food & Drink Shows. The event comprises four shows that each target a sector of the food and drink industry: Food & Drink Expo, Farm Shop & Deli Show, National Convenience Show and Forecourt Show.
As ever, the event will feature a packed programme of insightful panels, expert speakers and inspiring demonstrations on the topics and trends that are driving the industry. Here is a selection that food-to-go businesses won't want to miss.
- Protecting hospitality: Data suggests two hospitality sites are closing each day, with rising employment costs one of the key drivers. In this session, leading trade organisations and experts will analyse what needs to be done and what the outlook is for the short and long-term.
- Where next for plant based? In this panel discussion, retailers will explore the future of plant-based—from cutting-edge innovations in food technology to shifting cultural perceptions and market trends.
- Coffee leaders – A look to the future: Senior figures from across the UK coffee industry will dissect the trends shaping the market and how changing consumer habits are impacting the sector.
- The future of fast food: Leaders from across the QSR channel will discuss the opportunities and challenges on the horizon, the regulatory pressures the industry is facing, and the changing needs of consumers.
- The future of street food: Operators from across the street food and food hall sector will explore the future of the channel in this session, from sustainability and tech-driven innovation to the evolving tastes of younger consumers.
Food and drink industry analysts Lumina Intelligence will be presenting data and insights on a range of topics over the three-day event, including the UK eating out market, the evolution of hospitality menus and how the UK food-to-go market Is changing.
Social media will also be a focus, with one session exploring how businesses can harness TikTok's algorithm, partnerships and shopping features. Another will dive into social media trends, examining how Gen Z and Millennials are reshaping consumption through values-led choices and a demand for authenticity and emotional connection.
Competitions are always a big part of the UK Food & Drink Shows line-up and are an opportunity to discover new suppliers as well as innovation from established manufacturers. The 2026 event brings the debut of the Taste the Future contest that gives visitors the chance to sample and score 40 trailblazing products.
Judging for the Britain's Best Loaf and Britain's Best Cake contests will take place live, while the winners of the Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards will be announced at the show. Visitors will also be able to meet many of the people behind the winning goods in the Farm Shop & Deli Product Awards.
Take a look at the full line up of sessions and speakers.
"We are excited to once again welcome exhibitors and visitors to the UK Food & Drink Shows and share with them what makes this industry so vibrant and innovative,” said Dan Dixon, managing director of exhibitions at UK Food & Drink Shows organiser William Reed.
