Booker relocates to NEC Birmingham for its biggest catering trade show yet

Booker will host its annual catering trade show at the NEC Birmingham for the first time this year, moving to the larger site due to increased demand.

Now in its sixth year, the largest event in the Booker calendar will see the wholesaler take 20% more space than last year and welcome thousands more guests and over 250 suppliers, exhibitors, stands and displays.

On 24 September, over 5,000 visitors are expected to attend the event from across the UK’s catering, hospitality and on-trade sectors. More than 1,000 representatives from Booker, including category, sales and branch managers, and Venus Wines & Spirits will be at the event to meet customers.

In addition to supplier stands, The Chef’s Stage will share menu inspiration and emerging food trends, presented by leading chefs in live cooking sessions. The Butchery zone will spotlight Booker’s strength as the largest catering butcher in the UK, and the team will be demonstrating how their specialist cutting skills and knowledge can take cost out of kitchens, inspire menus with serving suggestions and drive more profit for customers.

The Desserts Stage will feature several new product launches under Booker’s own brand, while Farm Fresh will focus on seasonal produce. In the Drinks Theatre, a full day’s schedule will cover emerging beverage trends, including latte art, bubble teas, mocktails, cocktails, and food-and-drink pairings.

Bringing the latest Wine Guide to life, Booker’s World of Wine Sampling Trail will take visitors on a journey to explore a curated range of wines, while Booker’s premium drinks division Venus will have a dedicated zone, highlighting its blend of expertise, passion and extensive drinks range to premium bar partners.

There will be a spotlight on CaterPro, the new professional own-label catering packaging and disposables range, alongside tastings for the new World Cuisines sub-brand featuring Greek, Turkish, Italian, Indian and African-Caribbean products.

Attendees will be able to take advantage of Booker’s newly launched Christmas Festive Menu pre-order service. This sees 85 exclusive seasonal products available to order until 30 September, ready for direct delivery to sites from mid-November. This will be set against a seasonal backdrop featuring a Christmas tree, music and decor to mark the start of the festive trading period.

Hundreds of deals, discounts and promotions will be available on the day, along with food and drink tastings and an exclusive look at Booker’s refreshed own-brand range.

Stuart Hyslop, Booker’s Catering managing director, said: “We are thrilled to be expanding our footprint at this year’s Catering Trade Show. We can promise a fun, inspiring and informative day for our customers. This additional space at the NEC Birmingham, alongside its central UK positioning and great transport links, will be ideal for this year’s event, making it even easier for more customers to attend. We are looking forward to welcoming both new and existing business partners to celebrate the best that Booker has to offer.

“We are aiming to draw record footfall this year at what promises to be our biggest and best Catering Trade Show yet. There will be competitions, giveaways and money-saving deals and discounts – all to support our valuable catering customers. The Booker team will be there to listen to customer feedback, understand where we can be of service, finding solutions and tailoring our offer to ensure we stay relevant and agile to the current and evolving needs of our customers and their businesses.

“We offer a warm welcome in advance to any new customers from across the spectrum of hospitality and catering operators, large and small, but do encourage attendees to register their place now to secure a free ticket as demand is very high.

“Booker is clear from spending time listening to our customers that the challenges faced running a business across the trade today are unprecedented, from increased headwinds caused by payroll, energy and food inflation alongside unpredictable demand, recruitment issues and changing consumer behaviour. This is why the Booker Catering Trade Show exists – to offer support, solutions and inspiration while connecting our customers with industry professionals in a welcoming and engaging environment.”

Hyslop added: “It can be a lonely world running an independent business – but it does not have to be. Our message to those attending, but also for those unable to, Booker is here with you, in partnership, to help and support where we can.”

Booker serves more than 400,000 catering customers nationwide, serviced from its 190 branches through collect and delivery.

Published Date: August 19, 2025