Taste of Europe brings together over 300 participants

GOPA Com and GOPA PACE jointly supported the successful delivery of the Taste of Europe 2026 event, organised on 16 April 2026 by the EU Delegation to the UK together with 19 EU Member States. Held across Europe House and Sinfonia Smith Square in London, the event brought together more than 300 participants from the food industry, hospitality sector, trade associations, media, EU institutions and UK public authorities. Building on the success of the previous edition, the 2026 event expanded both in scale and programme, combining policy discussions with food diplomacy, networking and promotion of European agri-food products.

One of the central elements of the programme was the panel discussion “From Grains to Geopolitics”, which explored food security in the context of geopolitical instability, rising energy prices and supply chain pressures. Bringing together representatives from DG AGRI, academia and international media, the discussion highlighted the importance of resilient food systems, international cooperation and sustainable agricultural practices, attracting strong engagement from EU and UK stakeholders.

The networking and food fair showcased the diversity and quality of European agri-food products through the participation of 19 Member States and around 45 European food companies. The event also featured a highly popular wine and cheese pairing masterclass led by renowned cheese expert and author Ned Palmer, who presented the principles of pairing European wines with British cheeses while sharing insights into the history and revival of British cheesemaking inspired by European traditions. The masterclass formed part of the ongoing promotional campaign in the UK, More Than Only Food & Drink, implemented for REA over the past three years, further reinforcing the visibility and appreciation of European agri-food products among UK stakeholders and audiences.

Delivered with the operational support of GOPA Com and GOPA PACE under the FPI contract Building a close relationship with the United Kingdom , the event successfully strengthened engagement between European producers and UK stakeholders while supporting the EU campaign objectives. Through coordination support, stakeholder outreach, promotional activities and event management, GOPA contributed to the strong attendance, positive atmosphere and overall success of the initiative.