UK Food & Drink Shows | Packaging zone to highlight sustainability challenges

Taking place at the NEC 7-9 April, 30,000 visitors are expected to and 1,500 exhibitors will come together for the UK Food & Drink Shows, which are taking place 7-9 April at the NEC, Birmingham.

The event comprises four shows: National Convenience Show, Food & Drink Expo, Farm Shop & Deli Show and Foodex Manufacturing Solutions.

Show organiser William Reed is set to host the 2025 UK Food & Drink Shows, including a packaging zone.

Packaging-related topics feature in some of the presentations and panel discussions.

Elliot Chrisp, materials business unit manager, Multivac, will be discussing current trends in the packaging industry.

This year’s new themed areas feature:

• 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.
• 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 food and drink products from on-trend categories across keto, kombucha, fermented foods, whole foods, CBD, functional foods and more.
• Coffee Zone has been launched in partnership with The London Coffee Festival to reflect consumers developing more sophisticated palates, and demanding high-quality, consistent coffee.

Alongside the new zones will be established favourite the Plant-based Zone. Supported by The Vegan Society, this will offer vegan and plant-based products, including meat alternatives, snacks, drinks and ingredients.

Also new for 2025 is The Cocktail Stage, at Food & Drink Expo.

Making its debut at Foodex is ‘Food Manufacturing: Past, present and future’, a 20-minute documentary looking at what the manufacturing industry was like 50 years ago, how it has evolved and what the next 10 years may hold.

Andrew Reed, managing director, William Reed, said: “We look forward to once again welcoming visitors and exhibitors to the UK Food & Drink Shows in April. At a time of continuing challenges in the shape of high input prices and rising employment costs, alongside the pressure on consumer spending, the shows offer an opportunity to gain invaluable insight and inspiration. From expert panels and presentations to face-to-face meetings with peers and industry associations, the UK Food & Drink Shows can help equip your business with the tools to flourish.”

To find out more and register for free tickets click here.