Central South Food & Drink & Elevate Trade Expo 2027 – A complete showcase for hospitality excellence
Three leading organisations from across the region’s food, drink and hospitality sectors are joining forces to create a major new trade showcase for 2027.
Business South, Comax UK and Hampshire Fare will bring together producers, buyers, chefs, hospitality operators and industry suppliers at the Central South Food, Drink & Elevate Trade Expo, creating a unique opportunity to connect the region’s exceptional producers with the businesses that serve them.
Taking place on Tuesday 9 February 2027, from 10.00 am to 3.00 pm, at the Hilton Southampton – Utilita Bowl, the Central South Food, Drink & Elevate Trade Expo 2027 will unite the long-established Central South Food & Drink Trade Expo, delivered by Business South for more than 20 years, with Elevate, Comax’s hospitality, catering and cleaning innovation show. The result is a complete showcase for hospitality excellence in the region.
The event will bring exceptional food and drink producers from across Hampshire, Dorset, West Sussex and the Isle of Wight together with buyers, chefs, retailers, hospitality operators and industry suppliers, creating a larger event with greater opportunities for everyone involved.
Leigh Sara Timberlake, CEO of Business South, said the partnership was a natural evolution for the expo.
“Our Food & Drink Expo has always been about connecting outstanding regional producers with buyers. By joining forces with Elevate, we’re creating a bigger platform that opens the door to even more commercial opportunities and stronger industry connections.”
Visitors will have the opportunity to discover award-winning local food and drink, meet the people behind the brands, and explore the latest products, services and innovations supporting the hospitality, catering and cleaning sectors.
Natasha Dochniak, Commercial Director of Hampshire Fare, said the event would shine a spotlight on the region’s producers.
“The Central South is home to an exceptional community of food and drink producers. Their commitment to quality, provenance and sustainability has helped establish the region as one of the UK’s leading food destinations. This partnership allows our producers to showcase their outstanding products to an even wider audience of buyers, while celebrating everything that makes food and drink from our region so special.”
Bringing the two events together will also provide buyers with a more comprehensive trade experience, enabling them to source exceptional regional produce alongside the products and services that help hospitality businesses succeed.
Jodie Ringer, Head of Marketing for Elevate at Comax UK, said: “Together we’re creating a one-stop event where buyers can discover outstanding local producers alongside the latest hospitality innovations. It’s a fantastic opportunity to bring the whole supply chain together under one roof.”
Business South is also delighted to announce that Paris Smith is a Partner of the 2027 event, alongside Carnival UK, Cavendish Ship Stores, Hilton Southampton – Utilita Bowl, PBS Group, Polymedia, Hampshire Fare and Comax UK.
The Central South Food, Drink & Elevate Trade Expo 2027 will provide exhibitors with greater visibility, access to a broader network of buyers and decision-makers, and new opportunities to build lasting commercial relationships. The event will also celebrate the region’s finest producers through the Taste of the Central South Awards, recognising excellence in food and drink across categories including Best Brand & Packaging, Passion Behind the Product, and Taste of the Region.
Attendance is free for genuine trade buyers and hospitality professionals. Booking a ticket for either event gives you access to both trade showcases.
Hampshire Fare members can benefit from a 20% discount on exhibition stands when booked before 1 December 2026.
For more information about exhibiting or attending, visit the Business South website.
Central South Food & Drink Trade EXPO 2027 – Exhibitors | Business South
Central South Food & Drink Trade EXPO 2027 – Buyers | Business South
Elevate Trade Show 2027 Tickets, Tuesday, 9 February 2027 • 10 AM – 3 PM | Eventbrite
