On 16 April 2026, London welcomed the second edition of Taste of Europe, a flagship celebration of European food and drink organised by the EU Delegation to the United Kingdom, with support from the More Than Only Food & Drink campaign. Co-hosted with 19 EU Member States and held across Europe House and Sinfonia Smith Square, the event brought together more than 300 guests from across the UK food and drink sector, hospitality, media, policymaking and trade communities for a day of dialogue, discovery and networking.
Building on the success of its inaugural edition, Taste of Europe 2026 expanded both in scale and ambition, combining high-level policy discussions with an immersive showcase of Europe’s outstanding agri-food offer. The event highlighted the strategic importance of EU-UK food cooperation while demonstrating how food diplomacy can strengthen professional exchange and cultural connections.
Food Security in Focus
The day opened with a thought-provoking panel discussion titled From Grains to Geopolitics, which explored food security in an increasingly complex global landscape. Bringing together leading experts from European institutions, academia and media, the discussion examined the resilience of food systems, the role of trade in ensuring security of supply, and the challenges posed by geopolitical instability and climate change.
The panel attracted a full-capacity audience of industry professionals, journalists, policymakers and trade representatives, underlining the relevance of the topic for both European and UK stakeholders.
Showcasing Europe’s Diversity
Following the policy discussion, guests moved to Sinfonia Smith Square for the networking reception and food fair, where 19 Member States presented an impressive selection of European food and drink products from around 45 companies.
The showcase reflected the breadth, quality and innovation of EU production, offering attendees the opportunity to discover traditional favourites alongside emerging products and premium specialities. For many UK buyers, hospitality professionals and journalists in attendance, the event provided valuable opportunities to engage directly with producers and explore new sourcing possibilities.
A lively fireside conversation with restaurant critic Jay Rayner added further insight into contemporary UK food culture, while a highly popular wine and cheese pairing masterclass offered guests a memorable tasting experience. Led by renowned cheese expert Ned Palmer, the session paired British cheeses with wines from nine EU Member States, creating a practical demonstration of culinary exchange and complementarity.
Strengthening EU-UK Agri-Food Connections
Taste of Europe 2026 demonstrated the continued value of combining policy dialogue with experiential engagement. By bringing together institutional voices, industry stakeholders and producers in a dynamic and interactive setting, the event successfully reinforced Europe’s position as a trusted partner for quality, innovation and sustainability in food and drink.
As the More Than Only Food & Drink campaign continues across the UK, initiatives such as Taste of Europe play an essential role in strengthening professional networks, promoting Europe’s hidden culinary treasures, and building deeper appreciation for the quality and diversity of EU agri-food products.
