Speciality Food April 2025

48 @specialityfood BRITAIN’S BEST LOAF TUESDAY 8TH APRIL, 3.15PM - FARM SHOP & DELI STAGE Returning for its 12th year, the competition will again recognise and reward the very best of British bread. Entries are judged by industry experts and professional bakers across eight categories: Flavoured Sourdough, Gluten- Free, Innovation, International, Sourdough, Seeded Sourdough, White and Wholegrain. This year sees the introduction of Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals in each category, giving even more loaves the opportunity to shine. Live judging will take place on Tuesday 8 April, with the winners announced in the afternoon. FARM SHOP & DELI PRODUCT AWARDS MEET THE WINNERS: WEDNESDAY 9TH APRIL, 2PM - FARM SHOP & DELI STAGE The Farm Shop & Deli Product Awards will once again recognise the finest products in the specialist retail sector. A panel of expert judges comprising leading retailers, wholesale buyers and other industry professionals will appraise all aspects of each entry, including the full value chain and branding, ensuring products are not only appealing but are also well-placed for retail success. Winners will be announced in the run-up to the UK Food & Drink Shows, with winning products showcased at the event. On Wednesday 9th April visitors will have a chance to meet some of the producers of winning products and hear their stories. COMPETITIONS AT THE UK FOOD & DRINK SHOWS BRITAIN’S BEST CAKE MONDAY 7TH APRIL, 3.15PM - THE GROCER STAGE A celebration of the wonderful cake Britain has to offer, this competition is for professional bakers, and is judged by professional bakers and industry experts. It comprises eight categories, including the new Innovation category that celebrates out-of-the-box thinking. Live judging will take place at the UK Food & Drink Shows on the morning of Monday 7 April, and will assess each cake on appearance, aroma, and (most importantly) taste. Winners will be announced that afternoon, with each category champion vying for the ultimate title of Britain’s Best Cake 2025. FARM SHOP & DELI RETAILER AWARDS MONDAY 7TH APRIL, 3.15PM - FARM SHOP & DELI STAGE These prestigious awards are an annual celebration of Britain’s independent specialist food and drink retailers and attract hundreds of entries from across the industry. The entries have been whittled down to a shortlist of 52 finalists who will learn on Monday 7 April whether they have been selected as one of the winners across seven categories and seven regions. Awards will also be given for Newcomer of the Year and the ultimate accolade of Retailer of the Year. Competitions are always a big part of the UK Food & Drink Shows line-up, and this year is no exception. DRAGONS’ PANTRY 1PM, FARM SHOP & DELI STAGE Watch and learn as brave entrepreneurs meet fearsomely experienced industry ‘dragons’ to make their 15-minute pitch. FOOD TO GO TRENDS IN 2025: FOODSERVICE VS RETAIL 1:30PM, THE GROCER STAGE Insight experts Lumina Intelligence identify where consumers are going for their food-to-go, what they are buying, why they are buying it, howmuch they are spending, how frequently they are visiting and more. LOVINGLY ARTISAN: THE KEY TO BUILDING AN AWARD- WINNING STORE 2:15PM, FARM SHOP & DELI STAGE Farm Shop & Deli Retailer of the Year 2024, Aidan Monks of Lovingly Artisan Bakery, on what makes Lovingly Artisan stand out from the crowd, his views on the future of the industry and how Lovingly Artisan is adapting to the challenges the sector is facing. PLANT-BASED: KEEPING IT CLEAN 2:15PM, THE GROCER STAGE Plant-based experts unpick the category, the barriers to growth and the trends shaping the future. TRENDS TO WATCH: THE FUTURE OF FOOD AND DRINK 2:30PM, FOOD MANUFACTURE STAGE What will the UK food and drink market look like in 2026? Howwill consumer and market behaviour evolve and what impact will it have? MORRISONS: THE FUTURE OF CONVENIENCE 2:45PM, CONVENIENCE STORE STAGE Morrisons’ wholesale and franchise director Paul Dobson on the retailer’s plans to grow its estate to 2,000 outlets by the end of 2025 and the wider trends impacting the UK convenience retail sector. TUESDAY 8TH APRIL FARM SHOPS: A FORCE FOR NATURE 10:45AM, FARM SHOP & DELI STAGE This expert panel discusses consumer expectations around sustainable practices, whether sustainability needs to impact profit and looks at how leading retailers are driving change. BOOTHS: CATERING FOR YOUR CUSTOMERS 11AM, THE GROCER STAGE Booths managing director Nigel Murray discusses the state of the UK food and drink market, the changing UK EATING OUT MARKET: CONSUMER ANDMARKET TRENDS TOWATCH 12:30PM, RESTAURANT STAGE Lumina Intelligence shares data and insight from its Eating and Drinking Out Panel to help you make informed decisions. REDUCING FOOD WASTE: THE FUTURE OF FROZEN FOOD 1:15PM, FOOD MANUFACTURE STAGE This session will look at reducing food waste through modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), enhancing sustainability by using recyclable plastics and reduced headspace, and smart cryogenic freezing. THE FEMALE LEADERS SHAPING THE FUTURE OF GROCERY 1:45PM, THE GROCER STAGE Hearing from influential, inspiring women leaders that are paving the way. Learn about their journey, what they have achieved and be inspired to make a positive change in your business. ALEX EMMANUEL-JONES: THE FUTURE OF FARM SHOPS 1:45PM, FARM SHOP & DELI STAGE Raised in an entrepreneurial family, Alex witnessed the creation of the multi-award- winning Black Farmer brand, sparking his passion for business and high-quality food. Now, he is driving its growth while championing diversity, innovation, and resilience in British food and farming. needs of consumers, the growth of Booths, plans for the future and the importance of catering to your customers and how you need to buck the trends to do so. WIN BIG WITH TIKTOK SHOP 11:45AM, THE GROCER STAGE TikTok Shop has been establishing itself as one of the fastest growing e-commerce places in the market. This talk will look at how to launch and grow your business through this channel. MASTERING SOCIAL MEDIA: YOUR STORY IS YOUR SUPERPOWER 11:45AM, RESTAURANT STAGE In this masterclass, we’ll uncover systems, hacks, and frameworks that leverage social media psychology to build authority, engage your audience, and amplify your impact. DRAGONS’ PANTRY 12:30PM, FARM SHOP & DELI STAGE Watch and learn as brave entrepreneurs meet fearsomely experienced industry ‘dragons’ to make their 15-minute pitch.