Dubbed the Glastonbury for chefs, UCFF is returning on Thursday 26th September and is coming to Loddington Farm, a fifth-generation apple and pear farm nestled in the heart of the Kent countryside in Maidstone.
Designed by chefs for chefs, the festival is packed with live demonstrations, foraging and farm tours, insightful panel discussions and invaluable opportunities to network with industry peers. The day-long event will be filled with lots to do, see, taste and discover for top chefs and buyers and anyone else interested in learning about food, trends and innovations.
Billie Moore, co-founder of UCFF and joint managing director of 365 Events, said: “This year’s event is a one stop shop for anyone looking to network, find new suppliers and ideas, explore new business opportunities and enjoy and appreciate good food. I think it’s invaluable to spend time at this show so why not pop down and see what it’s all about. We would love to welcome you all.”
Taste the trends
Five industry champions will take to the all-new Staff Canteen Live Stage, to create exciting and delicious dishes as part of the ‘Saturday Kitchen’ style demonstrations - sponsored by Quality Meat Scotland, McCormick and Seafood Scotland.
The stellar lineup includes Robert Taylor from Tallow in Tunbridge Wells, Galton Blackiston, chef/patron of Michelin-starred Morston Hall, Robin Read from the newly launched The Counter by Robin Read, Harry Kirkpatrick, head chef from Trinity and Jean Delporte from Restaurant Interlude.
They will each be interviewed whilst cooking up a storm in the kitchen. The audience will have the chance to ask any burning questions they may have for some of the greatest chefs within our industry - a unique and one-off opportunity.
New product innovations
The Farmer’s Market is the place for the event’s wonderful suppliers and local producers to showcase their latest products and brands to visitors. It is a hotbed of new product discovery, allowing delegates to really use all their senses - sight, sound, touch, taste and smell - things email, phone and advertising just cannot do.
Hot insights from industry experts
The event’s trends and debates stage programme, hosted by food and drink broadcaster Nigel Barden, will cover five key topics. Whether its questions and discussions around allergens, local heroes to the English wine revolution and grown-up food, sessions are designed to tackle the issues that the industry is faced with, along with exploring opportunities.
The stage will also see a session from top chef Rob Kirby, who will be sharing his inspirational journey of upping sticks from his life in Kent to launch his own restaurant in Mallorca. Other leading industry figures to take part in the debates include Patrick Harrington, product development manager, Greene King Pub Co, James Smith, owner, Loddington Farm Ltd, Clive Barlow MW, Buyer, Corkk, English Wine Specialist and Craig Jackson, head of foodservice, Wildfarmed.
Networking at its best
The UCFF welcomes a diverse range of visitors, suppliers, chefs, foragers, farmers, growers and other industry professionals - all looking to make new connections, strengthen relationships with existing contacts and learn from the experts. The informal feel to the event will allow visitors to move around freely - getting the best out of the event in a fun and relaxed environment.
A day of feasting
With breakfast, lunch, BBQ and drinks complementary all day - there’s no chance of being hungry at UCFF. Guests can tuck into a day-long of feasting - all served up by some of the finest chefs in the industry.
Visitors will get to enjoy a freshly prepared menu of delectable delights, all cooked to perfection. The BBQ will be washed down with local beer, sponsored by Musket Brewery, whilst listening to a local band to round off the day nicely.
Supporters of the event include the British Culinary Federation, Hospitality Action, LACA, Master Chefs of Great Britain, Craft Guild of Chefs, Ceda and The Guild of Fine Food. Sponsors include McCormick UK, Quality Meat Scotland, Seafood Scotland, Farrington’s Mellow Yellow, Gressingham Foods and Scotland Food & Drink.