Caffe Culture Show 2014 Preview

Currently in its ninth year, Caffe Culture has over 200 exhibitors and expects 5000 trade visitors to turn up and attend over its two day run.

The show provides advice and inspiration from industry experts in areas such as choosing the right products for a business and keeping up with new trends. It also has the industry’s latest technological advances and products on show, with the opportunity to sample offerings from small independent suppliers as well as the largest brands.

The show appeals to a broad spectrum of visitors, from owners of independent cafes to hotel and restaurant chains. New entrants to the market are expected to visit alongside experienced operators, with advice on improving coffee offerings relevant to all.

Industry figureheads will also be in attendance to offer their recommendations, and visitors can attend a number of free seminars and watch live food and drink demonstrations. 

Event director at the Caffe Culture Show Cheryl Carroll said: “Whether you are looking to take advantage of the booming café trend and launch a new business, or want to enhance your already successful food and beverage menu, a visit to the show is a must.”

What’s new for 2014​

This year the Caffe Culture Show is taking an artisanal focus because of the recent trend towards provenance, with customers wanting to know exactly where their food and drink is sourced from. Street food, which has been growing rapidly in popularity and influence will also be explored in detail.

Here are some of the areas to look out for this year:

• The Artisan Food Market​

There will be a whole host of local producers on the show floor who are supported by the Artisan Food Trail, a company which supports artisan producers across the UK. The market will feature a number of independent companies which make their products using high-quality local ingredients as far as is possible.

• Artisan Bakery​

Baking has taken on a higher profile throughout the UK in the last couple of years and customers expect higher quality baked goods and to know where the ingredients come from. The Artisan Bakery at the show will have seminar content led by TV’s Peter Sidwell of Britain’s Best Bakery. Businesses can learn how better baked goods can increase their profits as well as viewing the latest technology to help.

• Street Food​

This year the show features a seminar dedicated to street food which will be directed at businesses that want to incorporate this idea into their pre-existing menu as well as businesses that are already serving street food and are interested in new tips. Author of The Street Food Revolution Richard Johnson will be speaking about trends in the street food market and advising on best quality as well as incorporating a variety of cultures.

Exhibitor rundown​

With over 200 exhibitors attending the show covers a broad spectrum of different products and features small independent suppliers as well as some of the better known brands in the industry. Visitors will be able to speak with a number of producers offering everything from patisserie to furniture and roasting equipment to smoothies.

Carroll said: “This year’s show is expected to be one of the biggest yet, visitors will be able to sample hundreds of brand new products showcased exclusively at the show.”

Exhibitors at the show include food and drink concepts such as Lola’s Cupcakes, Tea Pigs and Drury Tea and Coffee, and equipment suppliers such as Foster Refrigeration and PointOne Epos.

The full list of exhibitors can be found at the Caffe Culture website at: http://www.caffecultureshow.com/​

Visitors will also be able to attend a number of free seminars addressing areas relevant to café bar businesses, with areas covered including topics like staff training, trends in the UK hot drinks industry and how to run a successful coffee shop. 

BigHospitality’s top things to do and see at the Caffe Culture Show 2014​

• Getting in on the action - the phenomenon of street food seminar​

Author of the Street Food Revolution Richard Johnson will be talking about the growing trend for street food in the industry.

• UK hot drinks industry: reviewing trends and opportunities seminar​

Offering insight and advice into the latest trends to hit the industry, this will be an essential discussion for businesses in the café bar market.

• Artisan Bakery​

The growing trend towards artisan cooking and baking means this will be a popular exhibition, with discussions on how to add profit to your business with baked goods.

• Networking Café ​

The Networking Café will be located on the show floor and offer businesses the chance to catch up with their peers. The café will also host networking sessions which will allow visitors to meet anyone specific they are looking to contact.

• Caffe Culture Taste Experience Stage​

This stage will be hosting a number of food and drink demonstrations throughout the day, including ‘An introduction to roasting and blending coffee’ and ‘Putting the fizz into your soft drinks offer’.