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Visitors can expect a welcome as warm as the industry itself, alongside a host of exciting new elements designed to deliver the “best show ever” for foodservice equipment.

A New Look for Foodservice Equipment Zone

For 2026, the foodservice equipment zone will move to a prime new location, right at the entrance to HRC. Two brand-new pavilions hosted by Cedabond will showcase a wider range of manufacturers and distributors than ever before, ensuring both international brands and bespoke suppliers can connect with buyers.

Lee Donkin, Managing Director at Cedabond said: “As the largest and most influential UK exhibition for the foodservice and hospitality sector, HRC rightly deserves its status as the place to go to meet suppliers, understand the latest industry trends and network with colleagues. For 2026, Cedabond is delighted to have partnered with the show's organisers to deliver the Cedabond Village. A dedicated area, at the heart of the show, the Cedabond Village will bring together 20 of our wonderful suppliers, creating a focal point for discussion, collaboration and innovation. As the UK’s most prominent catering equipment buying consortium, Cedabond is proud to champion the foodservice and hospitality sector and, with our commitment to support the nation’s largest event, is testament to our commitment to both suppliers and members, now and in the future."

Radford Chancellor, Director at Macintosh Foodservice Consultants and returning ambassador for the show, commented: “The new pavilions are a great way to offer a broader spectrum of exhibitors with more diverse opportunities to look at product innovation and to enable smaller manufacturers to participate in the show.”

Innovation on Display

Attendees can look forward to seeing the very latest in smart technology — from wireless connectivity and intuitive controls to seamless software integration. Key innovations will include precision holding cabinets with advanced temperature and humidity control; specialist equipment for pastry, pizza, and pasta and look out for a wider range of multi-functional cooking pans and high-speed ovens now making their mark across the wider industry.

Big Issues on the Agenda

Sustainability and energy saving will continue to be central themes across the equipment showcased. Emma Brooks, Managing Director of Quintex and Chair of the Foodservice Equipment Association (FEA), highlighted the key issues likely to drive debate at HRC 2026: “The industry’s focus on net zero, embodied carbon and operational carbon will be the strongest talking points for HRC next year – alongside AI, which will be the subject of the FEA’s conference in November this year – and I’m looking forward to lively panel discussions at the show.”

To help visitors make the most of their visit, a new app will offer personalised show planning tools, tailored route maps, and even the ability to pre-arrange ‘Meet the Buyer’ appointments with exhibitors.

The Power of Face-to-Face

Paul Anderson, Managing Director of Meiko UK, Immediate Past Chairman of the FEA, and an HRC ambassador for the second year running, said: “As the biggest hospitality show in the UK, HRC gives visitors that all-important opportunity to touch a product and to talk to the people behind it. At HRC 2025 we generated more leads on our stand than in any previous year. It is tough out there, but I believe that if we can really show our equipment, people can learn much more than if they’re just checking it out online.”

John Cunningham CFSP, Chief Executive of the FEA, added that the show’s new dedicated zones for pastry, street food, and bar — all with built-in networking spaces — would play a vital role: “It’s so important to have a coffee and chat; to build your network whilst you’re there. For exhibitors you can get to know your dealers better, to really inform their buying decisions.

“The whole industry comes to HRC, so for visitors I’d say enjoy the masterclasses and panels, but pepper your visit with chats, and get round to all the zones — you never know what you’re going to find as you walk the halls!”