IFE London 2026: Best Opportunities For Your Food Business

Held at ExCeL London, one of the most important exhibition centers in the world with capacity for 70,000 visitors, this event allows us to discover emerging trends and personally meet thousands of future-oriented producers. In this guide, we will analyze why IFE London 2026 could be the perfect platform to boost your food business internationally.

IFE London 2026: a global platform for the food sector

‍
The International Food & Drink Event will take place from March 30 to April 1, 2026 at ExCeL London, establishing itself as the largest and most successful sourcing platform in the United Kingdom. With a format that constantly evolves to adapt to market needs, IFE London 2026 promises to be an unmissable event for any company in the food sector with international ambitions.

History and evolution of the International Food & Drink Event

‍
With a legacy of more than 40 years, the International Food & Drink Event has gone from being a local fair to becoming a global phenomenon. During the last decades, this biennial event has undergone significant transformation, evolving to be held annually to meet the growing demand of the sector.

In its beginnings, IFE focused mainly on the British market, but the landscape has radically changed. The 2023 edition attracted more than 1,260 exhibitors, of which 62% came from international markets, representing 91 different countries. This impressive growth reflects IFE's ability to capture the pulse of the global food industry.

The expansion has not only occurred in terms of international reach, but also in dimension. Currently, the event occupies about 32,000 m² of exhibition space, with projections to reach 85,000 m² for the 2025 edition. This expansion of space responds to the growing demand from both exhibitors and visitors.

Another notable aspect in IFE's evolution has been its ability to adapt to the new post-Brexit context. In this scenario, the fair has established itself as the strategic entry point to the British market for European industrialists, offering a unique platform to maintain and establish business relationships with one of the most important markets in Europe.

On the other hand, the event has been adding various parallel shows that complement its offering. Currently, IFE is part of the Food, Drink & Hospitality Week, which brings together under one roof IFE Manufacturing, HRC (hospitality), The Pub Show, Hospitality Tech360 and International Salon Culinaire. This integration makes the event the largest celebration of sector innovation in the United Kingdom.

IFE as a meeting point for food innovation

‍
IFE London has positioned itself as the epicenter of innovation in the food and beverage sector. The prestigious World Food Innovation Awards, organized in collaboration with IFE, celebrate creativity and leadership in the global food industry. These awards, recognized as the most prestigious in the sector, offer brands an exceptional platform to stand out and gain international exposure.

The 2025 edition will stand out for its "Future Food Hub", a 3,000 m² space dedicated exclusively to disruptive innovations. Protein alternatives, clean labeling and sustainable packaging solutions will take center stage, showing where the future of food is headed.

The 2025 program will include specialized events such as:

- Innovation & Trends Conference

- Taste the Future Awards

- International Buyers Program

- Sustainability Summit

In each edition, IFE reflects the emerging trends of the sector, from ethnic flavors to cocktail solutions, plant-based options, ready meals, snacks developed with new technologies and packaging designs with nutritional value propositions. This ability to anticipate and showcase market innovations makes the fair a reliable thermometer of where the industry is headed.

Likewise, IFE offers exhibitors its digital version, where they can access product demonstrations, technical documents, interviews with industry experts, interactive supplier and product directories, online seminars and podcasts. This digital dimension complements the in-person experience and extends the reach of the event.

It should be noted that the fair has 15 dedicated sections divided by product category throughout the exhibition space. This organization makes it easy for relevant buyers to find the exhibitors that interest them, thus maximizing business opportunities.

For the 2026 edition, it is expected that more than 1,500 exhibitors will participate and that more than 30,000 visitors will be exceeded, consolidating IFE London as an indispensable global platform for the food sector. Without a doubt, this event represents a unique opportunity for companies looking to connect with high-level buyers, showcase their innovations and find new routes to the international market.

Business opportunities offered by the London fair

‍
Participating in the IFE London 2026 fair represents a valuable opportunity for any company in the food sector. With a format specifically designed to maximize business connections, this event offers competitive advantages that are difficult to find in other platforms in the sector.

Direct connection with decision-making buyers
One of the most significant advantages of IFE London is direct access to more than 27,000 food and beverage professionals, decision-makers and serious buyers from more than 90 countries. This is particularly relevant considering that 82% of visitors have real purchasing power, which means that the vast majority of conversations you will have during the event will be with people qualified to close deals.

Among the most notable profiles that will visit the fair in 2026 are:

- Foodservice executives actively searching for new products

- Wholesalers researching upcoming market trends

- Retail buyers from major supermarkets

- Professionals from the distribution and import/export sectors

The quality of attendees is exceptional, with representatives from chains such as Aldi, Amazon Fresh, Holland & Barrett, Lidl, Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury's, Ocado and Tesco. This concentration of high-level buyers is hard to find at any other event in the sector, making IFE London an ideal platform for both established companies and emerging brands.

Exploration of new distribution channels

‍
IFE London 2026 is not only an opportunity to connect with buyers, but also to explore various distribution channels. The fair is specifically aimed at the Mass Distribution sector, but also accommodates other channels such as HORECA and gourmet, allowing you to diversify your commercial strategy.

Likewise, cross-sector visibility is guaranteed thanks to the co-location with other relevant events such as Hotel, Restaurant & Catering (HRC), IFE Manufacturing, The Pub Show, among others. This integration makes it easier for your brand to be discovered by professionals from different areas of the food sector.

For Spanish companies, this market is particularly attractive. The United Kingdom has positioned itself as the sixth trading partner for the Spanish food industry, with exports valued at more than 2,812 million euros, representing a growth of 6.2% compared to 2023. These figures confirm the strategic relevance of IFE as a gateway to the British market.

On the other hand, the event is designed for those who want to lead, innovate and stay at the forefront of the sector. For brands with international ambitions, IFE offers a perfect platform to showcase products to 25,000 high-quality buyers and find new market routes.

Closing of business agreements during the event

‍
IFE London 2026 not only facilitates contacts, but is designed to specifically drive the closing of business agreements. During the three days of the event, you will have the opportunity to generate direct orders, receive real-time feedback and establish high-quality contacts, all in one place.

Among the most outstanding initiatives to facilitate these agreements is "Meet the Buyer with Tesco", a unique opportunity to present your products to one of the giants of British retail. Equally relevant is the "Buyers' Lunch organized by TickEat", events specifically designed to drive conversations and commercial contracts.

IFE's matching program, along with pre-fair marketing activities and the strategic location of stands, guarantees a notable return on investment for exhibitors. This practical approach confirms that IFE is truly where "important face-to-face business takes place".

In addition, with 15 dedicated sections divided by product category throughout the exhibition space, relevant buyers will be able to find you easily, thus maximizing your business opportunities during the three intense days of face-to-face networking.

In short, IFE London 2026 is not simply another fair, but a strategic business platform that offers tangible results for participating companies, whether they are looking to expand in the United Kingdom or gain international recognition.

Special programs for international and local buyers

‍
One of the most outstanding aspects of the International Food & Drink Event are its specialized programs designed to facilitate effective business meetings. These structured programs maximize business opportunities for exhibitors and buyers, making IFE London 2026 a unique connection platform in the food sector.

Hosted Buyer Program: B2B meetings

‍
The Hosted Buyer Program is a strategic tool to guarantee quality commercial contacts during the fair. This program, organized by UK Trade & Invest in collaboration with Greenseed, facilitates scheduled meetings between international visitors and exhibitors.

For participating companies, there is the option to contract a B2B meeting agenda, where a minimum of 4 meetings per company will be arranged. These meetings are organized after an exhaustive analysis of each company and its products, ensuring that there is real commercial potential.

This personalized approach allows exhibitors to make the most of their time at the fair, focusing on conversations with relevant buyers previously selected according to their specific profile and interests.

Local Buyer Program: access to the main retailers in the United Kingdom

‍
In parallel, IFE London has developed an exclusive program for local buyers, aimed at connecting exhibitors with the main players in the British market. The Local Buyer Program attracts the most important buyers from the main retailers, resellers and foodservice providers in the United Kingdom.

A distinctive element of this program is the strategic collaboration between Fresh Montgomery (event organizer) and the Federation of Wholesalers & Distributors (FWD). This alliance facilitates that FWD members visit IFE and meet international food and beverage producers, creating a direct channel to the British distribution system.

The program offers two participation modalities:

- As an exhibitor: with an individual stand or as part of the RetailForce stand

- As a visitor: including visit to the fair, market presentation, store visits and meetings with buyers

Likewise, "Meet the Buyer Townhall" type events are organized where participants can speak directly with managing partners about opportunities in the United Kingdom and other key markets such as Canada, the United States, Italy, Spain, Germany and others.

Participation of buyers from Asia, Europe and America

‍
The international dimension of IFE London 2026 is reflected in the geographical diversity of the buyers participating in the event. From Asia, notable visitors come from Singapore, Hong Kong, China, South Korea and Taiwan. As for Europe, buyers attend from Spain, France, the Netherlands and Belgium, among other countries.

In addition, the Agri-Food Sector Group of the Enterprise Europe Network organizes international "MEET THE BUYER" type meetings to facilitate commercial contacts between buyers and sellers in the sector. Although some of these events are held in online format with pre-organized B2B meetings, they constitute a valuable extension of the business relationships initiated at the face-to-face fair.

The Meet the Buyer Program is specifically designed to connect leading manufacturers with their commercial partners, offering focused solutions to thrive in a competitive market. This integrated approach allows exhibiting companies at IFE London not only to display their products during the days of the event, but to establish lasting business relationships with buyers from three continents.

The effectiveness of these programs lies in their ability to create an environment conducive to direct negotiations, eliminating intermediaries and accelerating commercial decision-making processes.

How to make the most of your participation in IFE London 2026

‍
For your participation in IFE London 2026 to be truly profitable, it is not enough to reserve a space and wait for buyers to arrive. Success requires strategic planning and meticulous execution.

Prepare a clear briefing for your team or stand provider

‍
An attractive stand is essential to stand out among more than 1,260 exhibitors. Before diving into technical details, you must decide what you want to achieve at the International Food & Drink Event and evaluate this against the cost of exhibiting. ExCeL London requires a significant investment, so every element must be aligned with your business objectives.

The exhibition briefing is particularly important if you work with a stand construction partner. A clear document keeps everyone organized and working towards the same vision, something essential even if you manage everything internally. Your stand should tell your brand's story and drive conversions.

Set measurable goals: leads, sales, contacts

‍
Defining clear objectives will allow you to measure the success of your participation and learn from the experience. Are you looking to generate 50 solid leads for follow-up or would you prefer to meet with 10 key decision makers who will buy directly? The answer will determine your strategy.

With exclusive benefits such as IFE's matching program, pre-event marketing and the strategic location of your stand, your return on investment (ROI) will be virtually guaranteed. In addition, specific events such as "Meet the Buyer with Tesco" or the "Buyers' Lunch organized by TickEat" offer concrete opportunities to drive conversations and close commercial contracts.

The goals should be specific and measurable:

- Number of qualified leads obtained

- Signed agreements during the fair

- Brand recognition and media visibility

- Product evaluation by potential buyers

It is notable that some exhibitors have managed to close lucrative agreements before the fair has ended, demonstrating the immediate potential of this event.

Promote your presence before and during the event

‍
Pre-fair promotion is as important as your performance during the fair. IFE offers companies its complementary digital version, where you can access product demonstrations, technical documents, interviews with experts, interactive supplier and product directories, online seminars and podcasts. Use these tools to amplify your presence.

For 2026, it is essential to register in advance to secure invitations to exclusive sessions and priority entry. In parallel, develop your own promotion strategy using social networks, email marketing and direct contact with potential buyers.

During the event, take advantage of the 15 dedicated sections by product category that make it easy for relevant buyers to find you. This maximizes your business opportunities during the three intense days of face-to-face networking.

If your budget is limited or this is your first major participation, consider the option of renting a stand. This approach allows you to create an impactful presence by mixing customized elements with rented items in a hybrid configuration. It is a cost-effective and sustainable solution especially valuable for first-time exhibitors.

Ultimately, your success at IFE London 2026 will depend on a combination of strategic planning, attractive presentation and effective promotion. With the right preparation, this platform can become the springboard that boosts your food business to new international markets.

IFE and the future of the international food sector

‍
The International Food & Drink Event goes beyond being simply a trade fair; it represents a window to the future of the global food sector. Each edition offers a privileged view of where this fundamental industry is headed.

Emerging trends in food and beverages

‍
At IFE London, crucial insights and trends for the sector are reflected, from innovations in ethnic flavors to advanced solutions for cocktails. In addition, the event highlights the growing importance of attractive plant-based options, ready meals that stand out in their category and snacks developed with new technologies.

Among the most notable trends anticipated for the 2026 edition are:

- Personalized nutrition and precision supplements

- "Food as Medicine" movement and healthy lifestyle

- Biohacking, longevity and self-optimization

These trends are not mere passing novelties, but clear directions that are fundamentally transforming the international food sector.

Sustainability and technology in the industry

‍
Sustainability was one of the most outstanding aspects of the 2025 edition, with innovative solutions focused on reducing environmental impact and promoting the use of recyclable and biodegradable materials. Likewise, IFE 2025 featured an extensive conference program where experts addressed topics such as circular economy and digitalization in the food industry.

The focus on regenerative agriculture and upcycling demonstrates how environmental awareness is redefining production processes. On the other hand, packaging designs with nutritional value propositions are another growing trend.

IFE as a thermometer of the global market

‍
With more than 1,260 exhibitors and some 27,000 visitors from 91 countries in the previous edition, IFE confirms its position as a barometer of the sector. The World Food Innovation Awards, organized in collaboration with IFE, celebrate creativity and leadership in the global food industry.

This event not only shows current trends but anticipates the direction the sector will take. For this reason, IFE London has established itself as an exceptional platform where brands can stand out and gain international projection, establishing itself as the true thermometer of the global food market.

IFE London 2026, your door to international success

‍
The International Food & Drink Event in London undoubtedly represents an extraordinary opportunity for any company in the food sector with global ambitions. Throughout this article we have analyzed why this fair deserves a prominent place in your commercial agenda for 2026.

IFE London has evolved over more than four decades to become the definitive meeting point for the international food industry. The numbers speak for themselves: more than 27,000 visitors from 91 different countries, over 1,500 expected exhibitors and 82% of attendees with real purchasing power. This concentration of decision-makers is hard to find at any other event in the sector.

In addition, the fair offers unique competitive advantages through its specialized programs such as the Hosted Buyer Program and the Local Buyer Program. These mechanisms facilitate strategic B2B meetings with qualified buyers, thus maximizing your chances of commercial success during the three intense days of the event.

To make the most of your participation, it is essential to prepare a clear briefing, establish measurable objectives and promote your presence before and during the fair. Although it requires investment and planning, testimonials from previous editions confirm that the return usually exceeds initial expectations.

Likewise, IFE London 2026 will not only function as a commercial platform, but also as a showcase for emerging trends. Innovations in sustainable food, plant-based options, functional foods and disruptive technologies will be present, offering you a privileged view of the future of the sector.

Certainly, participating in this fair represents a significant investment of time and resources, but the potential benefits make it a strategic bet for companies of all sizes. Whether you are looking to expand in the British market or project yourself internationally, IFE London 2026 gives you the perfect stage to showcase your products to relevant buyers from around the world.

Are you ready to take your food business to the next level? IFE London 2026 could be the catalyst your company needs to transform its international ambitions into commercial reality. The time to start planning your participation is now.

‍