Food and drink machine construction faces faster changeovers, shorter product runs and higher demands on hygiene and traceability. Food Manufacturing 2026 brings together machine builders and systems integrators in Coventry to tackle those engineering challenges.
Practical information for Food Manufacturing 2026
The one-day event takes place on 14 October 2026 from 09:00 to 15:00 at the National Agricultural Exhibition Centre, Stoneleigh Park CV8 2LH. Attendance is free for machine builders, systems integrators and manufacturing professionals serving the food and drink sector. The venue offers fully marshalled free parking with almost 10,000 spaces.
A series of free workshops run between 09:30 and 14:30 and a production-line-focused speaker programme runs alongside the exhibition. Complimentary breakfast is provided to registered attendees, supporting a focused technical day.
Companies and profiles on site
Exhibitors target machine manufacturers, systems integrators and OEMs responsible for mixing, forming, conveying, packaging and end-of-line systems. The event emphasizes components and subsystems that improve throughput, agility and hygienic design.
If your sales cycle targets automation, motion control, robotics or machine vision, the audience is engineering-led and oriented to technical discussions rather than broad commercial pitches.
Programme highlights and workshops
Sessions focus on practical approaches to designing flexible machinery, improving reliability and reducing downtime. Workshops are positioned as short, practical clinics to present new technologies and integration techniques relevant to food production lines. The full workshop programme is scheduled for announcement in early summer 2026.
The one-day format helps compare technologies and have technical deep dives while still leaving time to inspect exhibits and arrange follow-up visits.
B2B prospecting advice for exhibitors and suppliers
Prioritize technical meetings and proof of concept conversations. Bring case studies quantifying changeover times, uptime improvements and hygiene compliance. Suggested actions:
- Pre-book meetings with machine builders and integrators and propose focused agendas.
- Prepare short technical demos that can be explained in 20 to 30 minutes.
- Supply documentation on hygienic design and compliance to accelerate technical approval.
Aim to convert stand conversations into site visits or pilot projects rather than immediate orders.
Venue logistics and access
NAEC Stoneleigh lies between the M6 and M40 motorways, about 6 miles south of Coventry. Rail access is available via Royal Leamington Spa, Warwick and Coventry with short taxi rides to the venue. Birmingham International Airport is roughly a 30 minute drive.
Parking is free and marshalled for the event and attendees can make use of on-site facilities during the single-day programme.
Closing note
For suppliers of machinery and components the event provides a concentrated environment to test product fit and open technical dialogues with machine builders. Register and check workshop details at the official site http://foodmanufacturing.live to plan meetings and maximise on-site technical discussions.
