Over the last 10 years the snacking industry has continued to grow, highlighting a huge opportunity for operators and retailers to market their newest innovations. This month saw the return of the Lunch! Show. Having outgrown its previous location, it was back bigger and better than ever before, in its new home at the ExCeL London.
The award-winning show is dedicated to celebrating the café, coffee shop and food to go sectors and has become a hub of innovation, giving operators and customers a chance to come face to face under one roof.
During the 2-day event the show includes and offers:
• Over 400 exhibitors.
• Over 6000 visitors walk through the show doors.
• 3 keynote theatres which are dedicated to exclusive speeches from industry professionals.
• Thousands of opportunities to network with suppliers and try their newest products.
As a leading food and drink agency and in true Jellybean style, we were out in force supporting client Sun Valley Nut Co. as well as taking the opportunity to check out the latest trends the food to go industry has to offer. Now, prepared to fully immerse ourselves in a snack filled day (because let’s be honest that’s certainly one of the perks of a trade show) Nick and I attended day one of Lunch! while our retail guru Neil attend day two. With huge amounts on offer companies were there showcasing new product concepts, demoing and discussing their products and services.
As we walked the show floor it was clear to see this year it was dominated by plant power, with almost every operator offering Vegan friendly alternatives. According to MCA Insight, over the next 3 years the food to go sector is estimated to grow by £0.5bn. During which time consumers’ needs will change and trends and flavours will adapt, but it’s clear to see Lunch! is an ideal platform for any business to market themselves in this exciting and dynamic sector of the foodservice world – in fact I’m already excited to see what Lunch! 2020 will have to offer.
