Brakes has announced three major live food events for 2024, each featuring more than 60 stands with a range of small businesses and national brands, alongside live demonstrations and presentations on food trends. The United Kingdom’s leading foodservice wholesaler, a unit of Sysco Corporation, will also host online shows to run concurrently with the physical events, allowing customers to access content virtually.
Starting in Scotland on May 1, the Foodie Expo will visit Birmingham on May 22, before ending in the South of England on September 25.
The Scottish event will take place at the Royal Highland Centre in Edinburgh and enable participants to meet small local food producers as well as national brands. Throughout the day, customers will be able see a range of demonstrations highlighting topical events and the latest trends in foodservice, including Grab & Go, Plant-Forward and Summer Dining.
There will be more than 70 stands, allowing visitors to talk to a wide range of suppliers and sample new and food, drink and catering supplies in one place.
On May 22, the Expo moves to the Edgbaston Cricket Ground in Birmingham, where customers will be able to experience similar demonstrations, at more than 60 stands, with the addition of specialist care and education presentations.
“Last year, we launched our first major live events since the pandemic, and the feedback was excellent. There’s nothing like being able to see, smell and taste food to help make decisions on menus,” ” said Paul Nieduszynski, chief executive officer of Sysco GB. “This year the Foodie Expo has been expanded to include live demonstrations so that we can provide practical examples of how products can be used in kitchens.”
Brakes online event will showcase 45 virtual stands and feature a host of helpful resources including recipes, insights and solutions to save money, time and labor. As well as seeing new products and solutions, customers will be able to take part in competitions and earn mybrakes rewards cash back on products.