The garden retail trade event Glee is set to return for its 51st edition with a flavourful new addition: Food @ Glee. This brand-new sector is set to transform the show experience, offering garden centres and retail buyers the opportunity to explore the growing world of food and drink in garden retail.
Launching at this year’s exhibition, which takes place from September 16 to September 18 at NEC Birmingham, Food @ Glee brings together a curated selection of producers, suppliers and innovators from the world of speciality food and drink, catering solutions, and destination retail experiences.
As garden centres continue to cement their position as lifestyle destinations, food is playing an increasingly important role in the customer journey. Recognising this shift, Glee organiser Hyve Group has crafted a new platform where quality, provenance and retail opportunity meet to create a zone for buyers looking to capitalise on the powerful connection between food and leisure.
“This new chapter for Glee reflects the evolution of the garden retail sector and its customers’ expectations. Food is not just an add-on – it’s a key ingredient in creating thriving, multi-sensory retail environments”
Among the confirmed exhibitors are wholesale food supplier Brakes – a Sysco Company, Coffee King, Appetite Me/First Franchise, The Full Range, KFF – a Sysco Company, Arrange Spaces, and Magrini.
Attendees can sample the indulgent creations of The Amazing Chocolate Workshop, explore the bold approach of iSqueeze, savour the heritage and flavour of Long Clawson Dairy, and uncover the distinctive character of Smoked Bishop.
Retailers will have the opportunity to connect with Nisa Retail, offering independent and convenience food solutions, and gain valuable insights from the placemaking and foodservice expertise of Pleydell Smithyman.
The visitor experience goes beyond exhibition stands, with a programme of workshops providing hands-on guidance on topics including menu development, supplier selection, sustainability and cost management. Adding even more flavour, live demonstrations of pop-up cafés and mobile food units will highlight the versatility and commercial potential of modern food-led retail concepts, offering fresh ideas to shape your future business strategy.
Hyve Group said: “This new chapter for Glee reflects the evolution of the garden retail sector and its customers’ expectations. Food is not just an add-on – it’s a key ingredient in creating thriving, multi-sensory retail environments. Whether it’s a grab-and-go offering, a full café menu, or a curated in-store food hall, Food @ Glee is where ideas will come to life, collaborations will be sparked, and future success stories will be born.”
