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PPMA Show 2026
Discover the Latest Food Processing and Packaging Technology
The PPMA Show 2026 returns to Hall 5 at the NEC Birmingham from 22 to 24 September 2026, bringing together the latest processing, packaging, automation and manufacturing technologies under one roof.
As the UK’s leading free-to-attend exhibition for processing and packaging machinery, the event will welcome more than 350 exhibitors representing over 1,500 brands, making it one of the most important dates in the calendar for food manufacturers, dairy producers, beverage companies and processing businesses looking to improve production efficiency.
For Penmann, PPMA is an excellent opportunity to see the latest innovations that are shaping food production and manufacturing. From processing equipment and packaging machinery to robotics, industrial vision systems and automation, the exhibition highlights the technologies helping manufacturers produce more efficiently while maintaining the highest standards of food safety and product quality.
The UK’s Leading Event for Food Manufacturing
PPMA Show 2026 brings together every stage of the modern production line. Visitors can explore processing machinery, packaging equipment, robotics, inspection systems, conveyors, filling equipment, weighing systems, labelling, coding, palletising and automated handling solutions, all in one place. For businesses within the food, drink and dairy industries, this provides an ideal opportunity to compare technologies, assess new equipment and discuss future investment plans directly with manufacturers and technical specialists.
Instead of arranging meetings with multiple suppliers throughout the year, production teams can evaluate a wide range of solutions during a single visit.
Supporting the Food and Drink Industry
Food production continues to evolve at a rapid pace. Manufacturers are facing increasing pressure to improve productivity, reduce operating costs, respond to changing consumer expectations and comply with evolving environmental legislation. PPMA Show 2026 focuses on these challenges by showcasing the latest machinery, packaging innovations and automation technologies designed to improve manufacturing performance.
Whether producing chilled foods, dairy products, bakery goods, confectionery, beverages or ready meals, visitors will find equipment designed to increase throughput while maintaining product quality and food safety.
One of the biggest advantages of attending PPMA is the opportunity to experience live machinery demonstrations. Rather than relying on brochures or online videos, visitors can see equipment operating under realistic production conditions and speak directly with the engineers behind the technology. Live demonstrations allow manufacturers to assess production speeds, hygiene features, cleaning procedures, changeover times and automation capabilities before making important purchasing decisions. It is also an opportunity to discuss specific production requirements and understand how new machinery could integrate with existing manufacturing lines.
Keeping Pace with Industry Change
The processing and packaging sector is changing faster than ever. New packaging materials, sustainability targets, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and increasing product variation are all influencing the way manufacturers operate. PPMA Show 2026 helps visitors understand how equipment manufacturers are responding to these challenges through smarter machinery, improved automation and more flexible production systems. Manufacturers will also have the opportunity to explore innovations in recyclable packaging, fibre-based materials and equipment capable of handling a wider range of packaging formats and stock keeping units.
Learn from Industry Experts
Alongside the exhibition, PPMA Show 2026 will feature a programme of expert-led seminars covering many of the issues currently affecting manufacturing. Topics are expected to include sustainability, smart manufacturing, artificial intelligence, operational efficiency and future packaging developments.
These sessions provide valuable insight from industry specialists, manufacturers and end users who are actively addressing the challenges facing modern production facilities. For engineering, operations and production managers, the seminars offer practical ideas that can often be applied directly within their own facilities.
A Strong Focus on Food, Drink and Dairy
Many of the sectors represented at PPMA closely align with Penmann’s customer base.
The exhibition attracts manufacturers from:
- Food processing
- Food packaging
- Dairy production
- Beverage manufacturing
- Confectionery
- Pharmaceuticals
- Pet food
- Warehousing and logistics
Specialist areas include milk processing, cheese production, brewing, soft drinks, coffee production, chocolate manufacturing, bakery equipment and Clean in Place (CIP) technologies, making the exhibition particularly relevant for food and beverage manufacturers.
Why Environmental Control Matters
While new production equipment often attracts attention, successful manufacturing depends just as much on the environment in which that equipment operates. Temperature, humidity and ventilation all play a vital role in maintaining product quality, food safety and production efficiency. In many food manufacturing facilities, production equipment generates significant heat, increasing the demand for reliable cooling systems and carefully controlled factory environments. As manufacturers invest in faster production lines and increased automation, supporting building services become increasingly important.
Supporting Food Manufacturing Projects
Penmann works with food, beverage and dairy manufacturers throughout the UK, designing and installing HVAC and process cooling systems that support reliable production. Our services include process cooling, industrial refrigeration, air handling units, ventilation systems, temperature-controlled production environments, humidity control and planned preventative maintenance.
Whether supporting a new production line, extending an existing factory or upgrading ageing plant, our engineers develop solutions that integrate with manufacturing processes while helping improve energy efficiency and long-term reliability.
Improving Efficiency Through Better Cooling
Energy efficiency remains a priority for manufacturers across every sector. Modern processing equipment is becoming increasingly efficient, but cooling and HVAC systems also have a major influence on overall operating costs. Penmann helps manufacturers improve performance through correctly sized process cooling systems, energy-efficient chillers, intelligent controls, EC fan technology, heat recovery and ventilation strategies that support both production and product quality.
Our engineers understand that every manufacturing process has different environmental requirements, from chocolate production and dairy processing to beverage manufacture and chilled food production.
Networking with Industry Professionals
PPMA Show 2026 is also an excellent networking opportunity. Visitors can meet equipment suppliers, manufacturers, consultants and fellow industry professionals who understand the practical challenges facing modern food production.
The exhibition also includes a networking reception following the first day of the show, giving visitors the opportunity to build valuable relationships in a more informal setting.
Plan Your Visit
PPMA Show 2026 takes place at Hall 5, NEC Birmingham, on:
- Tuesday 22 September: 09:30 to 17:00
- Wednesday 23 September: 09:30 to 17:00
- Thursday 24 September: 09:30 to 16:00
Attendance is free for industry professionals, making it an excellent opportunity to discover the latest processing and packaging technologies while meeting the companies driving innovation across the manufacturing sector.
Talk to Penmann
If you’re planning to visit PPMA Show 2026 and have an upcoming food manufacturing project, we’d be pleased to discuss how Penmann can support your facility.
Whether you’re installing a new production line, expanding your factory, increasing production capacity or improving energy efficiency, our experienced engineering team can design, install and maintain the HVAC, process cooling and environmental control systems needed to keep your production running safely, efficiently and reliably.
We look forward to seeing the latest innovations at PPMA Show 2026 and continuing to support food, drink and dairy manufacturers with engineering solutions that perform where they matter most.