Which consumer shows and trade events should we exhibit at throughout the year for product sampling and direct sales?

Members recommend a mix of dedicated food and drink consumer fairs and seasonal events, with proven returns on investment. The key is choosing shows that align with your product category and price point.

**Proven shows:** - **BBC Good Food Show** — strong performer; one member sold 820 bottles of their £20 (70cl) product at the winter edition and 530 at summer, generating significant revenue - **Ideal Home Show / Eat&Drink Festival** (runs late November–early December at Olympia) — described as "a must attend" with "great return" for spirits brands; typically sells bottled product around the £30 retail price point

**Key planning points:** - Clarify before committing: whether you can sell ready-made cocktails, bottles for off-licence, or both - Understand stand setup costs and requirements upfront - Track sales volume and retail price to compare ROI across events - Consider creating a shared member list of annual events and feedback by category, so brands can learn from each other's experiences at different shows

**Caveat:** Members are still collecting comprehensive year-round event data. The above reflects confirmed recent experience; a more complete calendar is being compiled by the community.