Key representatives from the fruit and vegetable industry made the most of the Food & Drink Expo this week, with many hailing the 10th edition of the show as the best yet.

Exhibitors at the four-day exhibition, held at Birmingham's NEC on March 17-20 – including Isleham Fresh Produce, Soleco UK and Watton Produce – showcased their latest innovations and added value produce. And visitors from the trade gained inspiration from colleagues in produce and other categories.

For the first time, awards were given to exhibitors deemed to have the best stands, under the heading Ideas to Dine for. Watton Produce won the fruit and vegetable category award for its carrot snack products.

The Fresh Produce Journal exhibited at the event and attracted visitors and business in sectors from production and import to wholesale and catering.

Food & Drink Expo featured a large number of international exhibitors and more than 125 UK food companies.

Around 50 organics suppliers set up stands in the exhibition's Organics Village.

Discussion forums on UK food and cookery demonstrations were also held during the four-day show.

The biennial show ran concurrently with three other food shows at the NEC, the Convenience Retailing Show, Foodex Meatex and Food & Bake.

Train strikes on Monday morning delayed many visitors travelling to Food & Drink Expo. Lord Whitty also failed to turn-up as a result of the action – the food minister had been scheduled to open the event officially with a cake-cutting ceremony, and was replaced by National Farmers Union president Ben Gill.

The Fresh Produce Journal will be featuring full coverage of Food & Drink Expo next week.