Interview: Time for lunch!
We get the inside line from lunch! group event director Chris Brazier...
How are things going at the moment? Are you super-busy yet?
Yes indeed! lunch! is almost sold out already. We are overwhelmed by the ongoing support from the industry, but particularly the innovative suppliers investing in stands so they can do business with multi-site and independent food-to-go operators, cafés, coffee shops and more.
Registration is also going brilliantly with lots of big-name retailers, buyers and operators having signed up for the show already. And with the co-location of Casual Dining and Commercial Kitchen, and your lunch! ticket allowing free access to both, we anticipate the who’s who of the hospitality industry being there.
What’s the hardest thing about organising an event of this size?
It’s never easy but it’s always enjoyable! It’s a mammoth task having three co-located shows together, but it’s worth it for the extra opportunities that it brings exhibitors and operators. We have also put things in place, including extra build-up days, to make set-up easier for all the exhibitors… and the organisers!
And your favourite part?
We love going onsite and seeing all the incredible new products that are launching at the show, and getting face to face with our customers that have made them. And, of course, we always enjoy seeing the biggest industry leaders at their show. I love getting to interview some of them live on stage, as they talk about their brands and teams with such passion.
What should people be looking forward to at this year’s lunch! show?
There are so many incredible brands on show this year and more coffee-related exhibitors than ever before. These range from start-ups to established big names including Starbucks Chilled Coffee, Sproud, Fri-Jado, Grind Coffee Roasters, Rollover UK, Biotiful Dairy, Milliways, Tony’s Chocoloney, Lavazza Coffee, Magrini, Nestle Professional, Radnor Hills, Raynor Foods, Trip Drinks, Bridge Coffee Roasters, Kelloggs, PG Tips, Pukka, Whole Earth, Clipper Teas, Kallo Foods, Simply Lunch, UCC Coffee, Huel, and many more.
The keynote line up is shaping up to be our best one yet. It features Guy Meakin, UK shops and franchise managing director for Pret; Marta Pogroszewska, director of Gail’s; Jo Hayward, vice president of convenience Europe for BP; Peter Dore Smith, founder and director of Kaffeine; Neil Sebba, managing director of Tossed; and many more. The show will also host some exciting panel sessions, delivering insights and expertise across a range of topics. It’s not to be missed!
Are there any trends or themes emerging?
Trends this year include gut health products featuring pro/prebiotics, plus kefir drinks. Health in general continues to be big and it has been great to see brands create healthier versions of indulgent food-to-go products. Innovation around coffee and particularly coffee machines has been interesting to see. You will have to visit lunch! to find it all.
What is the biggest factor currently affecting the industry?
I think it must be the cost of doing business – amongst many others. We are seeing many independent cafés and coffee shops operating at reduced hours and even days. Of course, finding staff can also play into this sadly. Many of these topics will be up for discussion across the keynote programme, where visitors can address these issues head-on with leaders in the industry.
What one piece of advice would you offer someone working in the industry?
Talk about the good stuff too so we can attract talent into hospitality! Talk about how no two days are the same. Talk about the friends you make, whether they be co-workers or customers. Talk about the fact that hospitality can be an incredible career and that it is a true meritocracy. As an industry we’ve become great at promoting food, drinks and design – but we need to promote hospitality as a career too.
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