Leading UK foodservice supplier takes food event on tour

Brakes' Foodie Expo launches in Scotland on 1 May

Brakes’ Foodie Expo launches in Scotland on 1 May

UK foodservice supplier Brakes has announced three major live food events for 2024, taking place in Scotland and England.

Each Brakes Foodie Expo will feature more than 60 stands with a range of small businesses and national brands, alongside live demonstrations and presentations on food trends, the company said.

Brakes, which is part of the Sysco group of companies, added that an online event is running alongside the physical events allowing customers to access content from the live event virtually.

Launching in Scotland on 1 May, the Brakes Foodie Expo will then visit Birmingham on 22 May, before ending in the South of England on 25 September.

The Scottish event will take place at the Royal Highland Centre, near Edinburgh, and will allow customers to meet small local food producers as well as national brands, Brakes said.

Throughout the day, customers will be able see a range of demonstrations highlighting topical events and the latest trends in foodservice.

There will be more than 70 stands allowing customers to talk to a wide range of suppliers and sample new and interesting food, drink and catering supplies in one place, Brakes said.

On 22 May, the Expo moves to Birmingham, where customers will be able to experience similar demonstrations, with the addition of specialist care and education presentations. 

Paul Nieduszynski, Sysco GB CEO, said: “Last year, we launched our first major live events since the pandemic and the feedback was excellent. There’s nothing like being able to see, smell and taste food to help make decisions on menus.

“This year we’ve expanded the Foodie Expo to include live demonstrations so that we can provide practical examples of how products can be used in kitchens.”

Brakes’ online event will showcase 45 virtual stands, and features a host of helpful resources including recipes, insights and solutions to save money, time and labour among other things.

As well as seeing new products and solutions, customers will be able to take part in competitions and earn mybrakes rewards cashback on the products featured.

Brakes delivers fresh and frozen food and ingredients from its nationwide network of distribution centres to pubs and restaurants, as well as schools, caterers, care homes and hospitals, across the UK.