The food-to-go channel in the UK concentrates operators and suppliers under pressure to deliver speed and convenience. Against that backdrop F & B RETAIL Expo 2026 brings retailers, brands and suppliers together in a two-day format at ExCeL London.
Dates and venue at ExCeL London
F & B RETAIL Expo 2026 runs on 29 and 30 September 2026 at ExCeL London. The event is scheduled across two days at the exhibition centre.
Key figures for the event
Public materials list more than 180 exhibitors on the show floor and about 6,000 registered buyers. Those figures indicate a focused gathering for the food-to-go retail and convenience sector.
Types of companies attending
The event’s communications reference a mix of operators and retail chains. Named brands include Greggs, Itsu, Leon, Pod, Boots, Starbucks, Costa Coffee, Joe & The Juice, Abokado, Crussh, Benugo and Chopstix. That roster points to attendance by major chains, suppliers and product manufacturers for grab-and-go formats.
Program structure and on-floor activity
The format pairs an exhibition floor with a conference strand. Sessions and content are presented alongside exhibitor stands, aiming to link product showcases with buyer-facing discussion, without detailed speaker lists in the public programme.
B2B prospecting tactics for F & B RETAIL Expo 2026
Make the event a lead-generation exercise rather than a showcase only. Tactical steps:
- Pre-identify buyers tied to chains listed in the event information and request meetings in advance.
- Prepare compact product samples and technical one-pagers that buyers can review on the spot.
- Schedule short demos of preparation and service workflows that reflect the retail environment of convenience stores and quick-service outlets.
- Use QR codes and digital catalogues to accelerate follow-up and reduce physical handouts.
Practical checklist for exhibitors and sellers
Allocate a team to handle incoming buyer requests and to run back-to-back meetings. Prioritise clarity on pricing per portion, shelf life and operational fit for quick-service contexts. Small-format samples and a rapid follow-up pipeline will convert interest into actionable leads.
If your company supplies products or services to the food-to-go channel, plan meeting slots and logistics now and confirm arrangements through the event website at https://grabandgoexpo.com. The concentrated presence of retailers and buyers at ExCeL London gives vendors a concrete environment to test propositions and close first-round commercial conversations.
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