Food & Drink Network UK at PPMA Total Show 2025: Innovation, Connection and the Road Ahead

Food & Drink Network UK joined industry leaders at PPMA Total Show 2025, showcasing packaging innovation, automation in food production, and sustainability at NEC Birmingham — reflecting on 25 years of connection, progress and business growth in UK food manufacturing.

Food & Drink Network UK joined industry leaders at PPMA Total Show 2025, one of the UK’s key exhibitions for processing and packaging machinery, robotics and automation.

Held from 23–25 September at the NEC Birmingham, the event once again brought together manufacturers, suppliers and innovators from across the UK food manufacturing sector — with visitors also travelling from Europe and further afield.

Over three days, the exhibition floor buzzed with conversation and creativity. The show offered a clear look at where the industry is heading — towards smarter automation, cleaner production, and more sustainable solutions that reflect the evolving priorities of today’s food and drink manufacturers.

Innovation in Motion

From the first morning, the atmosphere inside the NEC was charged with energy. Hundreds of exhibitors unveiled the latest packaging innovations and food processing technologies, from robotic pick-and-place systems to AI-powered inspection tools. Everywhere you looked, progress was on display.

“It’s always exciting to see the pace of change,” says Kimberley Read, Business Manager at Food & Drink Network UK. “Packaging is getting smarter, automation is becoming more intuitive, and sustainability isn’t just part of the conversation anymore — it’s driving it.”

Across the stands, efficiency, sustainability and automation in food production were the dominant themes. Many companies showcased machinery designed to reduce waste, save energy and streamline complex production lines — a powerful reminder of how technology continues to shape the future of UK food manufacturing.

Connecting with the Industry

For Food & Drink Network UK, attending PPMA was as much about people as it was about technology. The magazine’s stand quickly became a meeting point for readers, advertisers and contributors — both familiar faces and first-time visitors.

“We’ve built so many great relationships over the years,” Kimberley explains. “It’s always good to see the businesses we’ve featured continuing to grow. Hearing that our coverage has helped raise awareness or create new opportunities really brings our work to life.”

Having been part of the industry for more than 25 years, Food & Drink Network UK has played a consistent role in helping businesses share their stories and connect with the right audience. The show offered a rare opportunity to see that impact in person — through face-to-face conversations, shared experiences and plenty of coffee-fuelled ideas for what’s next.

New Encounters and Fresh Ideas

Equally rewarding were the many new connections made during the event. Visitors who were discovering Food & Drink Network UK for the first time stopped by the stand to browse the latest issue and learn more about the magazine’s role in the industry.

“It’s great meeting people who are just finding out about us,” says Kimberley. “So many said, ‘This is exactly what we’ve been looking for.’ There’s a real appetite for a publication that connects manufacturers, suppliers and service providers through stories that matter.”

Conversations with both established brands and emerging start-ups revealed a shared sense of optimism. From companies developing AI-driven production systems to innovators working on biodegradable packaging, the discussions reflected an industry that’s creative, forward-thinking and eager to collaborate.

Sustainability and Automation Take the Spotlight

Walking the aisles of PPMA Total Show 2025, it was clear how much the industry has evolved. Sustainability is now embedded into every stage of production — from packaging materials to machine design. Exhibitors showcased recyclable and compostable products, alongside energy-efficient machinery aimed at reducing carbon impact and improving resource efficiency.

Meanwhile, automation in food production continues to advance at remarkable speed. Robotics, artificial intelligence and data-led processes are now fundamental to how manufacturers operate, ensuring consistency, safety and traceability. The balance between human skill and smart technology is being redefined — and the progress on show made it clear that the future of food processing technology is both intelligent and sustainable.

Looking Ahead to PPMA 2026

As the show drew to a close, there was a tangible sense of optimism about the road ahead. PPMA 2025 reaffirmed why this exhibition remains one of the most important events on the calendar — a place where ideas spark partnerships and innovation drives connection.

“Every conversation reminded me how strong this industry is,” Kimberley reflects. “It’s full of people who care deeply about what they do and who are constantly pushing to make things better. We left Birmingham full of ideas and inspiration for the year ahead.”

After more than two decades supporting the industry, Food & Drink Network UK remains as committed as ever to telling the stories that matter — stories that inspire progress, foster collaboration and celebrate the achievements shaping the food and drink manufacturing community.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our stand, picked up a magazine or shared their insights. We’re already looking forward to seeing you all again at PPMA Total Show 2026 — ready to discover the next wave of innovation shaping the future of food and drink.