Kayleigh Grealey and Nicola Grainger Forge Connections and Champion Innovation at Food & Drink Expo 2025
Kayleigh Grealey and Nicola Grainger immersed themselves in the cutting-edge of culinary innovation and sustainability at this year’s Food & Drink Expo 2025, held at Birmingham’s NEC from 7th to 9th April. The event proved a powerhouse of industry insight, offering unparalleled opportunities to engage with emerging talent and established leaders alike.
Networking with Visionaries
The duo connected with a dynamic mix of startups, small manufacturers, and market disruptors, offering strategic guidance on navigating current trends and scaling operations. From Fresh-pak’s sustainable packaging solutions to Gypsy Spirits’ artisanal craftsmanship, every conversation revealed fresh perspectives on manufacturing, distribution, and market penetration. Highlights included exchanges with Jersey Dairy, Clawson Cheese Makers, and Mikos Greek Island Flavours, whose passion for quality and innovation left a lasting impression along with gaining valuable insights from the teams at Pilgrims & Sphere Design.
Spotlight on Innovation
The Expo floor buzzed with breakthroughs: plant-based pioneers like Kin Spirits and Cibovita showcased next-gen alternatives, while tech-driven disruptors such as Reiser and Eqicure demonstrated AI and automation’s role in shaping food production. Kayleigh and Nicola explored sustainability champions like Tide and Greenfields, whose eco-conscious models are redefining industry standards.
Client Success Stories
The event also provided a platform to reconnect with clients and recently placed candidates, celebrating their achievements and gathering feedback on evolving market demands. These interactions underscored the importance of collaborative growth in a rapidly transforming sector.
Why the Expo Matters
As the UK’s flagship event for grocery, hospitality, and manufacturing, the Food & Drink Expo 2025 united 1,500+ suppliers across co-located shows, including Foodex Manufacturing Solutions and the Farm Shop & Deli Show. Dedicated zones like the Plant-Based Zone and Future Food Zone highlighted advancements in functional foods, fermentation, and circular packaging—key themes dominating the industry’s roadmap.
Looking Ahead
“The Expo confirmed what we’ve long anticipated,” noted Nicola. “From AI-driven supply chains to health-centric formulations, the future of food is bold, inclusive, and tech-empowered.” Kayleigh added, “The passion of startups like Piglets Pantry and Grind and go signals a vibrant era of culinary creativity—one we’re thrilled to champion.”
Sustainability, AI, and health innovation are not just trends—they’re the blueprint for tomorrow’s food ecosystem.
Join the Movement
For Food & Drink Industry professionals, the Expo remains an indispensable hub for strategic partnerships and disruptive insights. Mark your calendars for 2026: the industry’s evolution waits for no one. The Expo remains the ultimate nexus for buyers, engineers, and visionaries ready to drive the next wave of food innovation. With dedicated zones for packaging, plant-based, and future foods, it’s where ideas become industry standards
About the Event
The Food & Drink Expo 2025 (7th–9th April, NEC Birmingham) is the UK’s premier trade showcase, uniting retail, manufacturing, and hospitality under one roof. With dedicated zones for plant-based innovation, sustainable packaging, and future food technologies, it’s where industry leaders converge to shape tomorrow’s plate.
Discover more at foodanddrinkexpo.co.uk.
Featured Connections:
Pilgrims | Sphere Design Ltd | Fresh-pak | KitKat | Gypsy Spirits | Jersey Dairy | Clawson Cheese Makers | Just Desserts | Fiona Cairns | Kin Spirits | Cibovita | Mikos Greek Island Flavours | Tide | Highland Spring | Max’s Originals | Laila’s Fine Foods | Kir Royal | Grind and Go | Piglets Pantry | Greenfields | Tequila Rose | Jimmy’s | Myprotein | Delice de France | Farmhouse Biscuits | Mallard Point | Walker’s Shortbread | Reiser | Seven Ate Nine | Eqicure | Rollover | Redbull.
