We conclude our recent mini-series of edible blog posts with a list of fantastic events across the UK, all of which invite producers to set up a stall and spread the word about their wares. The perfect places to test out that great idea before the big launch, or generate more interest for what’s already there.
As a nation that takes food seriously there are an abundance of occasions ripe with opportunity to take your tasty products to the public, industry, or both. Needless to say then, we couldn’t fit them all in here, but tried our best. As such feel free to add any of your favourites to our list via the comments form below.
 
IFE – The International Food & Drink Event – March – ExCel, London 
The country’s biggest expo places the focus firmly on quality produce and innovative products created in the UK, although it’s very much an international showcase, with buyers, sellers, and the press coming from across the world.
https://www.ife.co.uk/page.cfm/NewSection=Yes/GoSection=0
Food & Drink Expo – March – NEC, Birmingham 
As it’s free to attend footfall is usually very high, so paying for a stall at this major three day event can be good for business. Taking place every other year, it has previously seen live demos from The Grocer, and has its own special awards such as Farm Shop  & Deli of the Year.
https://www.foodanddrinkexpo.co.uk/
Cheltenham Food & Drink Trade Show – February – Cheltenham Race Course, Cheltenham 
After selling out this year, 2014’s edition is moving to a much larger venue. The event welcomes producers from across the globe, alongside businesses from British food regions Taste of the West, Heart of England Fine Food, and Food and Drink Wales.
https://www.tasteofthewest.co.uk/totw-events/cheltenham-food-drink-trade-show.html
The Source Food & Drink Trade Show – April – Westpoint, Exeter 
Two months ago 2,000 buyers descended on the south west to see what nearly 200 exhibitors had to offer. Stalls ranged from advertising solutions to speciality Caribbean cuisine, with the next instalment supposedly set to grow in both size and selection.
https://www.sourcefoodanddrink.co.uk/
BBC Good Food Summer Show – June – NEC, Birmingham
Welcoming both consumers and the industry, this is one of the only stalls worth paying for if you want to focus selling direct to the public, as it’s one of the most popular events in Britain. And, with celebrity chefs entertaining the crowds, it’s also a lot of fun taking part.
https://www.bbcgoodfoodshowsummer.com/
Manchester Food & Drink Festival – September/October – Various, Manchester
Set across the streets of our very own city, the MFDF’s reputation has continued to grow since inception in 1997. Now the UK’s largest urban food and drink extravaganza it runs for several days, placing you and your business in the heart of a major shopping district.
https://foodanddrinkfestival.com/
The Great British Cheese Festival – September – Cardiff Castle, Cardiff
Our client, Butlers Farmhouse Cheeses, is no stranger to this event (awarding the winner of its Craft A Cheese campaign there last year). If you’re serious about dairy there’s no other place to be in autumn, with public and trade alike celebrating all things churned.
https://www.greatbritishcheesefestival.co.uk/