Explore diverse and innovative beer styles from the EU at the Food & Drink Expo

Chefs and restaurateurs looking to elevate their beverage offerings will find plenty of inspiration at this year’s Food & Drink Expo, where more than 20 distinctive beers from across the European Union will be featured. This showcase is part of the EU’s ‘More Than Only Food & Drink’ campaign (Booth KK331 NEC Birmingham, April 7th—9th), which highlights Europe’s extensive culinary heritage and commitment to quality, authenticity, safety, and sustainability.

After successfully launching in the UK last year, the campaign is back to showcase the diverse range of flavours that European beers, from traditional brews to modern craft styles, can bring to menus.

Visitors to Booth KK331 at the Food & Drink Expo will have the chance to explore beers and spirits from across the EU’s Member States. Classic lagers and ales from brewing powerhouses such as Belgium, Czechia, and Germany will be on display alongside contemporary styles, including pale ales and the increasingly popular sour beers.

This diverse showcase offers a unique opportunity for hospitality professionals to taste, compare, and discover beers that can truly enhance their dining experience and meet evolving consumer tastes.

Mark Dredge, beer writer and advisor to the ‘More Than Only Food & Drink’ campaign, will be available to answer questions and share insights on how operators can expand their beer offerings to meet evolving consumer tastes. He will also present a masterclass: “Discovering unique and lesser-known beers and beer styles from EU Member States, along with their unexpected pairings” on Monday, 7th April at 12:30 pm.

“There is a fantastic variety of EU beers to be discovered at the show, explains Mark. “Some of my favourites and ones to watch include:

• Samichlaus Schwarzes Bier: A strong and dark Austrian lager brewed once a year, which was once the world’s strongest beer. It’s incredible with desserts like apple strudel and Black Forest gâteau.

• Reidenburger Hefe-Weizen: A much-loved German wheat beer that is rarely seen in the UK. It has a soft, smooth texture and pairs well with Southeast Asian cuisines.

• Carlow O’Hara’s Leann Folláin: Like your favourite Irish stout turned up to 11. It’s richer, darker, fuller-bodied, and a brilliant choice for grilled and smoked meats.

• Belgian and French Blonde Beers: These have Champagne-like qualities with brisk carbonation, biscuity flavours, a very dry finish, plus a little herbal, peppery character, making them a great match for Middle Eastern dishes.”

Mark adds: “For restaurateurs, pairing food with beer can seem complicated, but it really doesn’t need to be. Local beers traditionally pair well with local dishes, so offering beers from key culinary regions that align with the menu makes perfect sense. For restaurants featuring a variety of cuisines, the opportunities for thoughtful beer pairings become even greater.

“Diners are open to exploring new tastes but rely on knowledgeable recommendations from staff, especially when consuming beer in a restaurant setting.

“Often, the hesitation around drinking beer in restaurants comes down to volume. Offering smaller servings, such as thirds and half pints, and investing in glassware that appeals to beer-drinking diners means that customers can drink less but enjoy more styles – much like they would with wine. Highlighting the heritage and stories behind EU beers can also greatly appeal to younger customers eager for unique experiences.

“From zero to 15% ABV, subtle pale lagers to fruit sours and deep chocolate stouts, I truly believe there is a beer out there for everyone. The EU has a long history of pairing food with beer, and by offering smaller servings and suggesting beers for each dish, restaurants can give beer drinkers a true appreciation for thoughtful food pairings.”