Winter Export Festival & 35×35 Awards 2026

The Winter Export Festival & 35×35 Awards 2026 brings the UK food and drink export community together for one big day of practical insight, new connections and celebration.

From first time exporters and established international brands to buyers, government, trade bodies, Approved Partners and export specialists, it’s a chance to learn, connect and celebrate the people helping grow UK food and drink exports.

🏆 The 35×35 Export Awards

👉 Enter the 35×35 Export Awards here
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScXvQF8NeqfEVBOUpMAjLkIC-k1wiUzopUXVP-QXCVZSzYLog/viewform

The afternoon will celebrate the brands and individuals putting the work into growing UK food and drink exports, with finalists delivering one minute power pitches live on stage before the winners are announced.

The awards will be compèred by Conor Love, culminating in the crowning of our Overall Export Champion.

For more details on some awesome and seriously useful prizes being contributed by our Approved Partners, please see the Awards & Prizes section.

Who You'll Hear From 👀

Throughout the day you'll hear from:

• Sanjay Aggarwal, Spice Kitchen 🌶️ sharing what Dragon's Den is really like and lessons from building an international food brand

• Superfoodio 🥜 and other exporting brands sharing the reality of growing internationally

• International buyers on screen sharing what they look for from UK brands, what makes suppliers stand out and where they see opportunity

• The Export Growth Task Force with an update on progress towards £35bn in UK food and drink exports by 2035 and priorities for 2027

• Export specialists sharing practical expertise on market entry, tariffs, logistics, compliance and international growth

What to Expect ⬇️

🌍 Export Insights & Opportunities
Where UK food and drink exports stand today, what is changing and where the opportunities lie.

💡 Real Experiences & Practical Advice
Honest lessons and useful ideas from people working in international markets every day.

🧠 Tap into Export Expertise
Meet specialists who can help with compliance, logistics, market entry, tariffs and routes to market.

🤝 The FDEA Collaborative in Action
See how the Collaborative connects exporters, buyers and experts through opportunities, events and practical support.

☕ Plenty of Networking
Meet exporters, buyers, partners, government and trade bodies from across the sector.

Who Is It For?

Quite simply, anyone involved in UK food and drink exports or interested in international growth.

Whether you're an established exporter, exploring your first international market, an FDEA Verified Enterprise or Approved Partner, or working in government, trade bodies or export support, there's something for you.

You don't need to be an FDEA member to attend. Businesses from across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are all welcome.

A Little Note About Tickets 💜

[HONESTY BOX]

This event is not for profit. We want to keep it as accessible and open to as many people as possible, but there are still costs involved in putting it on.

We also know things are tough for many businesses right now. If you're a brand or producer, you're a member of the Collaborative, and the ticket cost is a barrier, please use FESTIVAL50 at checkout for a free ticket.

Tea, coffee, refreshments and light snacks will be provided.

Lunch will be available to purchase at the Royal Geographical Society.