As part of the constantly evolving food industry, I’m sure you’re always looking to innovate– you’re a committed, clever, and creative lot. That’s why when the opportunity to experiment with ideas, develop your techniques, and discover new flavours presents itself, you’re the first to sign-up. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 industry events for the remaining calendar months, so you can equip yourself with the knowledge and inspiration to continue creating those delicious dishes and drinks that keep your customers coming back.
1. Speciality Fine Food Fair – 2-4th September 2018, Olympia London
The fanciful fair for fine food fanatics
Taking place in Olympia London, this two-day event offers up the chance to meet over 700 national and international producers and suppliers of artisan food and drink. Want to stay fresh on the latest trends? With live visitor attractions from inspiring professionals, you can keep up with current health and sustainability issues, and develop new menu ideas and flavour advancements – all over one weekend.
For those looking to cook up original and imaginative dishes, we recommend a visit to the ‘Discovery Zone’, which has over 200 new producers delivering unique and exquisite produce. And, as if all of that isn’t enough – the event will house 50 Great Taste Awards finalists all under one roof, making this the ultimate weekend for anyone interested in the fine food trade.
2. UCFF – Universal Cookery & Food Festival. – 18th September 2018, Westlands Nurseries, Evesham
Utterly unique and universally useful
Every year, UCFF travels around the country to a new location, celebrating some of the most unique produce and talented chefs around. This September, we are thrilled that the festival will be held right here at Westlands! Foodie lovers will be able to enjoy plenty of eating and drinking opportunities, talks with leading industry experts and exclusive behind-the-scenes tours of our greenhouses.
With ground-breaking speakers like Brad Carter, who helped us develop our Tender Leaf range, and Vanilla Black’s Andrew Dargue, known for pushing the boundaries of vegetarian and vegan cuisine, this year’s talks are set to be a game-changer. From heated live debates, stunning farm tours and the opportunity to win big on the annual charity raffle, UCFF is the place to be this autumn.
Want to go off the wall?
We’ve been thinking of ways to bring something special and unique to the event this year…SO – we have created an ultimate growing wall of products for the chef demonstrations – whether they need crisp Oyster Leaf or plump Blue Shadow Tomatoes, they can pick the products straight off the wall to use in their dishes! We are so excited to se
e what the chefs create on the day…
And in 2018, we’re not just focused on food…This year, we have opened the very first Distillery Stage where science meets nature. Here, we will look into the science and technology behind botanicals and taste. Not just this, Pontoon Cocktail’s Simon Western will give the lowdown on how to mix the perfect cocktail, so you can keep on updating your drinks menu with the best and most beautiful beverages.
So, what are you waiting for? Don’t miss out on the foodie event of the year and purchase your ticket here today!
3. Lunch! – 20-21st September 2018, ExCeL London
A fantastic show for food-to-go
Like lunching? Then prepare to fall in love with this food-to-go industry trade show. Held in Excel London in late September, this is the show to go to if you want to learn all there is to know about what’s happening in the industry. Take your business to the next level with everything from delightful and delicious new foods and drinks, to innovative packaging solutions, and unrivalled networking tips. Whether you’re a fast-food-trucker or a quick-witted-caterer, this is one you really won’t want to miss.
4. Bread & Jam – 4-5th October -Institute of Directors, Pall Mall, London
The boot camp for ambitious new business
Bringing together food and drink founders, investors, aspiring entrepreneurs, and media and industry leaders, this 2 day conference is perfect for emerging and scaling food and drink brands. Get your hands dirty and your taste buds tantalised at one of the many workshops on offer.
In the mood to learn? Attend a mentoring session, or listen to one of many excellent panel discussions and keynotes to gain new knowledge on the fundamentals of brand acceleration. With an array of dragon’s dens and tasting panels, this event is perfect for creators looking to test out their products on polished palates – if you’ve got the stomach for it.
5. Food matters LIVE – 20-22nd November 2018, ExCeL London
Ideal for innovators
If you’re focused on the future of food, drinks, and sustainable nutrition, this unique event celebrating the latest innovation from all of these sectors is one for your diary. Dedicated to helping innovators and inventors like yourself create cross-sector connections, this is the perfect space to share ideas with other creative minds, and make use of a range of matchmaking opportunities to build your business. With the likes of Food and Drink Wales, and Cargill sponsoring the event, and a selection of fantastic Elite UK and international speakers, Food matters Live could really help your business to keep on growing.
Stay in the know
At Westlands, we’re constantly striving to improve our products, and to help you to keep on innovating. That’s why we think events like these are a great way to get creative, support the industry, and stay in-the-know, and it’s also why we’re sponsoring UCFF to bring you one of the biggest and best food festivals of the year. To be a part of the growth of the next big brands, visit the website and get your UCFF ticket today.
