Speciality-Food-Magazine-March-2025

to-go research insights, and live sessions is set to inspire and inform attendees at lunch! NORTH. The line-up includes Marta Pogroszewska, managing director of GAIL’s, who will discuss her journey in growing one of the UK’s most beloved bakery brands, which has expanded from a single site in London to over 100 locations nationwide in 2024. William Gordon-Harris, executive chairman and CEO of Knoops, will join the Food-to-Go Leaders Panel on day two of the event. As the driving force behind Knoops’ premium hot chocolate brand, Gordon-Harris will share insights into how Knoops is leveraging its niche offering to compete in a booming northern market, where premium and experiential food-to-go options are increasingly in demand. The Coffee Shop Leaders Panel will feature Claudio Ribeiro of Federal Cafe & Bar, a Manchester favourite. Federal has become a northern institution, garnering local and national acclaim, including ‘Best Coffee Shop’ at the Manchester Food and Drink Awards. The panel will feature expert commentary and lively debate on the current state of the coffee market and its future direction. The event will feature a range of dynamic panels covering key topics, including the Operations Leaders Panel, Coffee Shop Leaders T his March, the North’s café, coffee shop, and food-to-go sectors will take center stage with the debut of lunch! NORTH, an exciting new trade show dedicated to showcasing the best in innovation, talent, and expertise. Held at Manchester Central on 11th–12th March 2025, the event is set to become the premier gathering for professionals in this fast- growing industry. Co-located with the well- established Northern Restaurant & Bar (NRB25), lunch! NORTH offers hospitality professionals a unique opportunity to discover the latest speciality food trends, connect with leading suppliers, and gain insights from some of the most respected voices in the industry. Together, the two events will create an unrivaled platform for the entire northern hospitality community. Speciality exhibitors lunch! NORTH will showcase exhibitors specialising in the café, coffee shop, and food-to-go sectors. Attendees can explore the latest in artisan foods, baked goods, and innovative snacks, with confirmed exhibitors including: Epicurium, offering a curated selection of artisan cheeses and charcuterie, perfect for adding a touch of sophistication to any menu. Tony’s Chocolonely, blending fair trade ethics with exceptional chocolate, making each bar a statement of quality and sustainability. Blendsmiths Drinkmakers, offering expertly crafted artisan beverage blends for a premium café or coffee shop experience. The Exploding Bakery, renowned for their handcrafted cakes and pastries made with premium ingredients and a focus on bold flavours. Ginger Bakers, specialising in artisan gingerbread and traditional bakes crafted with locally sourced, high-quality ingredients. Lexi’s Treats, showcasing their plant-based protein snacks, delivering delicious, wholesome snacks ideal for health conscious, on-the-go customers. Keynote theatre, panels and live sessions A dynamic program of keynote interviews, panel discussions, food- IN DETAIL WHAT: lunch! NORTH show WHERE: Manchester Central WHEN: 11th-12th March 2025 WEB: lunchnorth.co.uk NEED TO KNOW @specialityfood Panel, New Openings, Food-to-Go Leaders Panel, Marketing Leaders Panel, and Menu Innovation. Each session will provide actionable insights and practical takeaways for professionals across the café, coffee shop, and food-to-go industries. Networking and inspiration lunch! NORTH is the ultimate platform for café owners, coffee shop operators, and food-to-go professionals to connect, share ideas, and discover the latest products and trends. Whether you’re an independent operator or part of a larger chain, lunch! NORTH has something to offer everyone in this vibrant sector. Taking place alongside NRB25, lunch! NORTH is set to become the cornerstone event for the café, coffee shop, and food-to-go markets in the North. Register now for your free trade tickets and join the celebration of the North’s hospitality excellence. Visit https://www.lunchnorth. co.uk/ for more information and tickets. lunch! NORTH 2025 The must-visit trade show for cafés and coffee shops debuts at Manchester Central on 11th–12th March 2025, co-located with NRB25 16