Food Matters Live plans major 2027 expansion

Food Matters Live has confirmed a significant expansion of its UK and European programme for 2027, following the strong industry response to its first London edition at Olympia earlier this month.

The event, held on 3–4 June 2026, brought together product developers, nutrition specialists, ingredient innovators, manufacturers, retailers and foodservice leaders for two days of insight, discovery and high‑value networking.

Managing director Briony Mansell‑Lewis said the reaction to the London launch “has been outstanding and confirms the strength of demand for a more focused, practical and high‑value event experience for the food and drink industry.” She added that the inaugural Olympia edition “has given us a very strong platform for 2027,” when Food Matters Live London will move into Olympia’s National Hall and Food Matters Live Rotterdam will return to the Ahoy Convention Centre.

The London event showcased Food Matters Live’s distinctive format, combining expert insight, immersive ingredient discovery, structured networking and practical NPD discussion. Across two days, visitors explored the future of food, health and nutrition through tastings, sensory showcases, roundtables, curated meetings and hands‑on product development sessions.

Three new features underlined the evolving priorities of the sector. The Flavour & Colour Lab explored how flavour, colour, texture, aroma and sensory science can support product appeal and cleaner‑label formulation. Sensory Lab Showcases demonstrated the role of sensory design in delivering taste, texture and aroma. Meanwhile, the NPD Discovery Zone and Theatre provided a dedicated platform for innovators to present new ingredients, technologies and development solutions — highlighting the potential for future exhibition growth.

The event also strengthened Food Matters Live’s international relevance. The Danish Agriculture & Food Council joined the London edition for the first time, bringing leading Danish innovators to Olympia and emphasising the UK’s importance as a market for global ingredient and food technology businesses.

Reflecting the issues shaping the industry — from healthier reformulation and positive nutrition to sustainability, affordability, consumer trust and science‑led product development — the 2026 edition set the stage for a larger, more ambitious programme next year.

In June 2027, Food Matters Live London will move into Olympia’s National Hall, a space that will allow the event to grow every major feature, including Tastes of Better, Insights and Trends, Future of Positive Nutrition, NPD Discovery and the Flavour & Colour Lab. New areas such as NutraConnect will bring together formulation masterclasses, ingredient showcases and facilitated meetings, while a dedicated Private Label pavilion will expand the NPD Discovery offer.

Attendance will remain application‑led, ensuring a carefully curated audience of senior decision‑makers, product developers, ingredient specialists and innovators from manufacturers, brand owners, retailers and foodservice operators.

Food Matters Live Rotterdam will also return on 21–22 September 2027, building on the success of its first continental Europe edition in 2025. Rotterdam’s position as a major European food, logistics and innovation hub makes it a natural location for the event’s continued development across the continent.

“What makes Food Matters Live so special is the depth of knowledge, passion and commitment within this community,” said Mansell‑Lewis. “As we look ahead to 2027, our move to Olympia’s National Hall gives us the opportunity to create an even richer experience for the UK industry. At the same time, our return to Rotterdam will allow us to build on the success of our first continental Europe event and further develop our platform for innovation and collaboration across Europe.”

Food Matters Live – 2027 Schedule

• London: 16 – 17 June
• Rotterdam: 21-22 September