Speciality Food April 2025

46 T his year’s show, taking place at the NEC Birmingham from Monday 7th to Wednesday 9th April, will give visitors the chance to be educated and inspired, and to see and sample the latest innovations in the food and drink market. Farm Shop & Deli Show is one of four events taking place over the three days under the UK Food & Drink Shows banner, and brings together hundreds of suppliers to showcase the best of speciality produce to retailers and buyers. The other events that make up the UK Food & Drink Shows are: National Convenience Show, which provides a platform for the convenience retailing sector; Food & Drink Expo, which covers the retail, hospitality, wholesale, foodservice and manufacturing sectors; Foodex Manufacturing Solutions, the leading trade event for processing, packaging and logistics. Across the four events, around 30,000 visitors and 1,500 exhibitors will come together to network, see the latest innovations and gather invaluable information. Once again, UK Food & Drink Shows will feature a packed programme of expert speakers, insightful panels and inspiring demonstrations on topics and trends that are driving the industry. Among the many speakers and panels that independent food and drink businesses won’t want to miss are: ● Lovingly Artisan Bakery, 2024 Farm Shop & Deli Retailer of the Year , on building an award-winning business (Monday 7th April, 2:15pm) Coffee Festival to reflect consumers developing more sophisticated palates, and demanding high-quality, consistent coffee. This area will play host to the latest innovations in the coffee industry including top roasters, alternative milks and the most sustainable cups. ● Packaging Zone will be a one-stop- shop for food and drink businesses seeking solutions to their packaging and plastic challenges, with an emphasis on sustainable solutions. This zone will allow industry professionals to connect with one another, share circular economy ideas, meet solutions providers and discover ground-breaking plastic the introduction of new themed areas: ● Future Food Zone is a significant expansion and evolution of the successful Healthy & Natural zone from previous years. It will offer a broader and more diverse range of innovative food and drink products from on-trend categories across keto, kombucha, fermented foods, whole foods, CBD, functional foods and more. This enhanced focus reflects the growing consumer demand for healthier, more sustainable, and innovative food options. ● Coffee Zone has been launched in partnership with The London FARM SHOP & DELI SHOW 2025 FarmShop & Deli Show is themust-attend event of the year for independent food and drink retailers, buyers and suppliers @specialityfood ● A panel discussion on how farm shops are driving sustainable practices, and the impact these may have on profits (Tuesday 8th April, 10:45am) ● Alex Emmanuel-Jones joins host Nigel Barden for The Future of Farm Shops (Tuesday 8th April, 1:45pm) ● A former senior retail leader on why he left his high-profile career to take over The Bakewell Tart Shop (Wednesday 9th April, 10:45am) ● Dragons’ Pantry sessions featuring brave entrepreneurs making 15-minute pitches for their new products to industry experts (each day, various times) Alongside these are a host of competitions including the Britain’s Best Loaf and Britain’s Best Cake contests (see p48). The evolution and innovation of the UK Food & Drink Shows is one reason it was last year crowned ‘Best UK Tradeshowmore than 8,000 sq m’ in the Association of Event Organisers Excellence Awards. That innovation continues this year with UK FOOD & DRINK SHOW SUPPORTERS produce high-quality, nutritious and affordable food and drink. THE BRITISH SOFT DRINKS ASSOCIATION Members of the BSDA have access to the association’s technical and public affairs teams to help them navigate the difficult technical, regulatory and environmental challenges currently facing the industry. THE GARDEN CENTRE ASSOCIATION The GCA asks its members to meet the highest retail standards and to participate in an annual inspection process to ensure these standards are maintained and improved. GCA members set the benchmark for high retailing standards within the industry. THE GIFTWARE ASSOCIATION The Giftware Association is the national trade association serving the home and gift industry. THE GUILD OF FINE FOOD The Guild of Fine Food has a mission to support, celebrate and encourage independent food and drink retailers and the producers that supply them. THE VEGAN TRADEMARK The Vegan Trademark is an internationally recognised vegan product certification. It was established in 1990 by The Vegan Society and has been helping make vegan products more accessible ever since. BIRA BIRA represents thousands of independent retail businesses across the UK, from single outlets to small chains, large department stores and agricultural dealerships. CRAFT BAKERS ASSOCIATION The CBA works to share knowledge and promote craft skills and helps to make sure its members are connected to the latest industry news. CBA members have free access to services including expert advice on HR, employment law, health and food safety. DEPARTMENT FOR BUSINESS & TRADE The UK’s Department for Business and Trade is an economic growth department. It works to ensure fair, competitive markets at home, secure access to new markets abroad and support businesses to invest, export and grow. FARMRETAIL ASSOCIATION The Farm Retail Association champions farm shops and farmers’ markets from across the UK. It is proud to support and inspire the people and businesses who grow and sell great British food. FDF The FDF brings together business, government and stakeholders to ensure manufacturers have the right conditions to grow, invest and employ while continuing to