Hotel, Restaurant & Catering (HRC) and IFE, International Food & Drink Event, which take place on 20-22 March 2023 at ExCeL London, will be combining their drinks offerings to create a one-stop-shop for drinks product sourcing.  

Drinks @ HRC & IFE will see the full range of drinks products from both events - from soft drinks to hot beverages to alcohol and low & no - come together in one central location alongside focussed content and networking opportunities.  

Buyers from the worlds of hospitality, food & 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 & drink investment firm Mission Ventures Ltd, comments: “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.  

The section has the support of a number of key association partners, including the the British Soft Drinks Association (BSDA), whose Director General Gavin Partington says: “The British Soft Drinks Association is pleased to be renewing its partnership with IFE to connect soft drink brands and manufacturers with thought leaders and innovators from across the wider food & drink industry. The launch of Drinks @ HRC & IFE is a valuable opportunity for retail and hospitality buyers to learn about the latest trends and NPD in this dynamic category.”

Exhibitor Emma House, Commercial Planning Manager at Cocoa Canopy, says: “We're super excited that drinks are being consolidated into one area for 2023, enabling buyers to maximise opportunities with potential suppliers!”   

Drinks have long been a product category for both events, as Ronda Annesley, Event Manager for HRC, explains: “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 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, CEO of the British Institute of Innkeeping, comments: “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.” 

HRC, IFE and The Pub Show will return to ExCeL London alongside IFE Manufacturing on 20-22 March 2023, creating the UK’s biggest gathering for the food, drink and hospitality community.