Key Points
- Wales’s largest drinks trade show returns to Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on Tuesday, 3rd February 2026.
- The event follows a sell-out debut last year and has expanded with a second exhibition space to accommodate demand.
- Over 1,000 publicans, hoteliers, and restaurateurs from across Wales are expected to attend.
- More than 80 drinks suppliers will exhibit national, international, Welsh, and independent brands across beer, wine, spirits, and soft drinks.
- Hosted by drinks wholesaler LWC Drinks, organised by its Glamorgan depot.
- High-profile Welsh sporting figures, including a darts world champion and former rugby international, are set to attend.
- Richard Anstee of LWC Glamorgan highlighted the event’s value in supporting Welsh hospitality amid challenging trading conditions.
- The show aligns with LWC’s recent investment, including relocation to a new, purpose-built depot in Glamorgan at the end of last year.
- The event aims to provide tools, knowledge, and confidence to local operators by facilitating face-to-face supplier meetings.
Cardiff, (The Wales Times) 22 January, 2026 – One of the biggest dates in the Welsh hospitality calendar returns next month as Wales’s largest drinks trade show takes place at the Principality Stadium on Tuesday, 3rd February. After a sell-out debut last year, the event has grown significantly, with organisers expanding the footprint by adding a second exhibition space to meet demand from suppliers and visitors.
The trade show, hosted by leading drinks wholesaler LWC Drinks and organised by its Glamorgan depot, promises to be the biggest hospitality-focused drinks event of its kind in the country. It will welcome more than 1,000 publicans, hoteliers, and restaurateurs from across Wales, offering them direct access to over 80 exhibiting suppliers showcasing a diverse range of products.
What Makes This Year’s Event Larger Than Last Year?
The expansion directly responds to the overwhelming success of the inaugural show, which sold out completely. As reported in the original coverage from LWC Drinks’ announcement, organisers have introduced a second exhibition space within the iconic Principality Stadium, creating additional room for both exhibitors and attendees. This growth underscores the rising demand for such localised trade opportunities in Wales.
Richard Anstee of LWC Glamorgan emphasised the strategic enhancements, stating:
“This show is about bringing something genuinely valuable to Welsh hospitality, on their own turf. It gives our customers the chance to see the very best products, meet suppliers face to face and have proper conversations about what will work in their businesses.”
His comments, drawn from the event’s official press release, highlight the practical focus on business needs.
“With trading conditions still challenging for so many, bringing the industry together like this is about support and confidence,”
Anstee added.
“It allows us to deliver an event on a scale Wales deserves, while keeping it rooted in the needs of local operators.”
These statements reflect LWC’s commitment to fostering resilience in the sector.
Who Are the Key Exhibitors and What Brands Will Feature?
The trade show brings together a comprehensive mix of national and international brands alongside a strong representation of Welsh and independent producers. Categories span beer, wine, spirits, and soft drinks, ensuring broad appeal for hospitality professionals seeking innovative and reliable options for their venues.
Over 80 suppliers are confirmed, though specific names have not been fully detailed in the primary announcement. The event’s structure prioritises face-to-face interactions, allowing publicans and restaurateurs to sample products and discuss tailored solutions. This setup positions it as a vital platform for discovering both established favourites and emerging Welsh labels.
As per the LWC Drinks press release, the diversity of offerings caters directly to the varied demands of Welsh businesses, from urban hotels in Cardiff to rural pubs in the valleys. No additional media reports have named individual exhibitors yet, but the scale suggests a comprehensive showcase unmatched elsewhere in Wales.
Which High-Profile Guests Are Expected to Attend?
Adding glamour to the proceedings at one of Wales’s most recognisable venues, a number of high-profile Welsh sporting figures will attend. These include a darts world champion and a former rugby international, though specific names have not been disclosed in the announcement.
Their presence elevates the sense of occasion, drawing parallels to the stadium’s storied history of hosting major events. For hospitality delegates, this offers networking opportunities beyond trade, blending sport and business in a uniquely Welsh context.
The inclusion of such celebrities aligns with LWC’s aim to make the event memorable and supportive, as echoed in Anstee’s remarks on building confidence through community and visibility.
Why Is LWC Drinks Hosting This Event at Principality Stadium?
The choice of Cardiff’s Principality Stadium as the venue reinforces the event’s prestige. As Wales’s national rugby stadium, it provides a grand yet accessible setting for the trade show, accommodating the expanded layout seamlessly.
Hosted by LWC Drinks, the event is organised by its Glamorgan depot, ensuring local insight shapes the programme. This depot’s recent relocation to a brand-new, purpose-built facility towards the end of 2025 signals LWC’s long-term investment in the region, including improved service, infrastructure, and employment opportunities.
The move, as noted in the official statement, “signified the wholesaler’s intent and commitment to long-term investment.” By staging the show here, LWC demonstrates its dedication to Welsh hospitality on “their own turf.”
How Does This Support Welsh Hospitality Amid Challenges?
Richard Anstee of LWC Glamorgan elaborated on the event’s purpose:
“Ultimately, it’s about backing Welsh hospitality and giving people the tools, knowledge and confidence they need to move forward.”
In an era of tough trading conditions, the show serves as a hub for practical support.
Attendees can engage directly with suppliers, gaining insights into products suited to their businesses. This face-to-face model contrasts with virtual alternatives, emphasising personal relationships crucial for smaller operators.
The event’s timing in early February positions it perfectly for operators planning spring menus and stock, potentially boosting local economies through increased trade and innovation.
What Recent Investments Has LWC Made in Wales?
LWC’s commitment extends beyond the trade show. The wholesaler’s Glamorgan depot relocated to a larger, purpose-built site late last year, enhancing operational capacity.
This investment supports faster delivery, broader product ranges, and job creation, directly benefiting Welsh publicans and restaurateurs. As Anstee noted, such moves deliver “an event on a scale Wales deserves,” backed by robust infrastructure.
No competing reports contradict this; the announcement stands as the primary source, with no further media pickups identified to date.
When and How Can Industry Professionals Attend?
The event unfolds on Tuesday, 3rd February 2026, at Principality Stadium in Cardiff. Entry targets publicans, hoteliers, restaurateurs, and related professionals, with last year’s sell-out suggesting early registration.
Organisers recommend contacting LWC Glamorgan for details, ensuring priority access amid expected high demand. The expanded space promises smoother navigation for the 1,000-plus visitors.
What Impact Did Last Year’s Debut Have?
The inaugural show’s sell-out status validated the format, prompting this year’s growth. Feedback from 2025 attendees likely drove the second space addition, addressing space constraints.
This success cements the event’s place in the Welsh hospitality calendar, with potential for annual expansion. LWC’s hosting role positions it as a sector leader.
Broader Context for the Welsh Drinks Industry
Wales’s hospitality sector faces ongoing pressures from economic factors, making events like this essential. The trade show’s focus on local needs, from independent producers to global brands, equips businesses to thrive.
High-profile attendance and stadium prestige amplify visibility, potentially attracting media and further investment. As Anstee affirmed, it roots support in “the needs of local operators.”
