Food to go and coffee are among the hot topics at the Convenience Retailing Show (CRS) at the NEC Birmingham, March 21-24.

The categories saw growth of 11% and 14% respectively in 2009, according to retail consultancy Oxxygen, with retailers reporting increases of up to 45% in turnover and 30% in profit.

A dedicated feature at the show, Cafe+ @CRS, will offer retailers the chance to talk to big names such as Café Society, Coffee Nation, Coffee Treats, Simply Coffee and Tchibo, to find out how they can help improve their hot food and drink offer.

Experts will be on hand for a series of seminars at Café+ Live. These include a top 10 list of hints and tips from retail consultancy HIM, a look at health and safety issues with Technical Foodservices, and a panel debate on 'coffee and customers'.

Supplier Greencore will provide a look at sandwich lines, and Market Fresh will discuss 'fresh ideas for food on the move', while Costa will focus on the growing breakfast occasion and share tips on driving innovation and raising standards.

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