FOODEX, the biennial trade event for the food and drink processing, packaging and logistics industries, will return to the NEC Birmingham from April 16-18 2018.
The three-day exhibition covers every food production sector from bakery, beverage and dairy to fresh, logistics, meat and seafood. Organisers said this year’s event will “highlight the strength of the UK’s biggest manufacturing industry, exploring the hottest trends and topics that are driving the sector forward as well as showcasing the latest products and services to improve operational efficiency”.
More than 500 suppliers are expected to exhibit including Addmaster UK, Busch UK, ULMA Packaging, Multivac, Handtmann, Reiser and Stephan UK.
As well as providing the opportunity for buyers to connect with potential suppliers, Foodex also offers a programme of interactive events, discussions and debates. Visitors can relax and network in the Engage Lounge, in partnership with Tecnomek. Meanwhile, Foodex’s Sustainability Zone has been described as a “must-visit” for businesses keen to reduce their environmental impact.
Further features at the 2018 show include The National Meat Products and The Premier Young Butcher competitions. The National Meat Products Competition, hosted by the National Federation of Meat & Food Traders (NFMFT), will be returning for a seventh time. The competition comprises 20 categories including charcuterie, sausages, bacon, burgers, ready meals and pies.
The Premier Young Butcher event will see 18 to 23-year-old apprentice butchers compete to produce and display the most innovative products.
Foodex sales director Dan Dixon said, “Foodex brings all corners of the industry under one roof to provoke in-depth discussion and foster new business relationships between key decision makers and leading suppliers. With almost all our floor space already booked, we’re gearing up to make the 2018 event our biggest and best yet.”
Foodex is co-located with Food & Drink Expo, National Convenience Show, Farm Shop & Deli Show, and the brand new The Ingredients Show. Registration for any of the events permits access to the other shows. Throughout the three days, organisers expect to welcome over 30,000 visitors, 1,500 exhibitors and 250 industry speakers.
A preview of Foodex 2018, featuring an extended interview with Dan Dixon, will appear in the January-March issue of Packaging Scotland.
