The takeaway food and convenience store market revolves around speed, costs and sustainable packaging. Lunch! 2026 arrives at a time when operators and suppliers are looking for practical solutions for sales outside the restaurant.
Practical information about the event
Lunch! 2026 takes place from 16 to 17 September 2026 at ExCeL London. The venue is accessible via the Elizabeth Line, which the event organisers say connects directly to Heathrow and Reading.
The show’s offering includes more than 300 suppliers in halls dedicated to food-to-go and a programme of free talks across three keynote theatres.
Who visits and profiles of interest
Among the companies on the visitor list are chains and operators active in the food-to-go and catering channel: Pret A Manger, Costa Coffee, Greggs, Marks & Spencer, Deliveroo and Compass Group, among others. The visitor profile combines chain buyers, product managers in cafés and procurement teams for catering and retail.
Programme and spaces to make the most of
The event features a Keynote Programme 2026 with free sessions across three theatres. In addition, Lunch! 2026 is part of The London Food & Drink Festival and is co-located with The National Restaurant, Pub & Bar Show, London Drinks Exchange, Natural & Organic Food Show and Artisan Food & Drink Show. That grouping of fairs makes it easier to see complementary offers in a single trip.
Practical tips for B2B prospecting at Lunch! 2026
- Check the exhibitor list before you travel and prioritize the stands that fit your product formats. The organisers publish an exhibitor list to help plan.
- Arrange meetings in advance and leave time slots for tastings and trials, which are often decisive in food-to-go.
- In commercial interactions, bring technical datasheets and information on formats and prices per unit or per pallet. Buyers in the food-to-go channel value clarity on costs and delivery times.
- Attend the keynote sessions to identify product trends and operators with decision-making power. Using talks to start conversations shortens the sales cycle.
Sustainability and packaging in focus
Lunch! highlights offerings related to sustainable packaging and technologies for quick food sales. For suppliers, presenting solutions that reduce costs and waste remains a direct line of conversation with café and chain buyers.
Closing and registration
If your business is linked to food-to-go, cafés or catering, Lunch! 2026 at ExCeL allows you to compare suppliers and address purchases for the coming season. Register and check the programme at http://www.lunchshow.co.uk to plan meetings and cover several co-located shows during the same dates.
