Join us at IFE 2027 in London from April 5-7, 2027, for the largest gathering of food and drink professionals.
Dates
5–7 Apr 2027
City / country
London, United Kingdom
Venue
ExCeL London
Time
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Are you the organiser of this event?
Event overview
IFE 2027 will take place from April 5 to April 7, 2027, at ExCeL London.
This event is a key gathering for food, drink, and hospitality professionals, showcasing innovative products and trends in the industry.
TL;DR
Visitors will benefit from direct access to a wide range of exhibitors, networking opportunities, and insights into the latest trends and innovations in the food and drink sector.
Exhibiting at IFE 2027 provides companies with the opportunity to showcase their products to thousands of verified buyers, enhancing brand visibility and driving sales. IFE 2027 is crucial for industry professionals to connect, discover new products, and stay ahead of market trends. It serves as a platform for networking and collaboration among food and drink suppliers and buyers.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Location & Facilities
9 Manchester Square, London, W1U 3PL, United Kingdom
Attend
Event days & opening times
How the last edition performed
Current edition
2027
Impact
IFE 2027 will take place from April 5 to April 7, 2027, at ExCeL London. This event is a key gathering for food, drink, and hospitality professionals, showcasing innovative products and trends in the industry. IFE 2027 is crucial for industry professionals to connect, discover new products, and stay ahead of market trends. It serves as a platform for networking and collaboration among food and drink suppliers and buyers. Join us at.
Audience quality
Visitors typically include Retail buyers from supermarkets and specialty stores, Food service professionals including chefs and restaurant owners, Distributors and wholesalers in the food and beverage sector, Importers and exporters of food products. Dates: April 5-7, 2027. Location: ExCeL London. Expected attendance: 25,000+ buyers. Showcasing innovative food and drink products. IFE 2027 attracts an audience aligned with the organiser's published visitor positioning.
Exhibitor outcomes
Exhibiting at IFE 2027 provides companies with the opportunity to showcase their products to thousands of verified buyers, enhancing brand visibility and driving sales. IFE 2027 is crucial for industry professionals to connect, discover new products, and stay ahead of market trends. It serves as a platform for networking and collaboration among food and drink suppliers and buyers. Exhibitor categories include Food and beverage manufacturers, Packaging suppliers, Food technology companies, Sustainable product.
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
IFE is one of the UK's largest food & drink trade shows and a key annual meeting point for retailers, wholesalers, foodservice operators, distributors and international exporters. Running 5–7 April 2027 at ExCeL London and co-located with the organiser's hospitality shows, it concentrates the buy-side for UK grocery, out-of-home and export channels in one venue — with added reach into packaging, equipment and foodservice through the neighbouring halls. For suppliers it is a practical UK market-entry and buyer-meeting platform; for buyers it is a fast way to compare ranges, taste products and benchmark pricing across categories in three days.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Health, functional and 'better-for-you' reformulation
Low/no sugar, high-protein, gut-health and fortified products are among the fastest-moving shelf segments, with buyers pressing suppliers on substantiated health claims and clean labels.
Plant-based consolidates around taste and value
After a boom-and-correction, plant-based ranges are converging on taste parity, familiar formats and competitive price points rather than novelty alone.
Provenance, sustainability and packaging compliance
UK extended producer responsibility, deposit-return rules and retailer decarbonisation targets are driving supplier scrutiny of packaging, certification and supply-chain transparency.
Drinks premiumisation: no/low alcohol and craft
No/low-alcohol, functional and premium craft drinks continue to outpace total beverage growth, with retail and on-trade buyers competing for the same brands.
Cost-of-living value engineering and own-label growth
Retailers are expanding own-label and value tiers while premium niches keep growing, pressuring branded suppliers on price architecture and promotional strategy.
IFE sits within a global circuit of food and beverage trade fairs; buyers, exporters and distributors typically plan two to four international shows a year, balancing global scale (Anuga, SIAL Paris, Gulfood) with regional and speciality audiences.
February each year
Book flights and hotel 3–4 months ahead; Dubai hotel rates spike sharply during show week.
5–7 April 2027, ExCeL London
Register early for trade badges and secure ExCeL-area hotels 3+ months ahead.
October, alternating years
The largest global food shows — stand space often sells out 12 months in advance.
January and June
Specialist foodservice and speciality-food audiences; useful complements to a UK-focused show strategy.
Peer events, cities and typical timing compiled from public show information; always confirm current dates and booking deadlines on each organiser's website.
Plan your trip
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Elizabeth line and Tube serve most London exhibition venues.
to venue
45–75 min off-peak
by car
Gatwick Express to Victoria, then Tube to the venue district.
to venue
50–80 min
by car
Gateway airport for London.
to venue
by car
Gateway airport for London.
to venue
by car
Gateway airport for London.
to venue
by car
Gateway airport for London.
to venue
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
USD 110–180 / night
15–25 minutes door-to-door to ExCeL by DLR or Elizabeth line; limited availability and higher rates during show week — book 3–4 months out.
source5–15 minute walk to the ExCeL halls — the most convenient tier for a 3-day show; show-week rates rise sharply.
Riverside and suite options for client hosting; Canary Wharf properties are 10–15 minutes away by DLR or Elizabeth line.
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
taxi
Elizabeth line and Tube serve most London exhibition venues.
taxi
Gatwick Express to Victoria, then Tube to the venue district.
taxi
taxi
taxi
taxi
Plan your trip
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
| Type | Who needs it | Fee | Processing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) | Visa-exempt nationals travelling to the UK for a business visit — including EU/EEA, US, Canadian, Australian, Japanese, South Korean, Singaporean and Gulf nationals (British and Irish citizens excepted). | $21.00 | Usually approved within minutes to 3 working days; apply before booking non-refundable travel. | |
| Standard Visitor Visa | Nationals of visa-national countries (e.g. India, China, Nigeria, Ghana, Pakistan) whose passports are not ETA-eligible. | $165.00 | Typically around 3 weeks; allow 6–8 weeks in peak periods. |
British and Irish citizens need no entry permission. Visa-exempt nationals (EU/EEA, US, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore and many others) need only an ETA (£16) — no visa.
The UK accepts ATA Carnets for temporary import of exhibition stands, equipment and samples (issued in the UK by the London Chamber of Commerce). Food and drink samples entering the UK are additionally subject to DEFRA/APHA import rules and may require health certification — check before shipping.
Official visa pageWeather
April in London is mild but changeable — typical daytime highs of 13–16°C and overnight lows of 5–7°C, with around 40–45 mm of rain across roughly 11–13 wet days. Pack layers, a waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes for the walk between ExCeL halls and nearby 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
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.
Tipping
London restaurant and bar bills often add a discretionary 10–12.5% service charge; tipping beyond that is optional. Taxi and ride-hail tips of around 10% are appreciated but not expected.
Arrival & meeting etiquette
Arrive early on day one for badge collection and venue orientation. UK business culture is time-sensitive — keep meeting slots punctual, and exchange business cards or LinkedIn details freely on stands.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: LHR
Book flights to LHR when possible for the shortest transfer to the venue; compare LGW only if fares are materially lower.
Visa-exempt visitors (EU/EEA, US, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore and Gulf nationals, among others) need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA, £16, valid 2 years, up to 6 months per visit) before travelling; British and Irish citizens need no permission. Nationals of visa countries such as India, China, Nigeria and Pakistan require a Standard Visitor Visa (£127, typically around three weeks to process). Business meetings, networking and attending a trade fair are permitted on a standard visit — verify permitted activities on GOV.UK before booking.
Estimated cost: Varies by visa type and nationality (check official site).
Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.
Applied for online via GOV.UK; no biometrics appointment. Attending a trade fair as a business visitor is allowed on a standard visit. Covers business meetings, networking and attending trade fairs; selling goods or paid work on a stand may need a different permission — check the GOV.UK 'permitted activities' list.
OfficialFind a stay near the venue with options for every budget.
Areas to stay
Royal Victoria Dock / Canary Wharf (DLR and Elizabeth line links) · Royal Victoria Dock and Canary Wharf · Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock (walking distance to ExCeL)
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: LHR/LGW/STN/LCY: Elizabeth line, Heathrow Express, or Gatwick Express then Tube to venue district.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near ExCeL London: Royal Victoria Dock / Canary Wharf (DLR and Elizabeth line links): ibis London Excel-Docklands, Travelodge London Docklands; Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock (walking distance to ExCeL): Novotel London Excel, Aloft London Excel; Royal Victoria Dock and Canary Wharf: Sunborn London Yacht Hotel, Crowne Plaza London Docklands, Hilton London Canary Wharf.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in London; confirm local availability before travel.
Public transit: Tube and Elizabeth line serve ExCeL (Custom House), Olympia (District), and Business Design Centre.
Parking: On-site parking is available at ExCeL London; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: April 2027
Temperature: 5–16 °C (typical daily range in London in April)
Seasonality: April is a showery shoulder-season month: expect roughly 11–13 rain days and about 44 mm of monthly rainfall, with bright spells between showers — an umbrella and light waterproof layer are worth carrying.
Packing: April in London is mild but changeable — typical daytime highs of 13–16°C and overnight lows of 5–7°C, with around 40–45 mm of rain across roughly 11–13 wet days. Pack layers, a waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes for the walk between ExCeL halls and nearby hotels.
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: Day 2 — Tuesday 6 April 2027
Mid-show day usually combines the fullest exhibition floor with the densest seminar, tasting and buyer-briefing programme, and exhibitors are still fresh for substantive meetings. Day 1 is the busiest for badge queues and orientation, while Day 3 is quieter — useful for closing conversations but weaker for catching scheduled sessions.
Check passport validity and UK entry requirements — Confirm visa, eVisa or visa-free eligibility for the UK well before booking travel to IFE 2027, which runs 5-7 April 2027 at ExCeL London.
Book flights to London — Compare London Heathrow (LHR), London Gatwick (LGW) and London City (LCY); aim to arrive before the 5 April 2027 opening day.
Reserve a hotel near ExCeL London — Focus on Docklands and Canary Wharf properties for short transfers; plan check-in 4 April and check-out 7 April 2027.
Complete online visitor registration for IFE 2027 — Register via ife.co.uk and save your confirmation email and badge QR code.
Download the floorplan and seminar programme — Shortlist food and drink exhibitors and sessions to visit across the halls.
Pre-schedule B2B meetings — Use the IFE exhibitor directory or matchmaking service to request meetings before the show opens.
Plan local transport to ExCeL London — Map your hotel-to-venue route and build in extra travel time for the morning peak.
Prepare meeting documents and business cards — Bring sourcing lists, product briefs and company details for exhibitor discussions.
Pack for London in April — Smart casual business dress plus a light waterproof layer, as London spring weather is changeable.
Confirm travel and accommodation details — Reconfirm flight, hotel and registration reference, and charge your devices.
Arrive in London and collect your badge — Travel to ExCeL London on 5 April 2027 and collect your badge at registration before the halls open.
Greenwich & Royal Observatory
Central London — Westminster & the South Bank
ExCeL exhibitor and networking bars
The default meeting point during show hours — easiest for quick stand-side conversations, buyer briefings and informal follow-ups.
Royal Victoria Dock waterfront restaurants and bars
Riverside venues between the halls and the mid-range hotels; convenient for evening debriefs and small hosted dinners without a trip into central London.
Canary Wharf business district
Dense concentration of restaurants, bars and hotel lounges suited to larger client dinners and evening meetings after the show closes.
Budget
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
visa_fee
visitor · standard_visitor_visa
GBP 127 / per person
visa_fee
visitor · eta
GBP 16 / per person
visitor_ticket
visitor · trade_registration
GBP 45 / per person (3-day pass)
booth_space
exhibitor · space_only
GBP 300–450 / per sqm
visa_fee
visitor · Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
USD 21 / per application
visa_fee
visitor · Standard Visitor Visa
USD 165 / per application
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| visa_fee | visitor | standard_visitor_visa | GBP 127 / per person | official | |
| visa_fee | visitor | eta | GBP 16 / per person | official | |
| visitor_ticket | visitor | trade_registration | GBP 45 / per person (3-day pass) | estimate | |
| booth_space | exhibitor | space_only | GBP 300–450 / per sqm | estimate | |
| visa_fee | visitor | Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) | USD 21 / per application | official | |
| visa_fee | visitor | Standard Visitor Visa | USD 165 / per application | official |
Decision
Pick the closest answer for each. Your recommendation updates live.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
You need to evaluate UK and international suppliers, compare ranges side by side, or attend tastings and category briefings in person.
Best for
Retail and wholesale buyers, foodservice procurement, NPD and category teams, importers and trade press scouting new food & drink ranges.
Min. budget
$550.00
Timeline
Register for a trade badge in the weeks before the show; book ExCeL-area accommodation and flights 2–3 months ahead for April show week.
Risks
Budget estimate from listing cost signals — confirm live rates.
Show-week hotel rates around Royal Victoria Dock can double versus shoulder weeks.
Visa nationals need ~3 weeks (or longer in peak season) for a Standard Visitor Visa — apply early.
exhibit
Your objective is qualified UK buyer meetings, distributor recruitment or market-entry testing, and you can commit staff and budget for the full three days.
Best for
Food, drink, ingredient and equipment suppliers targeting UK retail, foodservice and export buyers, plus brands launching into the UK market.
Min. budget
$3,000.00
Timeline
Typically 3–9 months: book stand space, design/build, insurance, logistics and sampling approvals well before the April 2027 dates.
Risks
Budget estimate from listing cost signals — confirm live rates.
Stand space, shell scheme, freight, staff travel and hotel costs stack on top of each other.
Food-sampling exhibits may need additional food-safety and import documentation.
skip
Your target buyers are not in the UK/EU food and drink market, or you already cover the segment through another show on the circuit (Anuga, SIAL Paris, Gulfood).
Best for
Companies with no UK/European commercial interest, teams whose annual budget is already committed to other shows, or anyone unable to resource follow-up on new leads.
Timeline
None.
Risks
No major risks listed.
Book with
Recommended providers
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FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
Glossary
Trust footer
8
References
2
Publishers
0
Date checked
IFE
Montgomery Group
London travel reference
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