The total attendance was up 9% on 2017’s figures, and 16% since it moved to London ExCeL.
Chris Brazier, lunch!’s group event director, said: “lunch! 2018 was simply our best yet. We really couldn’t be happier.
“There was a fantastic buzz across the show floor from the moment doors opened, and it was very busy, valuable and a productive two days for everyone involved.
“lunch! is the only UK event that annually attracts so many leading innovators, influencers, trailblazers and decision makers from across the food-to-go sector together in one place at one time. And it just keeps getting bigger and better every year.
“We’d like to say a big thank you to all our exhibitors, visitors, speakers, associations, media partners and supporters. We look forward to seeing you all next year.”
The show involved keynotes, innovations and buyers and included businesses such as Subway, Tesco, Greggs, and Costa.
The show also hosted the innovation challenge awards, and Martin Hambleton, head of procurement at En Rote International and a founding innovation challenge awards judge, said: “lunch! has served up another hugely successful show, showcasing innovation and bringing together the best in industry to create a not-to-be-missed date in any buyer’s calendar.”
Flower & White’s Raspberry Meringue Bar, the T300 juice dispenser from generation Juice, KALEIDO’s Kaleidoscope Salad Rolls, Pocket Enterprises’s pokito pop up cup, and Sandows’ Citrus Cold Brew Soda were the winners of Gold awards.
ButterflyCup by ButterflyCup, Magrini’s Life Coffee Machine and Olly’s Olives Lemon & Thyme variant took home Silver.
While Bronze awards went to Born Tasty (Snackamolé™ Avocado Dip), Burts Potato Chips (Burts Jim Beam Original BBQ Chips), Deli Lites Gourmet Sandwiches (DELI LITES Asian Bespoke Bowl), The One Brand (One Less Bottle), Point Blank Cold Brew (Point Blank Cold Brew), and Simplee Aloe (Aloe Vera Water With Pulp).
lunch! will return to London ExCeL next year on 19-20 September and booking will open on 15 October.