Over 20-21 September, ExCel London hosted the return of the UK’s biggest food-to-go trade event, lunch!, which saw close to 7,000 attendees walk its aisles in pursuit of the newest lunchtime offerings some of the industry’s biggest brands.
With attendance up 9% from the 2017 figures, show organizer Diversified Communications reports ‘packed aisles, vibrant and buzzing atmosphere, topical and engaging (and standing-room only) Keynotes, thousands of world-class innovations, and exceptional quality of buyers’.
“There was a fantastic buzz across the show floor from the moment doors opened, and it was a very busy, valuable and productive two days for everyone involved,” says Chris Brazier, group event director, calling the show ‘simply our best yet’.
It was a very busy, valuable and productive two days for everyone involved
With an exhibitor line-up which includes an ever-increasing number of natural food brands, Brazier comments on the breadth of expertise among the show’s key players: “lunch! is the only UK event that annually attracts so many leading innovators, influencers, trailblazers and decision makers from across the food-to-go sector together in one place at one time.” 
Among the major buyers browsing the stands were Holland & Barrett, Waitrose and Ocado, as well as over 1,820 independent cafés, coffee shops and delis, many of whom sought the latest product launches from a host of natural brands. In the Innovation Challenge Awards, Sandows – which launched a ready-to-drink sparkling soda made from cold brew coffee earlier this year – was awarded Gold.
The show returns to ExCeL on 19-20 September 2019. For further information, please visit www.lunchshow.co.uk.
