Following their postponement earlier this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Food & Drink Expo, Farm Shop & Deli Show, The Ingredients Show, Foodex, National Convenience Show and The Forecourt Show will combine in 2021 for the inaugural UK Food & Drink Week.
The shows, which will adhere to AllSecure safety and hygiene standards, will take place between 12-14 April 2021, with UK Food & Drink Week forming the cornerstone of a week-long festival of insight and inspiration, promising new enhancements, new networking and meeting tools, and a host of exclusive on-demand content.
The Forecourt Show has also been added into the mix, presenting returning delegates with a six-event showcase that unites the worlds of food development, grocery, manufacturing, specialist retail, wholesale and foodservice.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has tested our business as it has the businesses of our exhibitors and visitors,” says Andrew Reed, managing director of events and exhibitions for William Reed.
“William Reed has endured through two World Wars, Spanish Flu, through boom, bust and beyond, and it’s with the same determination and resilience that we – alongside this vitally important industry – face down this new challenge.
“No one is better placed or more experienced to deliver safe and inspiring live events, and no other event in 2021 will have the laser guided sector focus, breadth of exhibitors, content and innovation.
“We look forward to the spring as a time of great celebration, of new ways of thinking, new products, new attitudes and a new start for our industry.
“We can’t wait to once again welcome exhibitors and visitors to the NEC in Birmingham to kick this week off.”
William Reed has worked closely with the Association of Event Organisers (AEO) in developing the industry-wide AllSecure Standards, designed to provide the highest levels of hygiene and safety, allowing its shows to operate effectively and safely according to Government and local authority guidance.