Be inspired by industry leaders at The UK Food & Drink Shows

Butchers and meat specialists visiting next month’s The UK Food & Drink Shows will have the opportunity to by inspired and informed by a host of industry leaders and innovators.

Taking place at the NEC Birmingham from Monday 13 to Wednesday 15 April, the event boasts 1,200 exhibitors and comprises four individual shows dedicated to specific areas of the market:

As well as being a fantastic opportunity to network while seeing the latest products and services the industry has to offer, The UK Food & Drink Shows offers a packed programme of panels and presentations. Among these will be live interviews with major names in the food and drink industry including:

Richard Nicholson, Director of Cannon Hall Farm

In this session, a panel of industry leaders, including Richard Nicholson, will explore the key challenges impacting specialist retailers, but, more importantly, how businesses can adapt, innovate, and thrive in a landscape that demands both resilience and reinvention.

Nicole Casey, Director of Operations at Borough Market

Nicole will offer a behind-the-scenes look at how one of London’s most iconic food destinations continues to thrive while staying true to its heritage.

Kelvin Fletcher, Actor and Presenter

Actor, model, racing driver, presenter and farmer Kelvin will talk about his story from TV screens into farming, the future of Fletchers’ Family Farm and the challenges and opportunities impacting the industry.

Mark Tate, Director and Owner of Field to Fork: Farm Shop & Restaurant

With a restaurant, in-house butchers, outdoor garden centre and a grocery store that offers household products, cards, paper, and gift bags, fresh bakery items, local dairy products, seasonal produce, artisanal products and more, Field to Fork in Warwickshire is driving success with a multi-channel approach. In an exclusive interview, winner of Newcomer of the Year at the Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards 2025 to discuss the business in detail, the challenges and opportunities facing the farm shop and deli market and what the future holds for the specialist retailer.

Farm Shop & Deli Show Unveils it’s 2026 Farm Shop & Deli Retailers of the Year!

It’s time to recognise the speciality retailers leading the sector in customer service, innovation, community involvement as well as initiatives aimed at retaining, rewarding, and empowering staff at our 2026 Awards. Join us and see who wins Butcher of the Year!

To ensure visitors make the most of their visit, an online digital event companion will offer a comprehensive event guide, interactive floorplan, seamless indoor navigation and real-time notifications.

The UK Food & Drink Shows is organised by market-leading business information provider William Reed. Covering industries ranging from food and drink to pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, William Reed publishes digital and print media, including The Grocer, and organises prestigious awards, business events and conferences.

To find out more and register for free tickets click here: Food & Drink Expo website.