The Food & Drink Expo in Birmingham is one of the most anticipated events in the UK food industry calendar. Bringing together buyers, suppliers, and innovators from across retail, wholesale, hospitality, manufacturing, and foodservice, it offers a unique platform for making connections, discovering trends, and showcasing products. For Gills, it was the perfect opportunity to present our full range, meet industry decision-makers face to face and demonstrate why we are recognised as one of the UK’s leading manufacturers and distributors of premium British sausages.
From the moment the doors opened, the event buzzed with energy and excitement. Thousands of visitors from across the country arrived ready to explore, taste and talk about the future of food. For our team, it was a chance to bring the Gills brand to life, share our story, and show exactly what sets our products apart.
Our Full Range at the Food & Drink Expo
Exhibiting at the Food & Drink Expo gave us the space to display and discuss the breadth of our product range. From our classic thick pork sausages to regional specialities like Cumberland and Lincolnshire, every product we produce reflects the heritage, quality and consistency that our customers have come to expect. We were able to highlight the craftsmanship and care that goes into each sausage, from sourcing high-quality British pork to perfecting seasoning blends and ensuring a consistent texture and flavour every time.
Our stand attracted interest from a wide range of buyers, from major national retailers to independent wholesalers and hospitality providers looking to offer their customers something special. Visitors were keen to learn more about the heritage behind the Gills name, our production capabilities and our strong distribution network that reaches across the UK and beyond.
Sampling sessions proved to be one of the highlights of our stand. Guests were able to taste the difference for themselves, experiencing first-hand the juicy texture, balanced seasoning, and full flavour that define our sausages. Many commented on the consistency of quality across our range, something we are particularly proud of given the scale of our operation. It was an important reminder that while we have the capacity to supply nationwide, our approach to production remains rooted in traditional methods and attention to detail.
Why Gills Stands Out in the UK Market
The Food & Drink Expo provided a valuable platform to reinforce our position as one of the leading sausage manufacturers and distributors in the UK. Our reputation is built on the taste and quality of our products as well as the reliability and efficiency of our supply chain. This combination of quality and capability is what allows us to serve some of the biggest names in retail, as well as a diverse network of wholesalers and foodservice operators.
One of the topics that generated particular interest among visitors was our ability to deliver consistently at scale. For many buyers, working with a supplier who can maintain product integrity while meeting high volume demands is essential. We were able to demonstrate how our facilities, processes and quality control measures work together to achieve that balance.
We also had conversations with new contacts about our flexibility in product development and how we can tailor recipes, formats, and packaging to meet the needs of different market sectors. From supermarket shelves to hotel breakfasts, and from pub menus to catering contracts, we have the expertise and resources to meet a wide range of requirements without compromising on quality.
Adding a Touch of Fun at Food & Drink Expo with Gilly the Mascot
Of course, a trade show is about more than just business. It’s also about creating memorable moments for visitors – and our mascot, Gilly, was there to do exactly that. Gilly added a touch of light-hearted entertainment to the day, engaging with guests, posing for photos and making sure everyone left our stand with a smile.
Gilly’s presence helped to draw in the crowds, but more importantly, it reflected the personality and approachability of our brand. We take what we do seriously, but we also believe in building positive connections with our customers and partners. The lively atmosphere around our stand throughout the day was proof that business and enjoyment can go hand in hand.
