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    Dates

    12–14 Apr 2027

    City / country

    Birmingham, United Kingdom

    Venue

    National Exhibition Centre (NEC)

    Time

    Monday 12th April 2027: 10.00 – 17.00, Tuesday 13th April 2027: 10.00 – 17.00, Wednesday 14th April 2027: 10.00 – 16.00

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    Matched booths for Foodex Manufacturing Solutions

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    Notable exhibitors

    Companies exhibiting at Foodex Manufacturing Solutions include *Shopt, 35foods Ltd, 365 Retail Markets, 3D Candy and 3DGBIRE.

    • *Shopt
    • 35foods Ltd
    • 365 Retail Markets
    • 3D Candy
    • 3DGBIRE

    Event overview

    Overview

    Foodex Manufacturing Solutions is the UK’s leading trade event for the food and drink processing, packaging, and logistics industries.

    It explores the hottest trends driving the sector and showcases the latest products and services to improve operational efficiency.

    The event provides opportunities for buyers to connect with potential suppliers through interactive events and discussions.

    TL;DR

    1. 1Date: April 12-14, 2027
    2. 2Location: National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham
    3. 3Expected visitors: 30,000+
    4. 4Exhibitors: 1,500+
    5. 5Part of the UK Food & Drink Shows

    Why visit

    Visitors will gain insights into the latest industry trends, network with key decision-makers, and explore innovative solutions that can drive their business forward.

    Why exhibit

    Exhibiting at Foodex allows companies to showcase their products to a targeted audience of industry professionals, generate high-quality leads, and enhance brand visibility in a competitive market. Foodex Manufacturing Solutions is crucial for industry professionals to stay updated on innovations and trends in food and drink manufacturing. It serves as a platform for networking and discovering new products that can enhance operational efficiency.

    Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

    Who this event is for

    Visitor profile

    Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.

    Food and beverage manufacturers
    Retail buyers
    Foodservice professionals
    Logistics and supply chain managers
    Packaging specialists
    Industry consultants

    Exhibitor profile

    Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.

    Manufacturers of food processing equipment
    Suppliers of packaging solutions
    Logistics and distribution companies
    Food safety and quality assurance providers
    Automation and technology firms
    Sustainability solution providers

    Product categories

    Key solution areas showcased across the event.

    Food processing machinery and equipment
    Packaging materials and technologies
    Logistics and supply chain solutions
    Quality control and testing equipment
    Automation and robotics in manufacturing
    Sustainable packaging solutions

    Location & Facilities

    Venue

    Open in Google Maps

    National Exhibition Centre (NEC)

    National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham, B40 1NT, United Kingdom

    Facilities

    Parking

    Yes, if you pre-pay for parking online before the day of your visit you can save £5.

    Parking: Yes, if you pre-pay for parking online before the day of your visit you can save £5.

    Attend

    Entry & tickets

    Trade-only
    Free registration

    Event days & opening times

    DayOpening hours
    Monday 12th April 2027: 10.0017.00, Tuesday 13th April 2027: 10.00 – 17.00, Wednesday 14th April 2027: 10.00 – 16.00
    Register

    Who runs the show

    Organisers

    William Reed

    Website

    How the last edition performed

    Previous edition

    Current edition

    2027 · 30,000 exhibitors

    Forecast — not final

    Visitors

    30,000

    Impact

    A bigger and stronger platform

    Foodex Manufacturing Solutions is the UK’s leading trade event for the food and drink processing, packaging, and logistics industries. It explores the hottest trends driving the sector and showcases the latest products and services to improve operational efficiency. The event provides opportunities for buyers to connect with potential suppliers through interactive events and discussions. Foodex Manufacturing Solutions is crucial for industry professionals to stay updated on innovations and trends in food and.

    Exhibitor outcomes

    Real business growth

    Exhibiting at Foodex allows companies to showcase their products to a targeted audience of industry professionals, generate high-quality leads, and enhance brand visibility in a competitive market. Foodex Manufacturing Solutions is crucial for industry professionals to stay updated on innovations and trends in food and drink manufacturing. It serves as a platform for networking and discovering new products that can enhance operational efficiency. Exhibitor categories include Manufacturers of food processing.

    Intelligence

    Market context

    Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.

    Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom

    Why it matters

    Foodex Manufacturing Solutions is one of the few UK trade shows dedicated to the manufacturing side of food and drink - processing equipment, packaging technology, ingredients, food safety and automation - and it runs at the NEC alongside the co-located UK Food & Drink Shows, which together pull a large retail, foodservice and brand-owner audience into the same halls. For suppliers eyeing the UK market and for UK manufacturers benchmarking line technology, it concentrates the sector's buying community in a single three-day window, so a trip can cover both equipment sourcing and finished-product trends.

    Industry trends

    Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

    01

    Automation and robotics against labour shortages

    02

    Packaging sustainability and UK EPR rules

    03

    Traceability, allergens and food-safety compliance

    04

    Reformulation, health and clean-label ingredients

    05

    Energy costs and supply-chain resilience

    Food and drink manufacturing trade circuit

    Europe peaks February-June, the Gulf and Asia September-November; book stand space and NEC-area hotels 4-6 months ahead.

    Foodex Manufacturing Solutions sits in a global circuit of processing, packaging and ingredients shows. UK teams typically use Foodex and the co-located UK Food & Drink Shows as the domestic anchor, then travel to the large European and Gulf events for machinery launches and international sourcing.

    February-June

    Foodex, Anuga FoodTec and the UK shows cluster in spring, so budgets and teams should be planned together. Europe

    September-November

    Gulfood Manufacturing and Asian processing shows fill the autumn window. Middle East / Asia

    Peer events identified from sector market knowledge; confirm dates, halls and co-location details on each organiser site before planning.

    Plan your trip

    Travel & logistics

    Local currency · GBP

    Arrival airports

    Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.

    LHR

    London Heathrow Airport

    Elizabeth line and Tube serve most London exhibition venues.

    to venue

    45–75 min off-peak

    by car

    Hotel tiers

    A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.

    Budget
    Birmingham Airport / NEC perimeter - walkable or a short shuttle ride to the halls

    USD 70–120 / night

    Book early: NEC-area budget rooms sell out first during the April show run.

    source
    Mid-range
    NEC campus and Resorts World - walking distance via covered walkways

    USD 120–200 / night

    Best balance of walkability and rate for a two-night trade visit.

    source
    Premium
    On the NEC campus and in Solihull, 10-15 min by car

    USD 200–350 / night

    The Metropole is connected to the halls by covered walkway, which is the main draw in wet April weather.

    source

    Local transport

    Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

    taxi

    Estimated costGBP 60–90 (taxi to ExCeL or Olympia)
    Best forLondon Heathrow Airport (LHR) to National Exhibition Centre (NEC)

    Elizabeth line and Tube serve most London exhibition venues.

    taxi

    Estimated costGBP 35–70 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
    Best forBirmingham Airport (BHX) to National Exhibition Centre (NEC)

    taxi

    Estimated costGBP 35–70 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
    Best forCoventry Airport (CVT) to National Exhibition Centre (NEC)

    taxi

    Estimated costGBP 35–70 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
    Best forEast Midlands Airport (EMA) to National Exhibition Centre (NEC)

    taxi

    Estimated costGBP 35–70 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
    Best forLondon Luton Airport (LTN) to National Exhibition Centre (NEC)

    Plan your trip

    Visa & entry documents

    Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.

    Visa not required
    ATA Carnet: accepted
    TypeWho needs itFeeProcessing
    Standard Visitor VisaNationals of visa countries, for example India, China, Nigeria, Pakistan, Turkiye and most of Africa and South Asia$160.00Typically around 3 weeks; allow up to 8 weeks in peak season
    Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)Visa-exempt nationals including US, EU, EEA, Australian, Canadian, Japanese and Gulf Cooperation Council passport holders$20.00Usually decided within 3 working days; apply at least a week before travel

    Irish nationals do not need a visa or ETA and face no routine immigration checks under the Common Travel Area. Visa-exempt nationals still require an ETA before boarding.

    The UK accepts ATA Carnets for the temporary admission of exhibition and demonstration goods, avoiding import duty and VAT. Confirm the Carnet covers machinery, samples and stand materials, and list the NEC as the venue on the Carnet documentation.

    Official visa page

    Weather

    April in Birmingham is cool and changeable, with daytime highs of about 12-13 C and nights near 4-5 C, plus rain on roughly 10-14 days of the month. Pack layers and a waterproof jacket for the walk between the halls, the NEC car parks and the on-site hotels.

    Plan for the climate

    Check temperatures and pack accordingly

    Venue connectivity

    UK mobile networks offer prepaid SIM and eSIM options for visitors; venue Wi‑Fi availability varies — confirm with the organiser.

    Ride-hailing

    Taxis

    Public transit

    Car rentals

    Cultural notes

    Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.

    Business dress

    Smart casual is typical at UK trade shows unless meetings require formal attire; comfortable shoes matter because NEC halls involve a lot of walking.

    Arrival

    Arrive early on day one for badge collection and venue orientation - the NEC is a large campus and transfers between halls take time.

    Tipping and etiquette

    Tipping is discretionary: around 10-12.5 percent in restaurants (often already added as a service charge) and small change for bar staff and taxis. Punctuality for meetings is expected, and a firm handshake with a business card exchange is standard.

    Practical guides

    Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials

    Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.

    Flights

    Destination: BHX

    Book flights to BHX when possible for the shortest transfer to the venue; compare CVT only if fares are materially lower.

    Visa

    Most EU, US and Commonwealth visitors can enter the UK visa-free for business, but must hold a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA, GBP 16 / approx. USD 20) before travel. Nationals of visa countries (for example India, China, Nigeria, Turkiye, Pakistan) need a Standard Visitor Visa (GBP 127 / approx. USD 160), applied for online before departure. A visitor visa permits attending the show, networking and holding meetings, but not paid employment in the UK; carry a letter of invitation and proof of onward travel.

    Estimated cost: Varies by visa type and nationality (check official site).

    Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.

    GBP 127 (approx. USD 160) for a 6-month visit. Permits attending the show, business meetings and networking, but not paid work in the UK. Apply online before travel and carry an invitation letter plus proof of accommodation and onward travel. GBP 16 (approx. USD 20), valid for two years or until passport expiry. Linked electronically to your passport - no visa sticker. Business visits and conferen

    Official

    Hotels

    Find a stay near the venue with options for every budget.

    Areas to stay

    Birmingham Airport / NEC perimeter - walkable or a short shuttle ride to the halls · NEC campus and Resorts World - walking distance via covered walkways · On the NEC campus and in Solihull, 10-15 min by car

    budget

    $70-$120 USD/night

    Book

    mid range

    $120-$200 USD/night

    Book

    premium

    $200-$350 USD/night

    Book

    Transport

    Get to the venue and around the city with these options.

    Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Birmingham Airport (BHX): Gateway airport for Birmingham.; Coventry Airport (CVT): Gateway airport for Birmingham.; East Midlands Airport (EMA): Gateway airport for Birmingham.; London Luton Airport (LTN): Gateway airport for Birmingham.. Allow road or rail time to National Exhibition Centre (NEC); on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.

    Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near National Exhibition Centre (NEC): Birmingham Airport / NEC perimeter - walkable or a short shuttle ride to the halls: Travelodge Birmingham Airport, Ibis Birmingham Airport - NEC, Moxy Birmingham NEC; NEC campus and Resorts World - walking distance via covered walkways: Crowne Plaza Birmingham NEC, Holiday Inn Birmingham Airport - NEC, Novotel Birmingham Airport; On the NEC campus and in Solihull, 10-15 min by car: Hilton Birmingham Metropole (on NEC campus), Genting Hotel a

    Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Birmingham; confirm local availability before travel.

    Public transit: Check local bus/metro options for routes to National Exhibition Centre (NEC).

    Parking: On-site parking is available at National Exhibition Centre (NEC); confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.

    Weather

    Plan and pack for the event climate.

    Month: April 2027

    Temperature: 4-13 C (39-55 F) typical daily range in Birmingham in April, with daytime highs around 12-13 C and overnight lows near 4-5 C

    Seasonality: Showery, fast-changing spring weather: roughly 45-55 mm of rain across 10-14 wet days in April, with occasional brief hail or a late cold snap early in the month

    Packing: April in Birmingham is cool and changeable, with daytime highs of about 12-13 C and nights near 4-5 C, plus rain on roughly 10-14 days of the month. Pack layers and a waterproof jacket for the walk between the halls, the NEC car parks and the on-site hotels.

    Plan your trip

    Planning

    Best day for qualified buyer meetings: Day 2 - Tuesday 13 April 2027

    Mid-show day gives you full opening hours, exhibitor decision-makers present on stands rather than in opening-morning setup mode, and the densest conference programme. Day 1 morning is the busiest for badge queues and orientation, while the final afternoon sees exhibitors begin packing down and some teams leave early.

    Side trips

    2

    Stratford-upon-Avon

    Birmingham city centre - canalside and Jewellery Quarter

    Networking spots

    3

    Foodex exhibition-floor networking and innovation zone

    The main daytime networking engine - supplier stands, new-product displays and seated catering areas where conversations continue between meetings.

    Hilton Birmingham Metropole bar and lounge

    Standard after-show meeting point for exhibitors and buyers staying on site; short walk from the halls so no taxi is required.

    Resorts World Birmingham

    Cluster of bars, restaurants and the Genting Hotel a few minutes from the venue - the usual choice for informal evening meetings and larger group dinners.

    Budget

    Costs & budget

    Cost reference

    Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.

    visitor_ticket

    visitor · trade

    —

    official

    visa_fee

    visitor · standard_visitor_visa

    USD 160 / per person

    official

    visa_fee

    visitor · eta

    USD 20 / per person

    official

    hotel

    visitor · budget

    USD 70–120 / per room per night

    estimate

    hotel

    visitor · mid-range

    USD 120–200 / per room per night

    estimate

    hotel

    visitor · premium

    USD 200–350 / per room per night

    estimate

    per_diem

    visitor · standard

    USD 60–100 / per person per day

    estimate

    flight

    visitor · economy_return

    USD 120–400 / per person return

    estimate

    visa_fee

    visitor · Standard Visitor Visa

    USD 160 / per application

    official

    visa_fee

    visitor · Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

    USD 20 / per application

    official

    Decision

    Visit, exhibit, or skip?

    Should you go?

    Pick the closest answer for each. Your recommendation updates live.

    QUESTION 1 OF 6

    What is your primary role?

    Decision matrix

    Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.

    visit

    Your priority is supplier scouting, equipment comparison or ingredient sourcing and you can commit two to three days at the NEC.

    Best for

    UK and international food and drink manufacturers, retailers and foodservice buyers sourcing processing, packaging and ingredient suppliers in one trip

    Min. budget

    $630.00

    Timeline

    4-6 weeks ahead for travel and hotel; 8-12 weeks if a Standard Visitor Visa is required

    Risks

    Budget estimate from listing cost signals - confirm live rates.

    Free trade registration still requires pre-registration and business-credentials checks.

    Visa processing times can exceed three weeks in peak season.

    exhibit

    You need qualified UK leads, live equipment demonstrations and direct access to the co-located UK Food & Drink Shows audience.

    Best for

    Machinery, processing, packaging, ingredients and food-safety technology suppliers targeting UK manufacturers and co-located Food & Drink Expo buyers

    Min. budget

    $3,150.00

    Timeline

    6-9 months ahead for stand space, build, freight and Carnet/shipping paperwork

    Risks

    Budget estimate from listing cost signals - confirm live rates.

    Stand space, shell scheme, rigging and electricity are quoted separately by the organiser.

    Imported demo machinery needs an ATA Carnet or temporary admission paperwork.

    skip

    The UK is not a target market this cycle, or your travel budget is already committed to larger European shows such as Anuga FoodTec or interpack.

    Best for

    Suppliers with no UK/European sales plan, or teams already covered by a distributor or partner attending on their behalf

    Timeline

    Not applicable

    Risks

    No major risks listed.

    Book with

    Partners

    Recommended providers

    Visa

    UK Visas and Immigration

    Gallery

    Photos

    Official imagery from Foodex Manufacturing Solutions
    Official imagery from Foodex Manufacturing Solutions

    FAQs & glossary

    Answers

    Frequently asked

    Trust footer

    Sources

    5

    References

    1

    Publishers

    0

    Date checked

    1

    William Reed

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