| Event Name |
Restaurant & Takeaway Innovation Expo |
| Event Date |
29–30 September 2026 |
| Event Status |
Upcoming |
| Venue |
ExCeL |
| City |
London |
| State / Region |
England |
| Country |
United Kingdom |
| Organizer |
Not publicly confirmed in the provided official source text |
| Official Event Website |
takeawayexpo.co.uk |
| Event Type |
Trade show / expo / sector innovation event |
| Primary Category |
Food & Beverages |
| Secondary Applicable Categories |
Hospitality; Business Services; Packaging & Packaging; IT & Technology |
| Audience Reach |
National with regional and selected international sourcing relevance |
| Estimated Attendance / Expected Footfall |
Attendance figure not publicly confirmed by the organizer. |
| Attendance Data Reliability |
Low to medium; limited public confirmation in the provided official source text |
| Main Purpose of Event |
Showcase innovation, products, services, and solutions for restaurant, takeaway, and food-service operators; support sourcing, partnerships, education, and business development |
Restaurant & Takeaway Innovation Expo is positioned as a UK-focused food-service industry event centered on innovation for restaurants, takeaways, and related hospitality operators. Based on the official site wording, it is marketed as “The UK’s Premier Food Service Event,” which indicates a strong emphasis on commercial solutions, supplier discovery, and operational improvement for the out-of-home food sector.
The event is most relevant to buyers and decision-makers involved in food sourcing, packaging, ordering technology, delivery optimization, kitchen equipment, operational efficiency, and customer experience. It should be useful for supplier meetings, product discovery, partnership development, and B2B lead generation across food service, hospitality, and adjacent technology categories.
1. Who Attends: Buyers / Attendees
| Buyer / Attendee Segment |
Typical Organizations |
Buying Role or Influence |
Relevance to Exhibitors / Suppliers |
| Restaurant operators |
Independent restaurants, multi-site restaurant groups, QSR brands |
Owners, managing directors, operations heads, procurement leads |
High-value buyers for equipment, ingredients, tech, packaging, and services |
| Takeaway and delivery businesses |
Takeaway brands, ghost kitchens, dark kitchens, delivery-first operators |
Founders, operators, digital transformation leads |
Strong fit for ordering software, packaging, logistics, and menu optimization suppliers |
| Procurement and sourcing teams |
Food service groups, franchisors, hospitality chains |
Category management, supply negotiation, vendor onboarding |
Primary audience for supplier discovery and commercial discussions |
| Hospitality operators |
Casual dining, pubs, cafés, catering businesses, hotel food outlets |
Operations directors, food & beverage managers, general managers |
Relevant for products that improve menu economics, throughput, and customer service |
| Distributors and wholesalers |
Food and beverage distributors, wholesale suppliers, trade cash-and-carry |
Buying directors, commercial managers, category buyers |
Useful for bulk supply, private label, and route-to-market partnerships |
| Importers and brand owners |
Food importers, packaged food brands, beverage brands |
Commercial directors, sourcing teams, product managers |
Relevant for ingredient sourcing, packaging, and channel expansion |
| Technology decision-makers |
POS providers, ordering platforms, restaurant tech firms, integrators |
CTO, CIO, IT director, product leads |
Strong audience for automation, analytics, and digital ordering solutions |
| Investors and advisers |
Food-tech investors, franchise advisers, growth consultants |
Deal screening, partnership evaluation, market intelligence |
Relevant for scaling brands and innovation ecosystem suppliers |
2. Event Location and Attendee Geographic Origin
| Geographic Area |
Likely Attendee Origin |
Buyer Concentration |
Notes |
| Host city: London |
High local attendance from London-based food service and hospitality businesses |
High |
London is a major hub for restaurant groups, delivery operators, suppliers, and investors |
| Host region: England |
Attendance from national operators, regional chains, and suppliers across England |
High |
Likely strongest domestic sourcing and commercial buying base |
| Nearby business hubs |
South East England, Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol, Leeds |
Medium to high |
Likely to attract multi-site operators and regional distribution partners |
| National reach |
UK-wide restaurant, takeaway, franchise, and food-service stakeholders |
High |
The event’s title and positioning suggest broad UK buyer relevance |
| International reach |
Selected European suppliers, importers, and food-tech vendors |
Medium |
International relevance is likely for sourcing and product innovation, but not publicly confirmed in the supplied source text |
3. Audience Reach
4. Sample Buyer Companies and Websites
| Buyer Company / Organization |
Buyer Type |
Why It Is Relevant |
Website |
Best Job Titles to Target |
Evidence Level |
| McDonald’s UK |
Restaurant operator |
Large-scale food-service buyer with needs in operations, digital ordering, and supply chain |
mcdonalds.com |
Procurement Director, Supply Chain Director, Operations Director |
Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Greggs |
Takeaway / bakery retail operator |
Relevant for takeaway formats, store operations, packaging, and food innovation |
greggs.co.uk |
Category Manager, Operations Director, Commercial Director |
Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Pret A Manger |
Food-service chain |
Potential buyer for menu innovation, packaging, and operational efficiency solutions |
pret.com |
Procurement Manager, Food Innovation Manager, Operations Leader |
Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Just Eat Takeaway.com |
Delivery platform / marketplace |
Relevant for restaurant tech, merchant partnerships, and delivery ecosystem suppliers |
justeattakeaway.com |
Partnerships Director, Merchant Growth Lead, Product Manager |
Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Deliveroo |
Delivery platform / food tech |
Strong fit for technology, logistics, and restaurant partnership discussions |
deliveroo.co.uk |
Business Development Director, Partnerships Manager, Product Lead |
Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| PizzaExpress |
Restaurant chain |
Relevant for restaurant procurement, franchise operations, and customer experience solutions |
pizzaexpress.com |
Procurement Director, Operations Director, Category Manager |
Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Wagamama |
Restaurant operator |
Potential buyer for kitchen efficiency, supply chain, and innovation-led food service offerings |
wagamama.com |
Operations Director, Procurement Manager, Innovation Lead |
Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Whitbread / Premier Inn Food & Beverage |
Hospitality operator |
Buyer for food service procurement, menu development, and guest-facing technology |
whitbread.co.uk |
F&B Director, Procurement Director, Operations Manager |
Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Bidfood UK |
Foodservice distributor |
Relevant distributor-side buyer for product sourcing, category expansion, and supplier partnerships |
bidfood.co.uk |
Buying Director, Category Director, Commercial Manager |
Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Brakes |
Foodservice wholesaler / distributor |
Important target for food, packaging, and operational supply chain solutions |
brakes.co.uk |
Purchasing Director, Category Manager, Commercial Director |
Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Nando’s UK |
Restaurant chain |
Relevant for supply chain, consumer experience, and restaurant technology solutions |
nandos.co.uk |
Procurement Manager, Operations Director, Digital Product Lead |
Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Sodexo UK & Ireland |
Food service provider |
Large institutional food buyer relevant to catering, sourcing, and facilities-related suppliers |
sodexo.co.uk |
Procurement Director, Category Manager, Operations Director |
Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
5. Job Profiles, Industries and Event Type
| Priority |
Job Title / Function |
Department |
Seniority Level |
Why This Role Matters |
| 1 |
Chief Procurement Officer / Procurement Director |
Procurement |
C-level / Director |
Owns supplier strategy, cost control, and vendor selection |
| 2 |
Head of Purchasing / Category Manager |
Buying / Commercial |
Manager / Head |
Evaluates products, pricing, and supplier fit |
| 3 |
Operations Director / Operations Manager |
Operations |
Director / Manager |
Drives efficiency, service quality, and implementation decisions |
| 4 |
Food & Beverage Manager / Commercial Director |
Food Service / Commercial |
Manager / Director |
Influences menu, supplier, and service model choices |
| 5 |
Supply Chain Director / Logistics Manager |
Supply Chain |
Director / Manager |
Important for sourcing reliability, delivery, and stock availability |
| 6 |
IT Director / CTO / CIO |
Technology |
Director / Executive |
Relevant for POS, ordering, analytics, and integration platforms |
| 7 |
Innovation Manager / Product Manager |
Innovation / Product |
Manager |
Scans market for new concepts and operational improvements |
| 8 |
Franchise Director / Business Development Director |
Business Development |
Director |
Drives expansion, partnerships, and concept scaling |
| Priority |
Apollo Industry |
Why It Fits the Event |
Best Buyer Use Case |
| 1 |
Food & Beverages |
Core industry for restaurants, takeaways, and supply-side vendors |
Primary food-service buyers and operators |
| 2 |
Hospitality |
Strong overlap with food-service operations and customer experience |
Hotels, restaurants, catering, venue operators |
| 3 |
Retail |
Relevant for takeaway retail concepts, convenience, and consumer-facing commerce |
Multi-site operators and category buyers |
| 4 |
Restaurants |
Directly aligned with the event’s operator base |
Owners, operators, procurement, and technology leaders |
| 5 |
Wholesale |
Important for distribution, bulk sourcing, and trade supply relationships |
Distributors and foodservice wholesalers |
| 6 |
Import & Export |
Useful for ingredient and product sourcing across borders |
Importers, private-label suppliers, international brands |
| 7 |
Packaging & Containers |
Takeaway format depends heavily on packaging innovation and sustainability |
Packaging buyers and suppliers |
| 8 |
Computer Software |
Relevant for POS, ordering, delivery, loyalty, and analytics solutions |
Food-tech and restaurant software buyers |
| 9 |
Information Technology & Services |
Supports systems integration, data, and digital transformation needs |
IT decision-makers and solution partners |
| 10 |
Logistics & Supply Chain |
Core for delivery efficiency, fulfillment, and stock movement |
Delivery, warehousing, and last-mile suppliers |
6. Estimated Attendance
7. Key Focus Areas and Buyer Engagement
| Focus Area |
Typical Buyer Need |
Buyer Engagement Opportunity |
Relevant Supplier Offering |
| Procurement |
Lower unit costs, supplier consolidation, improved sourcing terms |
Direct conversations with category and purchasing leaders |
Sourcing services, supplier networks, contract manufacturing |
| Technology |
Modern POS, ordering, loyalty, and back-office systems |
Demo-driven meetings with IT and operations leaders |
Restaurant software, integrations, analytics platforms |
| Packaging |
Takeaway-ready, sustainable, cost-effective packaging |
High-volume sourcing discussions with chain buyers |
Food containers, cups, bags, compostable packaging |
| Logistics |
Faster fulfillment, fewer stockouts, better delivery performance |
Supply chain optimization and delivery partner meetings |
Distribution, warehousing, route optimization |
| Food innovation |
Menu differentiation, speed, quality, and margin improvement |
Product sampling and formulation discussions |
Ingredients, private label, menu development support |
| Franchise / multi-site growth |
Standardization, roll-out support, operational scalability |
Meetings with expansion and commercial leaders |
Franchise services, training, systems, supply contracts |
| Factor |
Assessment |
Explanation |
| Buyer relevance |
High |
The event is directly aligned with restaurant, takeaway, and food-service buying behavior. |
| Decision-maker availability |
High |
Likely to include operators, procurement leaders, and commercial decision-makers. |
| Data collection potential |
Medium |
Useful for attendee profiling, but official public lists were not supplied in the provided source text. |
| Apollo targeting potential |
Very High |
Strong match for Food & Beverages, Hospitality, Retail, Wholesale, Software, and Logistics targeting. |
| Geographic targeting potential |
High |
London provides a strong concentration of food-service, hospitality, and buyer-side organizations. |
| Best outreach approach |
Very High |
Target procurement, operations, and commercial leaders with offer-led outreach and meeting-driven CTA. |
| Overall lead quality |
High |
Strong event for B2B list building and supplier prospecting in the food-service ecosystem. |
| Best use case |
Attendee list sales, exhibitor targeting, partner prospecting, and buyer development |
Particularly suitable for lead generation campaigns around food service, restaurant tech, packaging, and supply chain services. |
| Limitations / risks |
Limited public verification |
No confirmed current-year attendee, exhibitor, sponsor, or speaker list was provided in the source text. |
| Filter Type |
Recommended Filters |
Purpose |
| Apollo industries |
Food & Beverages; Hospitality; Retail; Wholesale; Import & Export; Packaging & Containers; Computer Software; Information Technology & Services; Logistics & Supply Chain |
Capture the full buyer and supplier ecosystem relevant to the expo |
| Departments |
Procurement; Operations; Supply Chain; Food & Beverage; Commercial; IT; Product; Business Development |
Reach decision-makers and budget owners |
| Seniority |
Manager; Director; VP; CXO; Owner; Partner; Head |
Prioritize people with purchasing authority or strong influence |
| Job titles |
Procurement Director, Category Manager, Operations Director, Food & Beverage Director, Supply Chain Director, IT Director, CTO, Commercial Director, Purchasing Manager, Innovation Manager |
Most likely attendees and targetable buyers |
| Geography |
United Kingdom; Greater London; South East England; major UK metro regions; selected European buyers |
Align with likely travel and sourcing patterns |
| Employee size |
11–50; 51–200; 201–500; 501–1,000; 1,000+ |
Covers independent operators through enterprise chains and distributors |
| Keywords |
restaurant, takeaway, food service, delivery, kitchen, POS, ordering, packaging, procurement, sourcing, menu development, hospitality, wholesale |
Improves search precision for event-relevant accounts |
| Company type |
Private; Public; Franchise; Multi-location; Distributor; Wholesaler; Importer |
Focus on organizations with buying scale and repeat demand |
Please share the client website or product/service details. I will review the client offering and identify the highest-fit buyer companies, Apollo industries, seniority levels, departments, and job titles from this event.