Latest sector innovations set for Birmingham’s PPMA Total show

The UK’s biggest processing and packaging machinery, robotics and industrial vision event, the PPMA Total Show, makes its way back to the NEC venue in, Birmingham in September.

The PPMA Total Show 2025, which includes equipment and systems for the entire food and drink sector, including for confectionery, snacks and bakery ranges, is being staged between 23-25 September, bringing together industry professionals from across the entire manufacturing spectrum offering networking opportunities, live equipment demonstrations, and valuable insights into innovative technologies.

Among its keynotes is founding CEO of AI and education technology firm CENTURY, Priya Lakhani OBE. She has gained a broad range of industry experience as  the co-host of BBC News’s flagship AI programme, AI Decoded, Priya’s experience is extensive.

Further to having launched a successful FMCG business in 2008, Masala, which through its charitable foundation provided millions of meals and 35,000 vaccinations to the underprivileged in India and Africa, Priya went on to be appointed to the UK government’s AI Council in 2019.

In addition, the event also features a keynote from Mike Coupe former CEO of J Sainsbury plc, who will give a special address at the event, reflecting on a career that has seen the business grow online sales from just 5% to 20% during 2020, as well as bringing a greater focus to sustainability.

As for the show itself, the 2024 edition was shortlisted as a finalist in the Best UK Trade Show category at the AEO Excellence Awards 2025. Organisers Automate UK have pledged to deliver a show that exceeds expectations this year, with an itinerary of expert speakers, a networking reception and a series of live demos to showcase the latest technology solutions.

According to its organisers, last year’s event saw more than 80% of visitors reporting that they discovered new solutions to enhance and support their businesses as a direct result of their attendance.

The 2025 show is now set to be bigger and better, with more than 350 exhibitors and 1,500 brands in attendance.

Scott McKenna, Chief Operating Officer, commented: “The PPMA Show® 2024 was a great success, and this year’s show will build on that, giving attendees access to cutting-edge technology and solutions to optimise performance, reduce costs, and future-proof their businesses.

“This year, we’re offering visitors to chance to benefit and learn from expert-led seminars with relevant topics including sustainability, smart manufacturing, and operational efficiency, as well as dedicated networking opportunities throughout the course of the show.

“One of the standout successes of The PPMA Show® 2024 was Innovations Eleven – a brand-new live demo theatre, in which 11 selected exhibitors launched new technology directly to attendees, and we’re enhancing that experience this year.

“The PPMA Total Show® 2025 live demo theatre will be broadcast in real-time via PPMA Total Show TV, whilst expert-led daily innovation tours will be hosted for visitors to expand on the technology being showcased and its suitability for their business needs,” he added.

Attendance for The PPMA Total Show® 2025 is free, with registration now open. To register, visit: https://www.ppmashow.co.uk.