Registration is now open for Food & Drink Expo, the UK’s flagship event for retail, wholesale and foodservice audiences focusing on finished products, which returns this July (NEC Birmingham 5-7th), revitalised and ready to tackle the key challenges affecting the industry in the new normal.

Visitors should make a date and register now for a free show pass to 2021’s most comprehensive programme of demonstrations, interactive live debates and tastings, all focused on improving the bottom line.

With July fast approaching, here's a glimpse of some of the highlights.

Hungry for knowledge:  The Dynamic Meal Equation (10:15, 5th July 2021)

Three meals a day means 90 chances per month to conquer consumers’ plates. Gavin Kelly runs through what that means with Lumina Intelligence’s Dynamic Meal Equation. He’ll be analysing where those meals come from post-pandemic, from Deliveroo to meal boxes, and how different demographics and lockdown trends stand to shape the plates of the future. 

(Venue: The Grocer Talking Shop Live)

What a Waste: Spotlight on single-use plastic (11:00, 5th July 2021)

Single-use plastic may have made a comeback during Covid-19 – but research shows the public still care deeply about the scandal of plastic waste. The market is now moving to reusable solutions. Led by Dr Gabrielle Walker, our expert panel outline what this means for the sector, with best practice and tips on investing in the circular economy. 

(Venue: The Grocer Talking Shop Live)

This Way Up: Where are we now?  (12:00, 5th July 2021) 

What matters most to the food and drink industry right now? BBC Breakfast’s Louise Minchin asks our panel of industry heads plus a top retail economist, for their insights on pressing issues and key trends across the landscape. Looking for directions in our fast-changing business world? Come and get some pointers for a more profitable way forward for 2021.

(Venue: The Grocer Talking Shop Live)

 Liquid assets: Get the lowdown on Low2No (12:00, 6th July 2021)

It might be a sobering prospect for some, but Generation Z is shaping tomorrow's business and ethical landscape as their low/no alcohol choices unlock new opportunities. We've blended a spirited mix of insightful experts, influencers and industry leaders to analyse, dissect and pave the way forward for you to capitalise on this sea change in consumer behaviour.

(Venue: The Grocer Talking Shop Live)

Crunchy Numbers: From Zoomers to Boomers (14:00, 7th July 2021)    

What moves the different age demographics, when it comes to food and drink? Richard Fox, author, chef and broadcaster and our panel check in with current trends. They’ll take us from younger consumers driven by ‘Insta’ influencers and FOMO, right through to the financially comfortable boomers who are - lest we forget - responsible for over half of consumer spending. Be there and get on trend.

(Venue: The Grocer Talking Shop Live)

Making your visit COVID safe: What you need to know

Food & Drink Expo is part of the UK Food & Drink Shows which have 'Visit Britain' 'We're Good To Go' accreditation. This confirms they meet Government and public health guidance on Covid-19 and have health and safety processes in place for safe July opening. As part of these measures, we will have wider aisles to help social distancing and smart crowd flow, to ensure safe interaction. Hand sanitisation stations will be in easy reach in all halls. See our website for full details.

Innovation, Innovation, Innovation!

The Food & Drink Expo show floor will be alive with a wealth of product launches, with exhibitors including Porky Whites, Jersey Dairy, Meatless Farm, Radnor Hills Mineral Water Company, St Pierre Groupe and Wiltshire Chilli Farm. Discover tomorrow’s big sellers - get face to face with new and existing suppliers. Make the most of your visit and plan ahead.

Take a look at the exhibitors here.

Take a look at all the products here and, by selecting the 'Innovation@' product filter, you’ll see all the new launches at the show!

Don’t Just Take our Word for it…

Here’s what people said about the previous Food & Drink Expo:

“We’ve done really well so far. It’s only day one and we’ve already got two or three potential customers. It’s been beyond expectation.”

John Dorrian, Manager, Smithy Mushrooms

“This is a time of reinvention for retailers and there’s nowhere better to come than somewhere like this.”

Lord Mark Price, former MD Waitrose

The UK Food & Drink Shows are an opportunity to celebrate the return of our exhibitions across food development, grocery, manufacturing, specialist retail, wholesale and foodservice at the NEC Birmingham from 5-7 July 2021. Food & Drink Expo will run alongside Foodex, The Ingredients Show, National Convenience Show, Farm Shop & Deli Show and The Forecourt Show.

Now more than ever, you can trust us to bring the whole industry back together and furnish you with the information, insight and connections you need to navigate the future in the best way possible.

Find out more and register free via their website: foodanddrinkexpo.co.uk

The UK Food Shows are a product of the award-winning team at William Reed.