Gift Focus - Mar/Apr 2020 (Issue 118)

75 FARM SHOP & DELI SHOW Speciality success UK Food Shows offer a 2020 vision of the modern food sector The UK Food Shows, which includes Farm Shop & Deli Show, return this March (30 th - 1 st April, NEC Birmingham) with a remit of providing 2020’s most comprehensive deep dive into the trends, products, challenges and opportunities that’ll set the food and drink agenda for the year ahead. The event unites five co-located shows under one roof, covering the complete supply chain in three comprehensive days of insight, innovation and inspiration. Farm Shop & Deli Show joins Food & Drink Expo, Foodex, The Ingredients Show and National Convenience Show to create an unmissable proposition for progressive food, drink and gifting professionals across the industry. While the content of each co-located show has been tailored to meet the exact requirements of its respective audience, The UK Food Shows are united by four overarching themes: Health & Nutrition, Sustainability, Technology and Consumer Insight. These aew all issues faced unilaterally that will filter down into every part of the show’s discourse. Farm Shop & Deli Show Bringing together the great and the good of the speciality market to celebrate the very best of British produce, Farm Shop & Deli Show is where established players mix with burgeoning entrepreneurial brands to create a showcase like no other. Throughout the three days, Farm Shop & Deli Live will be home to a comprehensive programme of demonstrations, interactive live debates and tastings, all focused on improving the bottom line. Trends, trade secrets, testimonials and the influence of technology to reach and engage customers will be high on the agenda. Visitors will also have the opportunity to network with successful deli owners and learn how to grow and protect their brand equity. Stage highlights will also include Dragon’s Pantry – a new product showcase where daring entrepreneurs pitch to a group of ‘Dragons’, offering the tantalising prize of a potential listing. Last but not least, the event will see the presentation of 2020’s Farm Shop & Deli Retailer of the Year Award, recognising excellence in the speciality retail market. The Awards, held in partnership with The Grocer, have been launched to recognise the very best standards in speciality retail and to celebrate the highest levels of service, product knowledge, initiative, innovation and community involvement. Finalists will be announced at the beginning of March, with category and regional winners being announced live at the show on Monday 30 th March, including the overall winner of the coveted crown. With an exhibitor list that reads like a who’s who of the speciality market it includes Cook, Deva Designs, EcoBags, Goosnargh Gin, Nairn’s Oatcakes, Salty Dog Brands, Sipsmith, Spice Kitchen and Willow Direct, to name but a few. Farm Shop & Deli Show is a must-attend for anyone with a keen interest in speciality food and drink. To find out more and register for free visit farmshopanddelishow.co.uk where one badge will provide access to all five shows. In brief Show Farm Shop & Deli Show Organiser William Reed Where NEC Birmingham When 30 th -1 st April, 2020 Website farmshopand delishow.co.uk Twitter @FarmShop_Deli