Record footfall, a festival atmosphere and seven Innovation Award winners. Here’s how Natural & Organic Food Show made its mark at the inaugural London Food & Drink Festival.
Natural & Organic Food Show took place on a bigger stage this September. For the first time, it joined lunch!, The National Restaurant, Pub & Bar Show, Artisan Food & Drink Show and London Drinks Exchange under one roof at Excel London, creating the London Food & Drink Festival.
The result was a landmark two days. The festival welcomed 10,958 visitors – a 26% increase on the same period last year. More than 600 exhibitors showcased new products and innovations, and over 200 speakers took to eight stages, the biggest speaker line-up the shows have ever run.
“A must-attend event”
The show’s reputation among buyers and retailers was clear from the people who came.
Genevieve Fitch, Supplier Relationship Manager at Ocado explained why:
“I love coming to the Natural & Organic Food Show because there are so many new exciting brands to explore. It’s the perfect place for the industry to meet people and to see what innovation and new trends are coming up.”
Izzie Peskett, Head of Marketing for Whole Foods Market said:
“I’m always on the hunt for something I’ve not seen. So that’s what [Natural & Organic Food Show] offers me, both with existing relationships with people I already know and then the chance to build new ones.”
Suria Darley, Global Head of Product Development for Holland and Barrett said:
“I absolutely love coming to the Natural Organic show because it is the hub of all startup brands and also some brands that have been around for a while… It is brilliant to connect with buyers, it’s brilliant to connect with business owners, and we all have one passion in common – brilliant food that tastes amazing.”
Andrew Goodacre, CEO of the British Independent Retailers Association, called Natural & Organic Food Show “a must attend event for any independent retailer wanting to see the best in natural and organic food products.”
He added: “Having all the expertise, knowledge and quality producers in one place results in the visitors leaving very satisfied.”
The biggest buyers, all in one place
Sharing the floor with lunch! and The National Restaurant, Pub & Bar Show put natural and organic brands in front of an even wider mix of retail and hospitality decision-makers.
Buyers came from across retail and hospitality, with senior representatives from Sainsbury’s, Tesco, John Lewis, Whole Foods Market, Planet Organic, wagamama, Pret, Costa and many more.
James Campbell, Director of Product & Innovation at Sainsbury’s, said of the benefits of attending events like London Food & Drink Festival:
“It’s a really great show that captures a lot of the great emerging brands we’re seeing in this country. We can spot trends as they’re starting to come through.”
Exhibitors felt the difference too. Damon Serji, Founder and Managing Director of Everyday Superfood noted the mix of people:
“We’ve had quite a lot of visitors and buyers from all these different categories… It’s a nice mix having the hospitality side of the market. It makes perfect sense because we are all interconnected. A lot of customers and businesses share the same goals.”
Celebrating innovation: the Natural & Organic Food Show Innovation Awards
Innovation was at the heart of the show, and this year’s Innovation Awards recognised standout new products across seven categories.
| Category | Winner |
| Best New Drink | RAW Water Kefir, Windmill Organics |
| Best Herbal Product | Night Drops, The Herbtender |
| Best New Organic Drink | Organic Japanese Hojicha Powder, Clearspring |
| Best New Organic Food | Organic Oaty White Strong Bread Flour, Doves Farm |
| Best New Snack | Dark Chocolate Coconut Bar Organic Multipack, Biona |
| Best New Special Diet Product | SUPERKEEN Minis |
| Best New Vegan Food | Beremeal Sourdough Crackers, Eviedale Bakehouse |
For Clearspring, the win was a proud moment. Managing Director Maria Dawson said:
“We loved being part of it, and coming away with this award made it an even more memorable couple of days for the whole Clearspring family. This year there was such a positive energy, especially being alongside lunch! the National Restaurant, Pub & Bar Show, Artisan Food & Drink Show and London Drinks Exchange. It brought together an amazing mix of brands, retailers, buyers and industry friends, with a real festival atmosphere.“
Join us in 2027
Chris Brazier, Group Event Director of the London Food & Drink Festival, sums it up:
“Nearly 11,000 visitors, an unprecedented 26% jump on last year, over 600 exhibitors and some of the most exciting innovation we’ve seen in this sector in years. We can’t wait to build on this for next year. Thanks again to all the exhibitors, buyers, speakers and supporters”
The festival returns to Excel London on 22-23 September 2027, and stand sales for Natural & Organic Food Show are now open.
If you make natural, organic, free-from or artisan products and want to put them in front of the buyers who matter, now is the time to secure your space.
Book your stand today by speaking to John: [email protected]
