Cybersecurity, customer loyalty and emerging brands in focus at Speciality & Fine Food Fair 2025

Speciality & Fine Food Fair 2025 (9–10 September, Olympia) will spotlight key challenges and opportunities for independents, from cyber resilience to customer loyalty and health trends.

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Independent retailers attending Speciality & Fine Food Fair 2025 (9-10 September, Olympia) will gain access to an extensive programme covering some of the biggest challenges and opportunities in today’s food and drink market, from cyber resilience to customer loyalty, health trends, and discovering the next wave of standout products.

Tackling cyber threats head on

With small and independent businesses increasingly being targeted by cyber criminals, a dedicated session on ‘Cyber Resilience for Restaurants, Retailers & Food Businesses’ is set to be one of the most relevant discussions for Bira members.

Chaired by Andrew Goodacre, CEO of the British Independent Retailers Association, the panel will include Katie Barnett, Director of Cyber Security at Toro Solutions, alongside retail and food sector leaders. The session will outline practical steps independents can take to protect their businesses from growing online risks.

Learning from retail leaders

Retailers will also hear directly from Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones MBE, Founder of The Black Farmer, in ‘Mission-First, Market-Smart: Inside The Black Farmer’s Retail Playbook’. Joined by his son Alexander, the session will explore how a strong set of values and a clear brand identity can drive customer loyalty and long-term growth.

Responding to shifting consumer expectations

Consumer attitudes to health and wellbeing continue to evolve, with more scrutiny on ingredients and a rising awareness of ultra-processed foods. The panel ‘Healthier by Design: Turning Wellness Expectations into Retail Opportunity’ will explore how independents can adapt their product mix to meet this demand while maintaining commercial viability.

Spotting the next breakout brand

The Fair once again hosts Pitch Live, in partnership with IND!E, where emerging food and drink businesses present their products to panels of buyers from independents, Selfridges, and Booths. For retailers, this offers a first look at challenger brands and innovative products that could become customer favourites in the months ahead.

Thousands of speciality products on show

On the exhibition floor, independents will find a curated mix of producers and suppliers. The Start-Up Village and new IND!E Pavilion highlight emerging, founder-led businesses, while the Village Square will feature showcases from Cotswold Fayre, Diverse Fine Foods, Invest NI and Dualit.

International producers and regional groups will also be present, providing an unrivalled overview of trends shaping the sector. Visitors can further explore award-winning lines in the Great Taste Deli, as well as premium wines and spirits in the Drinks Quarter and Wine Cellar.