Tradeshow Insight: Lunch! 2025

This week, London’s ExCeL was once again transformed into the hub of the UK’s thriving food-to-go industry as Lunch! 2025 opened its doors to thousands of visitors. Co-located with The National Restaurant, Pub & Bar Show, the two-day event welcomed a dynamic mix of operators, buyers and suppliers, all looking to connect, discover and stay ahead in one of the most competitive sectors in UK retail and foodservice.

At the heart of the show was a renewed focus on innovation. The much-anticipated Innovation Challenge returned with a packed line-up of new products, each offering fresh answers to emerging consumer demands around health, sustainability and convenience.

Among the standout launches was Juno Bamboo Water, a plant-based hydration drink using bamboo leaf extract, offering natural antioxidants in a sustainably positioned format. Functional wellness remained a clear theme across the show, with new entrants like Vita Life’s All-in-One Wellness Drink and Vital Fizz Hydration + Focus targeting consumers who want more from their beverages: whether that’s better hydration, mental focus or immune support.

Pure Sustenance Datewater also drew attention for its innovative use of whole fruit hydration, combining naturally occurring electrolytes and gentle sweetness in a minimal-ingredient drink. Meanwhile, Heaven Otherworldly Soda delivered on gut health with a prebiotic and probiotic sparkling drink that balances function with flavour.

Snacking innovations were equally strong. Holie’s Protein Granola Clusters and Creative Nature’s Kids Snack Bars catered to demand for high-protein, allergen-friendly and child-approved formats. A potential highlight for active lifestyle consumers came from Pip & Nut, expanding beyond nut butters into high-protein snack bars with clean labels and simple ingredients. Sustainability was another major undercurrent, with many exhibitors highlighting compostable packaging, carbon footprint reductions and upcycled or traceable ingredients.

Beyond the product launches, Lunch! 2025 offered a rich programme of talks, panels and live discussions across six content theatres. Sessions explored major issues facing the sector, from rising costs and staff retention to evolving consumer expectations and the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation in foodservice.

Dates are yet to be announced for Lunch! 2026.