Retail NI, the leading voice for independent retail and wholesale businesses in Northern Ireland, has announced the return of its highly successful, Invest NI supported Supplier Showcase. Now in its fourth year, the 2026 event promises to be the most impactful yet, bringing together retailers, wholesalers, and suppliers for an afternoon of networking, collaboration, and sector innovation.
Building on strong momentum from previous years, the showcase aims to celebrate and promote the vital contribution local producers and manufacturers make to Northern Ireland’s economy. This year’s programme will also feature a dedicated Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) Information Seminar, hosted by the UK Deposit Management Organisation (DMO), the not-for-profit body responsible for designing, implementing, and operating the UK’s Deposit Return Scheme.
The UK DMO is the organisation appointed to ensure the UK has a fully functioning DRS in place by October 2027 and will use the session to help retailers understand what the scheme means for them and how to prepare.
Supported by Bobby’s Foods, Invest Northern Ireland and the UK DMO, the event will enable attendees to explore new supplier partnerships while gaining the practical guidance needed ahead of the DRS rollout planned for 2025 and beyond.
Taking place on 11 February 2026 at the Clearer Twist National Stadium, Windsor Park, the event will feature a vibrant supplier exhibition, product demonstrations, and access to leading DRS experts. Retailers and wholesalers will receive clear, actionable advice on regulatory compliance, operational changes, and best-practice implementation.
Event Highlights
- Supplier Showcase: Meet leading suppliers, discover new product ranges, and explore partnership opportunities across multiple categories.
- DRS Readiness Seminar (Hosted by the UK DMO) : An expert-led briefing outlining business responsibilities, upcoming milestones and the support available.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with industry peers, share challenges, and collaborate on future solutions.
Retail NI Chief Executive Glyn Roberts said:
“The event is a unique opportunity for local producers and manufacturers to showcase their products and services to our wholesale and retail members and hopefully grow their sales. Last years event brought thousands of pounds of new trade and opportunities for local suppliers and we are confident this years event will do the same”
“We are also providing the first major local information seminar on the forthcoming Deposit Return Scheme for all interested local businesses to attend”
John Lucas of Bobby’s Foods added:
“At Bobby’s Foods, we are passionate about championing local businesses and are thrilled to support the Retail NI Supplier Showcase once again. This event highlights the creativity, quality, and entrepreneurial spirit that make Northern Ireland’s retail and wholesale sectors so dynamic.”
“With the Deposit Return Scheme approaching, we know businesses need clear and practical guidance,” said Rebecca Oliver-Mooney, UK DMO Board Director
“Retail NI’s Supplier Showcase & DRS Event brings expert advice and supplier innovation together under one roof to make that transition easier.”
Grainne Moody, Director of Food and Drink, Invest NI said:
“We’re delighted to support Retail NI’s Fourth Annual Supplier Showcase Event, providing our smaller local Food and Drink producers with the ideal opportunity to showcase their innovative products to key NI and ROI wholesalers and retailers. An important part of our three-year business strategy is to support new and existing businesses to compete internationally. The Showcase offers the perfect platform for smaller producers to kickstart their export journey.”