Thomas Ridley expects to attract 600 visitors to EAT trade show

Thomas Ridley Foodservice is expecting to attract more than 600 visitors to its EAT trade show at Newmarket Racecourse on 13 October.

Thomas Ridley, which is part of the Caterfood Buying Group, is bringing together up to 125 suppliers and hundreds of buyers from the hospitality, education, healthcare and retail sectors. The event is designed to build on the success of last year, when around 380 visitors attended.

EAT26 will offer visitors the opportunity to discover new products, sample emerging food trends, explore labour-saving solutions and take advantage of exclusive show offers.

Alongside leading national brands, the event will showcase some of East Anglia’s producers, including Stokes Sauces, Fairfields Farm, Aspall Cyder and Breckland Orchard. Their presence reflects Thomas Ridley’s commitment to supporting local businesses and creating opportunities for regional producers to connect with customers across Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire.

Carly Redington, head of sales at Thomas Ridley Foodservice, said: “EAT has become much more than a trade show. It’s where our customers come to discover new ideas, meet suppliers and find practical solutions that help their businesses thrive.

“We’re especially proud to showcase so many outstanding local producers alongside leading national brands, giving visitors the chance to discover the very best of East Anglia’s food and drink industry. The continued growth of EAT reflects the strength of our region’s foodservice sector, and we’re looking forward to welcoming more visitors than ever before.”

Now in its fourth year, EAT has established itself as the region’s leading foodservice trade event. Attendance is free for trade visitors, including hospitality businesses, schools, colleges, care homes, healthcare providers, cafés, pubs, restaurants, hotels, leisure venues and retail food businesses.