The PPMA Show 2026 is preparing to open its doors at the NEC Birmingham, bringing the latest developments in processing, packaging, automation, robotics and industrial vision together from 22–24 September.
Organised by Automate UK, the free-to-attend exhibition will welcome more than 350 exhibitors representing over 1,500 brands, giving manufacturers an opportunity to see machinery operating live and discuss production challenges directly with equipment and technology specialists.
For bakery, confectionery and snack manufacturers, the event provides an opportunity to explore developments spanning production and processing through to primary and secondary packaging, inspection, coding, labelling, robotics and end-of-line automation.
With manufacturers continuing to face pressure around labour availability, production costs, sustainability, regulatory compliance and the need for greater flexibility, this year’s event will place a strong emphasis on practical solutions designed to improve efficiency, reduce waste and strengthen production-line performance.
Technology takes centre stage
Live machinery demonstrations will once again form a major part of the exhibition, allowing visitors to compare technologies and see how equipment could perform within their own production environments.
Among the returning features is the Innovations Eleven live demonstration theatre. Automate UK has selected 11 exhibitors to introduce new products and services through the feature, providing visitors with a closer look at emerging technology and its potential applications across manufacturing.
The wider exhibition will cover areas including processing machinery, packaging equipment, robotics, industrial vision, inspection, X-ray and metal detection, coding and marking, weighing, conveying and handling.
That breadth makes the event particularly relevant for food manufacturers considering complete production journeys rather than individual pieces of equipment. Bakery, confectionery and snack businesses can explore how processing technologies connect with packaging, quality control and end-of-line automation while discussing considerations such as faster changeovers, reduced downtime and handling an increasingly diverse range of formats.
Sustainability and packaging flexibility are also expected to remain prominent themes, as manufacturers adapt to changing materials, regulatory requirements and demand for more resource-efficient production.
Insight beyond the exhibition floor
Alongside the machinery displays, PPMA Show 2026 will feature a programme of presentations and industry insight.
The keynote line-up includes Dr Kevin Fong, former Dyson CEO Martin McCourt and Jeremy Schwartz, the former Coca-Cola European Innovation Director associated with the creation of Coke Zero. Schwartz will deliver his ‘Purpose, Performance and Profit’ keynote on the second day of the show, while McCourt will close the keynote programme on the final day with ‘Think Big But Stay Small’.
Visitors will also be able to make use of digital features including the PPMA Show app, SmartScan and ContentCapture, while PPMA Show TV will provide coverage from the event.
The PPMA Show 2026 takes place in Hall 5 at the NEC Birmingham from Tuesday 22 to Thursday 24 September. Doors open at 09:30 each day, with the show closing at 17:00 on Tuesday and Wednesday and 16:00 on Thursday. Attendance is free for registered visitors.
