Planning a trip to find unique food and drink business ideas to bring back home? You’ve reached the right place. As the crisp autumn air sweeps through Exeter in the UK, the city transforms into a culinary playground, offering a delightful array of food and drink events that cater to every palate. Exeter’s vibrant food and drink scene isn’t just a treat for the senses—it’s a hub of opportunity for entrepreneurs. If you’re exploring business prospects in this thriving sector, these top events offer insights into market trends, potential partnerships, and inspiration to help your venture flourish. As part of our business blog section, here’s a roundup of the top food and drink events you won’t want to miss in Exeter.
1. Exeter Food Festival
Held at Cathedral Green, this festival brings together over 100 local vendors, making it the perfect place to scout for unique product ideas, discover artisanal producers, and explore sourcing opportunities for your business.
B2B Networking Potential
Interactive cooking demonstrations and tasting sessions attract industry professionals, offering an ideal environment to connect with chefs, suppliers, and potential collaborators.
A Celebration of Local Flavors
The Exeter Food Festival is a long-standing favorite among locals and visitors alike. Held in the picturesque surroundings of Exeter Cathedral Green, this festival brings together the best local and regional produce. Expect a vibrant marketplace featuring over 100 stalls from artisanal producers, chefs, and food enthusiasts. From gourmet cheeses and freshly baked pastries to exotic spices and handcrafted chocolates, this festival is a paradise for food lovers.
Watch this video of the Exeter food festival in 2019 to get a glimpse:
Interactive Cooking Demonstrations
One of the highlights of the Exeter Food Festival is its series of interactive cooking demonstrations. Renowned chefs from across the UK showcase their skills, sharing tips and tricks for creating delectable dishes.Â
Tasting Experiences
For those eager to sample a variety of flavors, the festival offers numerous tasting experiences. Wander through the stalls and enjoy free samples of wines& soju, craft beers, and gourmet foods. It’s a great way to discover new favorites and perhaps even find a unique gift for someone special.
2. Exeter Beer Festival
Craft Beer Trends and Brewer Collaborations
Hosted at Exeter Corn Exchange, this festival provides access to innovative brewing practices and niche markets. Meet brewers, discuss partnership opportunities, or even explore distribution possibilities for craft beer ventures.
Market Research Through Live Feedback
Engage with attendees to gauge public preferences and consumer behavior in the booming craft beer segment.
A Haven for Craft Beer Aficionados
The Exeter Beer Festival is a must-visit event for craft beer enthusiasts. Held at the historic Exeter Corn Exchange, this festival features diverse local and regional beers, ciders, and perries. With dozens of different brews on offer, there’s something to suit every taste, from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts.
Meet the Brewers
A unique aspect of the Exeter Beer Festival is the opportunity to meet the brewers behind your favorite beers. Many of the participating breweries have representatives on hand to discuss their craft, share brewing secrets, and offer insights into their unique brewing processes. It’s a fantastic chance to deepen your appreciation for the art of brewing and perhaps discover your new go-to beer.
Live Music and Entertainment
To complement the beer-tasting experience, the festival features a lineup of live music and entertainment. From local bands to acoustic acts, the live performances add a lively and festive atmosphere to the event, making it a fun outing for groups of friends and beer lovers alike.
3. Exeter Cheese Festival
Dairy Market Insights
From local to international cheeses, this event is a rich source for understanding consumer demands in the premium dairy market. Workshops on cheese-making can inspire product diversification for deli businesses.
A Tribute to Cheese Lovers
Cheese enthusiasts, rejoice! The Exeter Cheese Festival is dedicated to celebrating one of the world’s most beloved foods. Held at the grand Great Hall at Exeter University, this festival showcases a wide array of cheeses from both local artisans and international producers.
Cheese Workshops and Tastings
The festival offers a range of workshops and tastings designed to enhance your cheese knowledge. Learn about cheese-making techniques, explore different cheese pairings, and indulge in guided tastings of some of the finest cheeses available. Whether you’re a cheese connoisseur or just starting to explore the world of cheese, these workshops provide valuable insights and delicious experiences.
4. Exeter Vegan Festival
The Plant-Based Boom
Explore the rapidly growing vegan market at Exeter Community Centre. This festival highlights plant-based innovation, offering valuable insights for those considering vegan-friendly products or cafes.
Educational Opportunities
Attend workshops to understand current trends and potential gaps in vegan product offerings.
Celebrating Plant-Based Cuisine
The Exeter Vegan Festival is a celebration of plant-based cuisine and an opportunity for vegans and those curious about veganism to explore a wide range of delicious options. Held at the Exeter Community Centre, this festival highlights the best in vegan food, from innovative dishes to sweet treats.
Cooking Demonstrations and Workshops
One of the festival’s key attractions is its series of cooking demonstrations and workshops. Renowned vegan chefs will share their recipes and techniques for creating mouthwatering plant-based meals. Whether you’re looking to enhance your vegan cooking skills or simply want to discover new recipe ideas, these sessions offer valuable learning opportunities.
5. Exeter Gin Festival
Expanding in the Spirits Market
Held at Exeter Guildhall, this event showcases small-batch and craft gins, providing a chance to connect with distillers and discover niche market opportunities in the spirits industry.
Masterclasses for Entrepreneurs
Learn about branding, flavor profiling, and trends driving gin’s popularity—key knowledge for anyone in the drinks business.
A Journey Through Gin
For gin lovers, the Exeter Gin Festival is an unmissable event. Held at the historic Exeter Guildhall, this festival celebrates the versatility and richness of gin, offering a range of gins from established brands to small, independent distilleries.
Gin Tastings and Masterclasses
The festival features an array of gin tastings and masterclasses. Learn about the different types of gin, the botanicals that give each gin its unique flavor, and how to craft the perfect gin and tonic. These sessions provide a deep dive into the world of gin and offer practical tips for both new and seasoned gin drinkers.
Conclusion
Exeter’s food and drink events are more than just festive gatherings—they’re a playground for entrepreneurs seeking to explore, innovate, and succeed in the food and beverage industry. Take advantage of these events to gain valuable market insights, foster connections, and identify your next big business opportunity.
