It's a one stop shop for expertise for farm shop and deli owners, now in its seventh year, the Farm Shop and Deli Show returns to the NEC in Birmingham from April 24-26, 2017 with a whole host of speakers, stands and awards for food retailers to explore. The 2017 show is set to be the biggest yet with more than 450 exhibitors on hand to showcase their food, drink, gifts and equipment products.

A place to discover

Innovation is at the heart of this event as the Farm Shop and Deli Show showcases concepts and creations in ingredients, equipment, drinks, products and digital tools to aid customer service, inspire and boost profits. Visitors will be able to touch, taste, try and talk to the exhibitors to see how they can grow their business.

Experts take to the stage

There will be a wealth of experienced and stimulating speakers, offering insight into industry trends as well as sharing business inspiration and advice. Farm Shop and Deli Live will be the place to learn how to maximise profits whilst embracing innovation, all chaired by renowned chef, broadcaster and writer, Richard Fox. Known for his passion and industry expertise, Richard will guide audiences through a programme of live sessions and thought-provoking debates.

Visitors to the opening day of the show can witness The Fabulous Baker Brothers, Tom and Henry Herbert as they divulge their trade secrets.

Building relationships with customers is vital for small food retailers and author, BBC Apprentice candidate and TV presenter, Saira Kahn is perfectly placed to share her knowledge on how to get customer engagement right.

Paul Hargreaves CEO of Cotswold Fayre, will show visitors how to harness people power. His session will explore how to build a workplace community, get Millennials onside and empower teams so retailers can hold onto their top talent.

Patricia Michelson, the founder and director of La Fromagerie in London will also take to the stage. La Fromagerie in Marylebone is famed for its cheeses and in her session, Patricia will demonstrate how local stores can maximise sales through a superior display.

Melissa Cole, award winning beer writer and sommelier will talk about the do’s and don’ts for creating the ultimate craft beer with her interactive tasting session, whilst Richard Fox cooks up some deli classics for the perfect combination.

The show will once again play host to The Farm Shop and Deli Awards. These prestigious awards recognise independent retailers selling regional fresh farm produce or with a deli counter. Categories include Baker, Butcher, Cheesemonger, Fishmonger, Delicatessen, Greengrocer, Market, Village Store and the ever-increasing Online Business.

Online registration is open at www.farmshopanddelishow.co.uk and a visitor badge will gain additional access to The Forecourt Show and the National Convenience Show which run alongside. The show is supported by FARMA and The Giftware Association.