This year’s theme, Feeding the Future, captures the opportunity shaping the food and drink sector today, from affordability, health and sustainability to ingredient innovation, manufacturing resilience and the power of technology.

A unifying thread across the show, it will spark product discovery, ignite thought leadership and fuel industry debate, bringing together brand owners, manufacturers, suppliers and buyers from across the supply chain.

The theme comes to life on IFE’s Future Food Stage, sponsored by Brambles Digital, where expert-led sessions will explore how consumer behaviour, retail, nutrition, sustainability and technology are driving a smarter, more resilient food system.

The future of this industry will be defined by the ideas we champion and the people we choose to back. When we make space for more women, more under-represented founders, and more diverse perspectives at the table, we don’t just create better products. We build a healthier, more connected culture around them. Consumers are calling for sustainability that’s real, not just written on the label. They want purpose they can taste. They’re more curious, more values-driven, and more open to trying brands that reflect a story they can believe in. 

Rebecca Oliver-Mooney
Founder |  Raising the Glass

Feeding the Future is about ensuring we're able to deliver food that works for modern life while supporting healthy-living goals and strengthening the UK’s long term food security and resilience. Frozen food will play a vital role in all of these areas, offering consistently high quality, nutritious products that support busy households, foodservice and public sector catering - including schools - at an affordable cost. With its flexibility, reduced waste and year round availability, frozen is central to building a resilient food system that can adapt to changing needs while continuing to feed the nation well.

Rupert Ashby
CEO |  British Frozen Food Federation

City Harvest rescues food to reduce waste and nourish people facing food insecurity, delivering food for over 1.2 million meals a month. 'Feed a child, feed the future' is one of our campaign slogans as food is key to a child’s health. Without proper nutrition, children can face severe, irreversible changes in development: weak immune systems, stunted growth, and a higher risk of heart disease. Hunger affects mental health, concentration at school and chances later in life. 40% of London children are food insecure and we are driven to help the future thrive not just survive.

Fiona Hollis
Head of Communications |  City Harvest

'Feeding the Future' shines a light on the profound shifts and priorities reshaping our food and drink system. From changing consumer expectations for healthy diets, to more resilient, sustainable supply chains to the need to understand and adopt digital technologies and AI, the industry is entering a period where collaboration and bold thinking are essential. IFE provides an important platform for us to come together, share insight and champion the ideas that will drive growth across the sector. I’m hugely looking forward to discussing the future of food at next year’s event.

Andy Richardson
Member |  Food & Drink Export Council

Explore Feeding the Future at IFE

Seminar Programme

Spotlighting the bold ideas shaping the future of food and drink, our seminar programme brings together forward-thinking brands, experts and changemakers to spark conversation and inspire action. Explore sessions on emerging trends, innovation, sustainability and representation, exploring how we can feed the future in a more resilient, responsible and inclusive way.

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Exhibitor Line-Up

Discover taste-bud-tingling products from around the globe and all corners of the sector, with 1,500 food and drink suppliers across 13 event sections, from Chilled & Frozen, to StartUps and Fresh Produce. Uncover over 10,000 inspiring products to source, and follow expert-curated Product Trail tours, bringing you what’s new and next on the shelves.

 

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Networking Opportunities

At IFE 2026, networking goes far beyond a handshake. From meet-ups in the IFE Networking Hub to dedicated sessions across four stages,  plus special events including the Women’s Breakfast - there are countless opportunities to connect with industry peers. Pull up a seat at the IFE Networking Bar to spark conversations, share ideas and raise a glass to new connections. Share ideas. Spark collaborations. Shape the Future.

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New Event App

The new Food, Drink & Hospitality Week event app connects exhibitors, speakers, and attendees in real time. Plan your visit, book meetings, and personalise your agenda. It is your digital link to the people and ideas shaping the future of food & drink.

 

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Our Ambassadors

Working with our show ambassadors embodies Feeding the Future, bringing together our friends from across the food & drink world who help us evolve and enhance the show each year to ensure we inspire and exceed the needs and expectations of our buyers. Their insights, stories, and support help shape the show, spotlight key issues, and ensure the event truly reflects the needs of the sector.

Meet our Ambassadors (opens in a new tab)

5 Questions in 5 Minutes

In our brand-new IFE 2026 video series “5 Questions in 5 Minutes", we sit down with some of our brilliant exhibitors to learn more about their brands, their stories, what they’re bringing to the show and how they are Feeding the Future. In just five minutes, you’ll get a fast, fun glimpse into the people and ideas shaping this year’s event, and the future.

Watch the Series (opens in a new tab)