Tradeshow Insight: Lunch! North 2026

The return of Lunch! North to Manchester Central on 10^th and 11^th  March 2026 solidified the event’s status as a primary fixture for the food-to-go and cafe sectors in the north of England. Co-located with the Northern Restaurant & Bar (NRB) show, the combined event transformed the venue into a concentrated hub for regional hospitality, drawing over 12,100 trade visitors and hosting more than 400 suppliers. The scale of the event reflected a continued trajectory of growth for the northern market, with 82% of attendees representing businesses specifically from the North of England, ranging from independent cafe owners to major national contract caterers and wholesalers. This geographical focus was central to the show’s structure, providing a dedicated platform for innovation outside of the capital.

The 2026 edition was characterised by a significant shift in category representation. While the event catered broadly to the food-to-go sector, alcoholic and soft beverages formed the vast majority of the show floor’s content, with food products accounting for approximately 7% of the total display. A dominant theme throughout the exhibition was the proliferation of aluminium can formats across diverse product categories. This trend extended far beyond traditional soft drinks to include high-quality soups packaged in soft-drink-style cans, as well as a significant expansion in canned wines, spirits, bottled water and cocktails. The move towards small-format 150ml cans for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails was particularly notable, driven by insights from hospitality operators regarding service efficiency. Exhibitors noted that these pre-mixed, high-quality formats allowed bar staff to meet the high demand for classic cocktails without the time-intensive preparation usually required, effectively streamlining workflows during peak service times.

Functional wellness remained a core driver of beverage innovation, with products increasingly targeting specific health cues such as immunity, gut health, and cognitive function. This was evidenced by a wide array of kombuchas and “living drinks”, as well as the continued integration of botanicals like elderberry into standard soft drink ranges. A major development in the alcohol-free space included the expansion of established brands into new categories, such as Yorkshire Tea’s move into the iced tea market, signalling a shift for traditional beverage giants towards more modern, on-the-go formats. Furthermore, the “elevated cafe beverage” trend saw the introduction of speciality powders like turmeric and beetroot for aesthetic, health-focused lattes aimed at the premium coffee shop segment.

Food and snacking innovations were largely shaped by the dual pressures of health regulation and the burgeoning ‘treat economy’. Manufacturers showcased a variety of products designed to meet high fat, sugar and salt (HFSS) compliance standards, such as low-sugar and high-fibre cereal bars that maintain indulgent flavour profiles suitable for retail and grab-and-go environments. Conversely, the ‘treat economy’ was represented by artisan bakery items and premium regional savoury pastries designed for easy reheating in high-volume cafe settings. These products cater to a consumer appetite for affordable luxuries, where high-quality baked goods serve as a permissible indulgence.

Sustainability was another central pillar of the event, with several exhibitors presenting alternative packaging solutions designed to reduce environmental impact. Highlights included the introduction of 100% paper-based compostable and recyclable water bottles, as well as refillable aluminium bottle systems for wines and spirits. One such system utilised QR codes on labels to incentivise repeat orders; consumers could return the bottles in their original packaging for refilling by the supplier. This focus on circularity and the “no waste” principle was further reflected in the move towards plastic-reduced packaging across seasonal grab-and-go ranges.

In the bar sector, a trend also emerged for reimagining 1970s-style classic cocktails with modern, ‘cleaner’ formulations that utilise less sugar and more natural ingredients. This shift aligns with broader consumer demand for healthier options without compromising on the social or aesthetic experience of traditional cocktail culture.

The next edition of the show, which will see Lunch! co-locate with the National Restaurant, Pub & Bar Show, the Natural & Organic Food Show and the Artisan Food & Drink Show under the London Food & Drink Shows banner, is scheduled to take place at ExCeL London on 16^th and 17^th September 2026. Lunch! North, meanwhile, returns to Manchester on 9^th and 10^th March 2027.

Image source: Gama