HRC took over ExCeL London alongside IFE, International Food & Drink Event and IFE Manufacturing on 20-22 March to welcome the food, drink and hospitality community for three packed days of learning, networking and streamlined product sourcing. 

Buyers and hospitality professionals celebrated the success of the event, here is just a selection of visitor feedback for this year's edition: 

James Perry, Head of Food & Beverage, Motorpoint Arena & National Ice Centre Nottingham

"This year was our first visit to IFE and HRC as a venue. An incredibly rewarding trip for us. We've gained some contacts, new ideas for tech and ticked off some items for a few projects we have. Would highly recommend - a one-stop shop for everything food & beverage."

James Page, Managing Director, Wentbridge House Hotel

"I’ve been attending HRC now for many years and it’s always a fixture on my calendar. To find the vast range of products and services, innovation and heavy equipment under one roof is hard to equal at any other exhibition. I would certainly encourage anyone in the industry to visit – it is well worth the time and you will come away with real value to add to your business.’

Graham Howarth, Head Chef, Chequers Estate

"If we can fit it in with our diary, I find it a really worthwhile exercise bringing as many of the team to HRC. The chance to network, meet new prospective suppliers in food, beverage, and equipment and take the team out of the work environment for a day is very valuable."

Chris Hill, Operations Director, Daniel Thwaites

"Great show this year, wonderful to see our great industry further continue to recover during these challenging times. Great selection of suppliers on show highlighting new innovation and developing trends. Seminars and networking this year was particularly good, Sustainability and people challenges being at the heart of the debates. I go away from the events with a list of exciting opportunities to look at further developing. Looking forward to next year’s show already! "

Andrew Aston, Head of Wellness & Nutrition, BaxterStorey

"I absolutely loved the atmosphere at the show, it felt positive, energetic & vibrant. Caught up with friends, met new friends, connected with some wonderful producers & manufacturers while experiencing some fantastic ingredients from all over the world. The Culinary Competitions & the skills theatre delivered a great platform for all ages of chefs & what a place to test themselves in front of a large curious audience. Very well done to every single person who brought the show to life & thank you for leaving me inspired’’ "

Jason Danciger, Managing Director, Hana Group

“In challenging times companies need innovation to boost top line & control costs and IFE, HRC & IFE Manufacturing combined provided that in buckets.”

Sarah Holden, Head of Talent Development, Home Grown Hotels    

"HRC is always a great day out- we use it to gather new ideas, network and perhaps most importantly as a development tool for our people. Each year we host at least 10 apprentices up to London for the day- to come to the show where we set some fun challenges around finding something new and interesting that they could take back to their properties as well as attending some of the seminars. The show was well organised, had a great atmosphere and the seminar programme well curated and relevant.  It’s a great way to be exposed all at once to the many different strings of our industry’s bow. "

Ben Clark, Head Pastry Chef, Whittlebury Park

"I found the event very interesting, there was a wide range of new products to taste and see, it was great to see the amount of people from the food and beverage sector in one area. I especially enjoyed the area of European and world foods, it was also nice to see the paradise carriage, where top chefs were doing demonstrations. Great to see the younger generation of chefs at the competition level, some great work being done. Great experience will definitely visit again in the future "

HRC will return to ExCeL London alongside IFE, International Food & Drink Event and IFE Manufacturing on 25-27 March. In the meantime, subscribe to our newsletter to keep up to date with the latest trends, interviews and industry news.