Tradeshow Insight: The UK Food & Drink Shows 2026

The latest edition of the UK Food & Drink Shows took place at the NEC Birmingham from the 13th to 15th April 2026, comprising four distinct exhibitions: the Food & Drink Expo, Farm Shop & Deli Show, National Convenience Show and the Forecourt Show. This expansive gathering of more than 1,200 exhibitors and an anticipated 25,000 visitors featured a refreshed visual identity, utilizing a contemporary typeface and background textures designed to reflect the current direction of the industry.

A primary theme of the event, as viewed from the show floor, was the evolution of liquid functionality, with the beverage category moving toward metabolic support and botanical enhancement. This shift was characterized by a wave of products that bridge the gap between refreshment and wellness, such as prickly pear cactus water and functional lagers formulated with cordyceps and lion’s mane extracts. The trend toward digestive health was further represented by gut-friendly sodas high in fibre and low in calories, alongside tonic waters enhanced with collagen and high-protein sparkling fruit drinks. Additionally, customization appeared as a burgeoning sub-theme, with brands offering limited editions that allow consumers to influence flavour varieties through collective feedback.

This focus on functional health extended into the food aisles, where a clear movement toward alternative base ingredients and sophisticated plant-based formats was evident. Innovations being showcased demonstrated the extent to which producers are increasingly moving away from traditional fillers in favour of nutrient-dense components, such as macadamia milk and oat blends or spreads formulated with shea butter, date powder and coconut oil. This ingredient-led approach was seen in specific applications including miso & garlic paste, roasted oat crisps and vegan-friendly ‘chicken butter’ paste. Even within indulgent categories, there was a drive toward refinement through products like date-sweetened vegan chocolate and infused chilli salts. Distinctive packaging also served as a tool for differentiation, exemplified by puzzle-shaped ceramic bottles for salad dressings that physically attach to one another, alongside a range of confectionery shaped like fast-food items.

The National Convenience Show and the Forecourt Show addressed the specific operational requirements of the retail and fuel sectors, focusing on future-proofing businesses in a changing regulatory landscape. Within the convenience area, the diversification of the nicotine sector was a notable highlight, with more than two dozen companies displaying vapes, nicotine pouches and sprays. In the forecourt sector, discussions centered on the evolving landscape of vehicle care and infrastructure, exploring how innovation and environmental responsibility are shaping the next generation of service stations. Expert panels also explored the practicalities of the industry’s future, including e-commerce automation and the introduction of the deposit return scheme.

Strategic insight sessions examined the shifting habits of younger demographics, particularly how Gen Z and millennials are reshaping consumption through value-led choices and an increased demand for authenticity. Industry leaders discussed the challenges facing independent specialist retailers and the ways in which businesses can adapt and thrive in a landscape that demands both resilience and reinvention.

Engagement features such as the Dragons’ Pantry and the Taste the Future competition provided a platform for entrepreneurship and feedback. In the Dragons’ Pantry, brave entrepreneurs delivered product pitches to experienced industry panels, while the Taste the Future stage allowed visitors to sample and score products based on innovation and packaging.

The 2027 edition of The UK Food & Drink Shows is set for 12^th to 14^th April.