April 7-9 2025, NEC, Birmingham
Opening times: Monday and Tuesday 10:00 - 17:00, and Wednesday 10:00 to 16:00
Getting the in-shop offer right is more important than ever for forecourt operators, so many will be opting for a bit of retail therapy at next month’s National Convenience Show (NCS).
Among those displaying their wares are food to go suppliers, with eating on the move the biggest growth segment for the industry.
This year’s show’s exhibitors include big names such as Lavazza on the Move (stand V270), Barista Bar (T321), Costa Coffee (AA318), Smokin’ Bean (CC340), iSqueeze (R319), Daisy Vending Syrups/JB Syrups (HH339), Darta Cuisin’ Easy (M310 and LL280), Delice de France (N280), Euro Catering (E100), GCS Food Machinery (E120), J&N Food Equipment (M150), My Coffee Station (X250), Rollover (R271), Seven Refrigeration (M288), Slush.co.uk (BB321), Celtic Frozen Drinks (X290), and Tropvend (R300).
Others will be seeking out the next big thing in food and drink. Freeze-dried sweets, craft bakery, and nitro cold brew coffee are just some of the contenders.
There will be inspiration from suppliers such as Doughboys Pizza (HH301), made famous on Dragons’ Den, to Cornwall Pasta Co – yes, pasta, not pasty (D240).
Other highlights include Mr TG Pullia’s Bakery (L198), Margaret’s Country Kitchen craft bakers (E199), Paletas Mexican Ice Lollies (L320), Toppings Pies (M258), Dumpling and Ting Jamaican food (E194), Red Panda Chilli Crisp (G258), Brown & Blond Brownies (E269).
Many will use the event as a time to catch up with friends, network, and make new contacts at what is a single platform for the whole market to come together. NCS is the best place to see, sample and source convenience store-specific products and services that will give your site the retail edge and help you to drive your business forward, generate additional footfall, and cash in on increased basket spend.
Industry stalwarts are exhibiting in force, including Booker (W300), property specialist Christie & Co (AA321), CBE Software (V291), Double Cool (Q271), Henderson Technology (S301), Madic (AA320), and Vars Technology (X329).
And there are plenty new revenue stream suppliers taking stands at the show, such as premium Cook frozen meals (M210) and Field Fare frozen snacks and meal components (L209), and InPost (X350) and Royal Mail (Z331) parcel lockers.
There is also a programme of key talks across the three days, including ’Forecourt leaders: Shaping the future’, being moderated by Forecourt Trader’s editor Juliet Morrison. Petrol station owner Goran Raven, of Raven’s Budgens Abridge, Essex, will join the discussion which will take place at 13:15 to 13:45 on Tuesday April 8, on the Convenience Store stage.
By attending NCS you will have also have access to three other co-located shows; Food & Drink Expo, Farm Shop & Deli Show and Foodex Manufacturing Solutions, to form the award-winning UK Food & Drink Shows. The UK Food & Drink Shows are run by Forecourt Trader’s parent William Reed.
To register visit nationalconvenienceshow.co.uk
Other exhibitors to look out for
Allwyn – stand number Z320
National Lottery retailers will get a hands-on demonstration of three versions of the new Wave terminal at this year’s National Convenience Show.
The Wave machines are replacing existing terminals and, says the National Lottery operator Allwyn, come with improved screens, and high-speed printers and processors for faster transactions.
It is part of an exhibit that will include the latest suite of permanent point of sale (PPOS) kit that is being rolled out to UK stores.According to the operator, the PPOS range will “help deliver more modern retail environments and capture the attention of customers with eye-catching branding and call-to-action messages”.
It includes an illuminated scratchcard dispenser with integrated lighting and 15.6in high definition screen. Additionally, there is a new playstation with double-sided graphics and a wing to display information, such as stories about National Lottery-funded projects. Completing the line-up is an external wall sign and double-sided pavement sign, as well as a refreshed window poster frame.
Booker – stand number W300
With more fascias becoming available to forecourt operators over the past six months, Booker is using this April’s National Convenience Show (NCS) to highlight why retailers should choose one of its three brands.
It will showcase Premier, Londis and Budgens to potential recruits over the three-day event, and it says that it is looking forward to meeting some of its existing retailers, to talk about how it can help them grow.
Colm Johnson (pictured right), Booker Retail managing director, says: “We are excited to be exhibiting again this year at the National Convenience Show. It’s always great to see so many of our retailers there, and also have the opportunity to talk to new potential customers about how we can support them with their business. We look forward to showcasing our retail brands, and how Booker can offer great choice, price and service.”
Campari Group – stand number BB329
Campari Group will be showcasing a product and packaging switch at the 2025 National Convenience Show that have been ”highly requested” by the trade:
Aperol ready to serve
Campari is launching a pre-mixed version of its Aperol bitter aperitif in April. It comes in 200ml bottles, with an rrp of £13 for a four-pack. These 9% spritzes are suitable for picnickers and partygoers, says the company. Campari will also invest in the Aperol Spritz brand with above-the-line and what it calls experiential activity, along with continued shopper engagement, to ”solidify Aperol’s position in consumers’ baskets”.
Aperol Spritz has become a popular summer cocktail, and the spritz category has grown by over £48 million in just two years, says Campari. In fact, it adds, Aperol Spritz is the most searched cocktail online.
Magnum Tonic Wine: Aligning Jamaican and UK labels to the green variant
The leading Jamaican tonic wine in the UK, Magnum Tonic Wine is a staple product for convenience retailers, with annual sales exceeding £53 million. Magnum accounts for 92% of the Jamaican tonic wine market, with more than 95% of its 13.4 million bottles sold through convenience channels.
A few years ago, the UK label was changed to a brown version, which led to confusion about the legitimacy of the product. The UK product will now be aligned to match the new Jamaican label in a move which is expected to increase shelf standout, boost shopper engagement, and drive sales.
Magnum Tonic Wine retails at £3.99 for a 200ml bottle. It has a 9% ABV.
Christie & Co – stand number AA321
With would-be purchasers outnumbering vendors in the petrol station market you can expect many acquisitive forecourt operators to be making their way to retail property advisor Christie & Co’s stand at the National Convenience Show this April.
In fact, 51% of retail stakeholders in the forecourt market are looking to acquire sites this year, says the retail property adviser, which is why, it says, it is so important to appoint a professional agent to secure the best price when putting a site on the market.
Christie’s managing director – retail and leisure, Steve Rodell (pictured right) says that he will have a team at the NEC event who can advise operators whether they are looking to buy or sell.
“We are looking forward to exhibiting at the National Convenience Show at the NEC in Birmingham,” says Rodell. ”The show is the biggest event in the calendar for the convenience retail sector, and our team will be on hand to give free advice, take your buying requirements, or simply say hello.”
Fifo – stand number V290
Forecourt operators will know Fifo as a supplier of mobile and audio accessories. But what petrol filling station owners may not be so well aware of is that the company can now also supply dog toys and treats, as well as sunglasses for their owners.
Fifo will talk about all of these product supplies at the National Convenience Show 2025.
Its stand will highlight how it can provide ‘extended partner programs’ for the Rethink Pet range of dog treats and toys, which retail at £4.99 to £9.99.
Rethink Pet includes products which are marketed as long-lasting and give mental stimulation to pets. The dog’s range includes soft toys, tug toys, dental chews, ”nearly indestructible” chew toys, and treat-dispensing dental toys. Some toys are made entirely from recycled plastic bottles.
The all-natural dog treats, made with ”clean, nutritious ingredients”, retail at £4.99 a bag, and contain a mix of T-Bones, Sponge Dental Sticks, Dental Mix, and Knotted Bones.
The Rethink Pet range can be merchandised with standalone floor displays, clip-strips or Fifo’s rotating display unit which is under 1m².
Lastly, Fifo can give forecourt retailers at the show more information about the range of Vinci sunglasses for motorists who have forgotten theirs and could be suffering from sun glare while driving. There is a mix of styles, with UV protection, that can be displayed on provided counter top units.
Henderson – stand number S301
Henderson Technology is set to exhibit its award-winning EDGEPoS software system at stand S301 at the National Convenience Show.
Attendees will have the opportunity to experience live demonstrations of EDGEPoS and explore its latest innovations in EPOS technology. From intuitive point of sale systems to integrated payment solutions and comprehensive analytical tools, EDGEPoS helps forecourt retailers streamline operations and enhance customer experiences, says the company.
Visitors to the stand can also see the Electronic Shelf Edge Labels (ESELs) system in action. ESELs reduce time and cost associated with pricing management, improve pricing accuracy, and enable dynamic pricing. Retailers can update price and promotional information across any label, shelf, or store in seconds, ensuring offers are always current and relevant. The technology also supports stock control, allowing staff to better manage inventory levels.
Henderson Technology will unveil two new integration solutions at the show - AI Self-Checkout with ScanWatch and home delivery with Snappy Shopper – designed to create a “seamless and secure shopping experience”.
ScanWatch is an AI-powered self-checkout solution that helps prevent fraud, and reduce losses, says the company. The integration with Snappy Shopper enables retailers to offer an end-to-end home delivery service, with every stage of the customer journey managed through EDGEPoS – from purchase to doorstep delivery.
Darren Nickels, retail technology operations director at Henderson Technology, says: “We are excited to return to NCS to showcase our latest innovations. This event is a great opportunity to connect with retailers, demonstrate the capabilities of our solutions, and highlight the tangible benefits EDGEPoS brings to businesses of all sizes.
“With the upcoming National Living Wage and National Insurance rises in April, ESELs offer a highly effective way for retailers to improve operational efficiency by freeing up employee hours to focus on customer service and other value-added tasks. Our new integrations further reinforce why EDGEPoS is the ideal solution for convenience and forecourt operators looking to optimise their operations.”
Also on at the Henderson Technology stand will be a representative from the GLORY cash management system, which is designed to eliminate cash discrepancies and streamline cash handling processes. This integration enables accurate cash tracking, reduces errors, and enhances overall operational efficiency, says Henderson Technology.
Developed by Henderson Technology, EDGEPoS is an award-winning, fully scalable EPOS software system operating in real-time. It supports businesses ranging from single-lane to 100-lane operations, helping retailers of all sizes to optimise their stores and enhance customer experiences, says the business.
Lavazza – stand number V270
Marking one year since its official launch to market, Lavazza on the Move returns to the National Convenience Show with its premium floor standing and tabletop coffee stations.
The family-owned business, run by the grandson of founder Luigi Lavazza, prides itself on its machines using coffee beans roasted in Italy’s Turin, Gattinara and Pozzilli, to make “barista style” americanos, lattes, cappuccinos, and mochas. Hot chocolate and tea is also an option.
The supplier can provide machines that dispense syrups too and they use fresh milk, with the option to take alternative milk such as oat.
Currently, its self-serve coffee stations are dotted across the UK, at over 150 locations including petrol forecourts, and operators such as David Charman and the Pricewatch Group among those who now offer the dark blue brand.
Lavazza is offering free Italian coffee throughout the whole of the National Convenience Show, and will display new point of sale and furniture designed to make an impact with its machines.
Republic Technologies – stand number BB341
Republic Technologies is returning to the National Convenience Show in 2025 with a sleek stand for OCB hand rolling paper products.
OCB is the the fastest growing hand rolling paper brand, according to IRI Marketplace for the 52 weeks to December 24 2024.
And the supplier will be displaying the range, including OCB Rice, which was launched last year with natural ingredients targeting smokers seeking more sustainable products.
Rolling papers is an important area. It is the best-performing sector in tobacco accessories, growing at +7.8% and worth over £81m in the convenience channel, says the IRI Marketplace data.
Gavin Anderson, sales & marketing director at Republic Technologies, says: “The NCS Show is a great event, as it helps us to connect with retailers and key contacts, positioning our brands front of mind and driving leads.
“OCB has gone from strength to strength over the past few years, so we’re looking forward to showing attendees the full range and explaining why it’s the brand of choice for shoppers and a must-stock for retailers.”
Rollover – stand number R271
Breakfast is becoming an increasingly important part of food to go for forecourt operators, and Rollover will be exhibiting its new additions to tap into this opportunity at the National Convenience Show.
It will reveal its All Day Breakfast Sausage with Bacon, and its new Sausage, Egg & Cheese Muffin at the three-day event from April 7-9.
Additionally, it will unveil its boneless chicken wings and chicken tender baguette as it adapts its all-day range to the ”evolving needs of our customers”.
Operators will also be able to see its latest equipment units for food to go, which is a key area of growth for many petrol station owners.
The company says that what sets Rollover apart is its ”commitment to delivering operational efficient hot food-to-go solutions for forecourts”.
Vars Technology – stand number T329
Vars Technology will be showcasing its Vars Face facial recognition solution at the National Convenience Show 2025.
It is rolling out the equipment to petrol filling stations after successful initial installations with existing forecourt customers last year. Despite being used on limited sites during 2024, the Vars Face system alerted staff to the presence of watchlisted individuals 16,500 times.
A 2024 crime report from the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) showed that the cost of crime adds 10p to the cost of every individual transaction in the convenience sector. Despite official figures showing a five-fold increase in incidents of shoplifting between 2023 and 2024, the ACS report indicated that this figure is still likely well below the real numbers.
In response to rising levels of theft and requests for help from forecourt customers, Vars Technology developed its Face detection system to protect retail alongside the Vars ANPR (automatic number plate recognition) equipment to guard against fuel theft. In recognition of the important role they can play in safeguarding forecourts, the two systems were awarded the Health and Safety Excellence Award at the APEA Awards in November 2024.
Individuals responsible for shoplifting or other theft, as well as violent, threatening or anti-social behaviour, can be added to the Vars Face watchlist which will then alert staff as soon as the individual re-enters the premises. The system can accurately identify individuals even when wearing face masks, caps or sunglasses, says the company.
The system also includes the option for an audio alert to be played on the shop floor, ensuring that the individual knows that they have been identified. With remaining unnoticed the main priority for many thieves, they often then leave the premises on realising that staff are fully aware of their presence, says Vars.
All incidents of theft or anti-social behaviour reported by staff are manually reviewed by the Vars team, ensuring fairness and accuracy, before being assigned a numerical value depending on the level of seriousness. This value is then used to inform the geographical area that an alert is shared over to other premises protected by the same system, with more serious violent crime being reported over a wider area. Alerts are shared more widely in rural areas than in city centres.
World of Sweets – stand number R301
World of Sweets is using the National Convenience Show to introduce a combination of new novelty ranges from Crazy Candy Factory (CCF) and Barratts, and additions to its PEZ dispensers, Candy Realms and Sweet Vibes confectionery.
Novelty ranges are a popular choice for forecourt retailers, giving operators a competitive edge by differentiating their offer. says the company’s head of marketing Kathryn Hague.
The new line-up includes a Crazy Candy Factory Dip ‘N’ Dunk (rrp £1.00). This sour, fruity treat comes in three flavour combinations – Blue Razz and Strawberry, Strawberry and Watermelon and Watermelon and Blue Razz.
Each pack includes a fruity lollipop, a sour gel and sour powder. Consumers can twist the compartments and dunk their lollipop.
An all blue variation of the best-selling Paint Splash (rrp £1.29) is also new to CCF. The blue razz flavoured treat includes a sour blue gel and a blue razz lollipop.
Under the Barratts banner is a new range of candy floss in time for the summer. In traditional Barratt flavourings, the Wham candy floss (rrp £1.00) includes popping candy encased in a sour raspberry flavoured floss. And the Fruit Salad candy floss (rrp £1.00) contains a “fruity fusion” of flavours.
There is also a Flump candy floss (rrp £2.00) with crunchy, dehydrated mallows in vanilla candy floss and Dip Dab (rrp £2.00) with popping candy in lemon and strawberry flavoured floss.
Also new to the range is the Fruit Salad duo drops (rrp £1.00), which can be enjoyed by opening the lid and squeezing both sides of the container.
And for younger sweet lovers, there are now Candy Realms Whistles and Lipsticks (both £1.20 rrp), to complement the original Watches and Necklaces bags.
Also World of Sweets has introduced new licences in its PEZ dispenser range (rrp £2.00), including the Lilo & Stitch brand to coincide with the movie which is set to land in cinemas in May 2025.
Lilo & Stitch is the fastest growing Disney franchise, says World of Sweets. The range offers three dispensers, two Stitch characters and one Angel.
Other spring PEZ launches include a refresh of the popular Hello Kitty licence, and a new Minecraft launch (pictured right).
And lastly, for teenagers and young adults, World of Sweets has developed its Sweet Vibes offer, with Mallow Dunkz (rrp £2.50) marshmallows coated in chocolate and a crispy candy shell for extra crunch. The chocolatey mallows are available in strawberry or vanilla flavours.
