MAKING MOVES

The European Pizza Show (EPS) 2026 is taking shape as the biggest and most international edition of the event to date. Excel London is hosting on 18-19 November, bringing together professionals, hospitality businesses, buyers, brands and industry experts from across the UK and Europe.

As the industry continues to embrace digital communication, social media, AI and new technologies, EPS is evolving with it, exploring ways to create visibility, share ideas and connect businesses with the right people. But there is something that does not change: every year, the most valuable part of the show is connecting people. Two days of face-to-face conversations, new connections and shared experiences remain at the heart of what makes a trade show work.

THE FINEST FORUM

EPS celebrates a diverse range of exhibitors from across the pizza, foodservice and hospitality industries. They will showcase latest ingredients, beverages, equipment, technology and innovation, providing businesses with the opportunity to discover new solutions, promote brands and connect with professionals and potential customers.

A major highlight is the European Pizza Forum, organised in co-operation with PAPA, with some of the most interesting names in the sector. Day one explores growth, delivery, investment and technology, with the following key players: 

• Ben Bowers of Stateside Foods
• Kian Yazdi of Tops Pizza
• Peter Backman of theDelivery.World
• Sunny Chhina of The Fat Pizza 
• Pamela Aiko Tironi of The Pizza Room 
• Ajmal Mushtaq of Boss Pizza.

The programme is also bringing together financial experts and established operators, including venture capital investor Edin Basic, Dominic Wade of Zempler Bank, Olçar Tosun of Wildhorse Design, Darron Judd of Barclays Business, Dan Hope of Proloco and Paul Goodale of PizzaLuxe Group. Technology, AI and data will feature with Thom Elliot of Pizza Pilgrims and Iain Morland of Klarus.

EUROPEAN ADVENTURE

Day two turns the spotlight on Europe. 50 Top Pizza will bring award-winning pizzerias to the Forum, while Tom Horvath Neumann of Properoni examines an ongoing challenge: how to maintain quality while growing a business at scale.

We also explore the relationship between the UK and Italian food & beverage sectors. Giovanni Sacchi, director of the Italian Trade Agency in London, will join Roberto Costa, founder of Macellaio RC and president of the Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the UK.

Costa will discuss his experience of launching God Save The Pizza, his Roman-style pizzeria in London, offering insights into the process of delivering a distinct Italian style to the UK market.

TALENT ON SHOW

The European Pizza Chef Competition is taking on a larger role in 2026, with 45 professional pizzaiolos – the biggest field in the show’s history.

Finalist selection began at the end of July, giving the team more time to work with competitors and introduce them to audiences ahead of the event. Finalists have already been selected from Poland, Greece, Czech Republic, Belgium, Germany, Slovenia, Switzerland, Austria, France, Italy and Japan, alongside the UK.

Their introduction videos are already generating strong engagement on social media, giving the competitors and their businesses an opportunity to build recognition before they arrive in London.

GET CONNECTED

The International Buyers Programme is also expanding, with Fiere di Parma and the Italian Trade Agency helping to develop its international reach.

A selected group of buyers from across Europe, alongside UK applicants, create another opportunity for exhibitors and suppliers to meet potential commercial partners. For an industry in which relationships and personal recommendations are a priority, these face-to-face connections are an increasingly valuable aspect of the show.

MIXING IT UP

The Bellavita Awards will also become the EPS Awards in London, reflecting the increasingly international nature of the show. A new Best Product Presentation award gives exhibitors another opportunity to use video and create additional visibility across social channels, bringing even more of the products on display to life before the doors open.

The Mixology Area adds another dimension, exploring the latest drinks trends, flavours and techniques, with visitors able to discover new ideas and inspiration from across the sector.

TRUE VALUES

The European Pizza Show 2026 reflects an industry that is becoming increasingly connected, both digitally and in-person.

Social media, AI, data and new technologies are creating ways for businesses to communicate and grow but the fundamentals of hospitality remain much the same. People still want to meet the people behind a business, taste products, exchange ideas and build relationships.

Across two days at Excel London, EPS brings those different sides of the industry together: the people, brands, products, ideas, and technology shaping the future.

Claim your free ticket here