The NEC was met with an influx of decision makers, stakeholders and influential figures from across the hospitality, manufacturing, grocery and speciality & convenience retail sectors for the opening day of the UK Food & Drink Shows (24th – 26th April).

With over 1500 suppliers showcasing their wares across the Farm Shop & Deli Show, Food & Drink Expo, Foodex Manufacturing Solutions and National Convenience Show the show floor was a hive of activity with visitors spoilt for choice and presented with an array of brand debuts, new product launches, insightful debate and discussion, and competitions to experience.

Live judging of the Farm Shop & Deli Product Awards - which recognise the best in specialist food and drink products sold in farm shops, delis, and other specialist food retailers – saw no fewer than 19 products from our exhibitors in the chilled and frozen category celebrating coveted Golds.

The celebrations are set to continue tomorrow with the Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards announced live on The Grocer Live Stage from 3.15pm. Regional winners will claim their prizes along with Newcomer of the Year and returning for 2023, an overall Retailer of the Year. Britain’s Best Loaf for 2023 will also be named on Tuesday 25th April with the Awards Ceremony live from 3pm at Farm Shop & Deli Show, Stand M340.

Tips, tricks and advice from the best in the industry continue tomorrow, following the fantastic insight shared today from the likes of Deliveroo’s Will Shu, UKHospitality’s Kate Nicholls and BrewDog’s Karen Bates. Look out for Fortnum & Mason CEO Tom Athron, Creative Nature CEO Julianne Ponan MBE and Plant Futures Founder Indy Kaur who will all be sharing their own specialised expertise over the coming days.

Encompassing the entire industry, the UK Food & Drink Shows are unrivalled in their ability to bring people together, build and foster better relationships, discover business building insight, and celebrate innovation, all with the support of the multi-award-winning William Reed brand.