Julian Metcalfe OBE, founder of Asian-inspired, healthy food outlet itsu and co-founder of high street stalwart Pret A Manger, is confirmed for a headline Keynote interview at lunch! 2018 on 20 September at London ExCeL.

One of Britain's most successful food-to-go entrepreneurs, Metcalfe says he's delighted to be speaking at the show for the first time. In his opening day Keynote, he'll be sharing his specialist knowledge and insights drawn from over thirty years at the forefront of the industry – from the launch of Pret in 1986 to the continued expansion of the itsu brand across the UK (and, more recently, the US).

“I feel passionately about delicious, fresh, fast-food, so I'm delighted to be speaking at the only trade show devoted to the food-to-go sector. See you at ExCeL for lunch!” says Metcalfe.

Commenting on the announcement, lunch!'s group event director Chris Brazier, says: “lunch! has already well-established itself as the destination show for the food-to-go sector and having Julian Metcalfe part of this year's line-up just makes it even more unmissable.  This is really big news for the show and a huge opportunity for our visitors to hear insights from an industry legend.

“We are thrilled to be able to offer our visitors such an incredible free Keynote line-up for 2018 – and we've still got so many more great names to announce!” he says.

Metcalfe is the latest exclusive speaker addition for lunch! 2018, which – since its launch in 2008 – has become known for attracting the biggest names in food-to-go (many, notably, who rarely appear at other trade shows).  The 2018 line-up already includes directors and senior execs from Pret, Caffè Nero, LEON, EAT, Tortilla, and Tossed. Plus, 370 exhibitors showcasing a host of new products, equipment, packaging and services.

ExCeL-lent turnout expected

itsu, Pret, Greggs, Starbucks, Subway, EAT., Crussh, Tortilla, Caffè Nero, LEON, Waitrose, Tesco, Sainsbury's, Co-op Food, Aldi, SPAR, WHSmith, BP, FCB Coffee, Krispy Kreme, Small Batch Coffee Co, Welcome Break, Roadchef, Network Rail, Merlin Entertainments, Center Parcs, Bourne Leisure, apetito, Searcys, Aramark, Sodexo, Compass Group, BaxterStorey, Brakes, Caterleisure Group, En Route International, Gate Retail, British Airways, Condor Ferries and Eurostar International are just some of the big name repeat visitors who have already pre-registered to attend again this year.  They're among thousands of buying teams from across the UK looking to source the next wave of food-to-go bestsellers.  And, as the biggest food-to-go showcase of the year, lunch! offers choice aplenty.

“Each time I visit lunch! I'm reminded and energised about how exciting and market leading our industry is,” comments Guy Meakin, Pret's head of buying.

“Food-to-go is one of the fastest moving categories in the food industry, so pulling innovative and inspirational suppliers together each year for lunch! is a great way for us to keep up-to-date with developments and ensure we are at the forefront of improving our proposition for our customers,” he says.

“lunch! offers an excellent opportunity to meet other business professionals from across the food-to-go industry and see first-hand some of the new and innovative ideas emerging in our sector,” says Roger Whiteside, CEO of Greggs.

“ExCeL it is the perfect space for this on trend, innovative and brilliant event.  lunch! is definitely not one to miss,” says Sandy Anderson, senior buyer – food at Elior.

Free trade registration

To register for a free trade ticket, please visit www.lunchshow.co.uk and quote priority code LU26 (direct link: http://www.eventdata.co.uk/Forms/Default.aspx?FormRef=Lun98Visitor&TrackingCode=LU26).

ENDS

Media enquiries & press pass requests:
Please apply for press accreditation here: https://eventdata.uk/Press/Lunch2018.aspx

Emma–Louise Jones, Head of PR - lunch!
t: +44 (0)1273 645134
e: ejones@divcom.co.uk