National Convenience Show 2025 

The National Convenience Show 2025, held at the iconic NEC in Birmingham, proved once again why it’s one of the most important and influential trade shows in the UK. Over the years, this event has steadily evolved, and what was once primarily focused on the broader convenience retail sector has now become a critical date in the calendar for the alternative nicotine industry. 

This year’s show saw an even larger presence from leading brands in the vape and nicotine pouch space, solidifying its reputation as the go-to event in the UK for this fast-growing market. Amongst the giants of the convenience world—Coca-Cola, Shell, Rockstar, KitKat, and just about every household brand you can imagine—you could also find top-tier alternative nicotine players like Pablo, Killa, CLEW, UBBS, DV Brands, Elfbar, IVG, and BAT. Their stands were consistently busy, with a huge amount of interest from retailers and distributors looking to understand what’s next in the evolving nicotine space. 

The crossover between convenience retail and alternative nicotine has never been more apparent. As consumer preferences shift and new product categories emerge, this expo has become a hub where innovation meets demand. It was great to see so many familiar faces, reconnecting with long-time industry contacts, and meeting new people equally passionate about the future of retail and nicotine innovation. 

What makes the National Convenience Show stand out is not just the scale or the variety of exhibitors, but the diversity of industries under one roof. There’s a special kind of energy that comes from seeing what’s trending across different markets—from beverages to snacks, tech to tobacco alternatives. This year, one trend that stood out was the influx of freeze-dried sweets, which seemed to be everywhere and captured plenty of attention. It’s a clear example of how this show reflects real-time shifts in consumer habits and product innovation. 

The show is incredibly well-organised, with clear layout, helpful staff, and a professional yet welcoming vibe throughout. The attendance was immense, with the NEC packed full of engaged retailers, suppliers, and decision-makers. Whether you were there to strike deals, explore new trends, or simply get a pulse on where the industry is heading, there was real value to be found at every turn. 

For us at FUTUR Ltd, this year’s event was a 10 out of 10. It’s not just a show—it’s a barometer for what’s happening right now in convenience and alternative nicotine. We were genuinely impressed by the scale, the energy, and the quality of exhibitors across the board. 

In conclusion, the National Convenience Show has firmly established itself as the top UK expo for anyone serious about alternative nicotine and convenience retail. We can’t wait to be back next year—bigger, better, and ready to connect again 

Topics