Drinks @ HRC & IFE launches for the UK drinks sector

Hotel, Restaurant & Catering (HRC) and International Food & Drink Event (IFE), which take place on 20-22 March 2023 at ExCeL London, will be combining their offering into one product sourcing event this year.

Drinks @ HRC & IFE will see the full range of drinks products from both events - including soft drinks, hot beverages and alcohol - come together in one central location alongside focussed content and networking opportunities.

Buyers from the worlds of hospitality, food amd drink retail, wholesale and more will have the opportunity to discover unique new drinks products from creative start-ups and innovative launches from some of the biggest brands in the sector.

Paddy Willis, executive chairman & co-founder of food and drink investment firm Mission Ventures, said: “Drinks brands, whichever category they sit in, are typically reliant on a multi-channel distribution strategy. Putting them together in one place enhances their opportunities for being discovered by buyers who might normally not visit all three of the shows. I believe this move will benefit both buyers and sellers.”

Suppliers and distributors confirmed for the section so far include Bacardi Martini Ltd - Tails Cocktails, Folkington’s, Boutique Brands Ltd, New English Teas, and Esprala Drinks.

Drinks have long been a product category for both events, explained Ronda Annesley, event manager for HRC: “Over 45% of visitors to our 2022 events were looking to source new drinks suppliers, and this fantastic new section will provide more than 150 innovative drinks brands from the UK and around the world with a platform to meet directly with these buyers and will also provide a dedicated area at the event for the drinks community to meet, network, discover new products and learn from their peers.”

The Pub Show, taking place alongside Drinks @ HRC & IFE will also be expanding its presence for 2023 with more tech, equipment and services catering to the pub and bar industry, plus free, one-on-one hospitality consultations, and networking opportunities available for visitors.

The British Institute of Innkeeping (BII) will be on hand with Helpline Live, a chance for pub, bar, and hospitality business owners to meet with a range of industry experts and consultants to gain bespoke advice and solutions for their business.

Steve Alton, chief executive of the BII, said: “The BII is delighted to hear about the development of the HRC & IFE shows next year, incorporating the expansion of the drinks area and PUB23. We are hugely looking forward to attending and meeting industry colleagues to share the BII’s passion for our vital and vibrant pubs.”