The Food & Drink Expo 2026, held from 13–15 April at the NEC Birmingham, brought together over 1,200 suppliers across the food and beverage industry, serving as a strong platform for industry engagement, offering valuable visibility into evolving customer expectations, product innovation, and broader market direction.
Customer enquiries were largely centred around clean label colour solutions, reflecting the continued importance of simplified ingredient declarations. A recurring theme across discussions was the growing interest in natural blue solutions with enhanced stability. There was also strong emphasis on transparent sourcing practices, including farm-level traceability and greater visibility across the supply chain.
Interest in products spanned the broader portfolio, including colours, seasonings, and flavouring extracts. Notably, there was heightened interest in natural blue colour solutions, as well as an increasing focus on functional benefits. Compared to previous years, customers showed greater curiosity about how ingredients can contribute to the performance and overall value of the final product, indicating a shift toward more multifunctional solutions.
From an industry perspective, the event reinforced the continued momentum of the clean label movement, driven in part by major UK retailers. There is a growing emphasis on reducing additives and maintaining simple, recognisable ingredient lists. At the same time, traceability and transparency are becoming increasingly critical, particularly in cases where additives remain necessary.
Engagement with forum sessions was limited; however, the primary themes observed included plant-based innovation and low-carb or sugar reduction strategies. These areas continue to be key focus points within product development across the industry. Overall, the exhibition highlighted a clear market direction, with increasing demand for stable natural colour solutions, functional ingredients, and differentiated flavour profiles. It also underscored the importance of supply chain reliability and local availability in meeting customer expectations amid ongoing global challenges.
