Speciality Food Magazine - April 2026

46 PANELS & PRESENTATIONS SOME OF THE UK FOOD & DRINK SHOWS PANELS AND PRESENTATIONS THAT INDEPENDENT FOOD AND DRINK RETAILERS WON'T WANT TOMISS. MONDAY 13TH APRIL Borough Market: Balancing growth with heritage 10:45am, Farm Shop & Deli Stage Nicole Casey, director of operations at Borough Market, offers a behind-the-scenes look at how one of London’s most iconic food destinations continues to thrive while staying true to its heritage. Kelvin Fletcher: From TV to farm 11:30am, Farm Shop & Deli Stage Actor, model, racing driver, presenter and farmer Kelvin Fletcher talks about his story from TV screens into farming, the future of Fletchers’ Family Farm and the challenges and opportunities impacting the industry. Dragons' Pantry 12:30pm, Farm Shop & Deli Stage Watch and learn as brave entrepreneurs meet our fearsomely- experienced industry ‘dragons’ to make their 15-minute pitch. Success could bring a new listing and coverage in The Grocer, while everyone gets invaluable insights into what works in-store. Staff culture: Building a team to thrive 1:45pm, Farm Shop & Deli Stage Leading specialist retailers explore how cultivating a positive, inclusive and purpose-driven workplace can directly impact customer experience, employee retention and business performance. Retailer of the Year 2025 2:30pm, Farm Shop & Deli Stage Sangita Tryner of Delilah Fine Foods, current Farm Shop & Deli Retailer of the Year, on what makes them tick, her views on the future of the industry and how the business is adapting to the challenges the sector is facing. TUESDAY 14TH APRIL Building a multi-faceted retail store 10:45am, Farm Shop & Deli Stage With a restaurant, in-house butchers, outdoor garden centre and a grocery store, Field to Fork in Warwickshire is driving success with a multi-channel approach. Director and owner Mark Tate discusses the business in detail, the challenges and opportunities facing the farm shop and deli market. JB Gill: From global music star to farm owner 11.30am, Farm Shop & Deli Stage JB Gill, member of boyband JLS, shares how leaving behind the frenzy of showbiz led him to an 11-acre Kent farm he purchased in 2012. Gill will also be signing the latest book in his children's series Ace and the Animal Heroes. Dragons' Pantry 12:30pm, Farm Shop & Deli Stage See Monday for details. Navigating the challenges facing UK specialist retail 2:30pm, Farm Shop & Deli Stage Industry leaders explore the challenges impacting specialist retailers and how businesses can adapt, innovate, and thrive in a landscape that demands both resilience and reinvention. WEDNESDAY 15TH APRIL Generating footfall at no extra cost 10:45am, Farm Shop & Deli Stage Claire Mortimer of Fabulous Farm Shops shares the key steps retailers can take to increase footfall and revenue to their stores, with testimonials from farm shops that have already achieved this. Changing tastes, changing costs: How hospitality menus have evolved 11am, Restaurant Stage Join Lumina Intelligence and understand the shifting landscape of hospitality menus, with a focus on how pricing strategies and menu offerings have adapted over time. Dragons' Pantry 12:45pm, Farm Shop & Deli Stage See Monday for details. “The scale and the location is amazing. It allows one to have access to people that one wouldn’t necessarily have at something in London. The UK Food & Drinks Show - and the Farm Shop & Deli Show - are unparalleled” Paula Raubenheimer, co-founder, What Recipe What’s new for 2026 The UK Food & Drink Shows is constantly evolving to reflect the vibrant and fast-moving industry, with new attractions for 2026 including: ● Spotlight on Coffee Shop & Café: As the food-to-go market continues to boom, this dedicated space at Farm Shop & Deli Show will highlight the latest trends and products. ● Spotlight on Future Foods: Part of Food & Drink Expo, this area will celebrate the brands and innovators redefining what good food means by showcasing wellness-driven, clean-label and sustainable products that deliver on taste and convenience. ● Taste the Future: Food innovation will also be highlighted by this new contest. ● New-look branding: The UK Food & Drink Shows has new branding designed to reflect the evolution of the shows and the energy and ambition of the industry.