BIXOLON Brings High-Performance POS, Mobile and Labelling Solutions to Food & Drink Expo 2026

BIXOLON Europe GmbH, a subsidiary of BIXOLON the global manufacturer of advanced Receipt, Label and Mobile printers, will be exhibiting on stand C149 at Food & Drink Expo 2026, where the company will present its comprehensive portfolio of printing solutions designed to support the fast-paced requirements of food production, hospitality and retail environments. 

Visitors will be able to explore its range of linerless, POS, Mobile, Desktop Label, Industrial, and Kiosk printing technologies engineered to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and streamline operations.

POS and Kiosk Printing – To support front-of-house and self-service environments, BIXOLON will be demonstrating its versatile POS receipt printer range including the SRP-350plusV 3-inch (80 mm) feature rich receipt printer and SRP-275III 3-inch (80 mm) dot-matrix kitchen printers. 

Alongside the SRP-Q300 3-inch (80 mm), and SRP-Q200 2-inch (58 mm) cube printers which deliver reliable, high-speed receipt and ticket printing for hospitality and retail applications. 

Complementing these solutions will be the SRP-S200 2-inch (58 mm) and SRP-S300II 3-inch (80 mm) linerless-capable printers, offering waste-reducing label production ideal for food labelling and order management. 

For unattended, self-ordering applications, the BK5-31 3inch (80 mm) and BK3-21 2-inch (58 mm) kiosk printer mechanisms provide compact, dependable printing designed for integration into a wide range of self-service systems.

Mobile Printing – Designed for flexible and on-demand operations, BIXOLON will showcase its robust mobile printing lineup, including the XM7-20 2-inch (58 mm), XM7-30 3-inch (80 mm) and XM7-40 4-inch (112 mm) mobile label printers, built for high durability, fast data processing, and seamless wireless connectivity. Also on display will be the SPP-R200III 2-inch (58 mm), a lightweight and ergonomic mobile receipt printer widely used for queue-busting, table-side ordering, and delivery applications. These solutions enable staff to print labels and receipts wherever needed, improving workflow efficiency across food preparation, service, and logistics tasks.

Label Printing – For back-of-house labelling and high-volume production, BIXOLON will present its XQ-840II 4-inch (118mm) stand-alone tablet-integrated label printer and the cost-effective XD3-40 4-inch (118 mm) series desktop label printers, offering reliable performance in compact footprints suited to food labelling, traceability, and inventory management. 

For more demanding environments, the XT5-40 and XT3-40 4-inch (114 mm) industrial printers provide durable construction, high-speed output, and the capability to handle continuous, high-volume labelling requirements common in food manufacturing and distribution.

“Food and Drink Expo provides an excellent opportunity to demonstrate how reliable and efficient printing technology can enhance productivity, accuracy, and sustainability across food and hospitality operations,” Paul Kim, Managing Director, BIXOLON Europe GmbH told That's Food and Drink.

“From linerless labelling that reduces waste to mobile and kiosk solutions that streamline service, our portfolio is designed to help businesses adapt to evolving operational demands while maintaining speed and quality.”

www.Bixolon.com

The Future of Food: Lab-Grown Meat, 3D Printing, and Small Business Opportunities

The global food industry is evolving faster than ever, driven by climate change, consumer demand for sustainable choices, and advances in technology. 

Two major innovations attracting attention are lab-grown meat (also called cultivated meat) and 3D printing of food. Both could dramatically reshape how we source, cook, and consume food.

But what does this mean for small businesses, independent restaurants, and local food producers? Let’s explore the pros and cons of lab-grown meat, the advantages and disadvantages of 3D printing food, and how smaller enterprises could get involved in this growing sector.

What Is Lab-Grown Meat?

Lab-grown meat, or cultivated meat, is produced by growing animal cells in a controlled environment rather than raising and slaughtering livestock.

Pros of Lab-Grown Meat

Sustainable food production: Lower greenhouse gas emissions, water use, and land requirements.

Animal welfare benefits: No animals need to be slaughtered.

Healthier meat: Potential for reduced saturated fats, no antibiotics, and boosted nutrition.

Stable supply: Less affected by disease outbreaks or farming disruptions.

Cons of Lab-Grown Meat

Expensive technology: Still far costlier than conventional meat.

Consumer hesitation: Some people are wary of “lab food”.

Regulatory approval: Varies by country and can delay market entry.

Specialist infrastructure: Requires advanced facilities and training.

What Is 3D Printed Food?

3D printing of food uses machines to create edible items layer by layer, often using purees, doughs, proteins, or alternative ingredients.

Pros of 3D Printing Food

Customisation: Meals tailored for dietary needs, aesthetics, or medical requirements.

Creative design: Unique textures, shapes, and artistic presentations.

Waste reduction: Precise ingredient use minimises food waste.

Sustainability options: Can use plant proteins, algae, or insect-based ingredients.

Cons of 3D Printing Food

High equipment costs: Advanced printers are expensive.

Slow production: Printing food can be time-consuming.

Consumer scepticism: Diners may resist unfamiliar food formats.

Ingredient limitations: Not all foods are suitable for printing.

Hygiene and cross-contamination. 3D printing machines must be kept clean to the highest standards.

How Small Businesses Can Get Involved

Even though these technologies are still developing, there are practical ways for small businesses, restaurants, and caterers to explore opportunities now.

1. Restaurants and Cafés

Introduce 3D-printed desserts, pasta, or garnishes to stand out from competitors.

Trial lab-grown meat menu items (when available in the UK market) to attract eco-conscious diners.

Offer personalised dining experiences for events, weddings, or themed menus.

2. Independent Food Producers

Launch niche businesses specialising in artisanal 3D-printed snacks or edible art.

Partner with cultivated meat start-ups to explore early distribution and branding opportunities.

Experiment with alternative proteins to appeal to vegan and flexitarian markets.

3. Catering and Event Services

Create showstopping 3D-printed food designs for high-end catering.

Use food printing to make nutritionally tailored meals for schools, hospitals, or care homes.

Offer sustainable catering packages highlighting innovative food technologies.

Lab-grown meat and 3D food printing may still seem futuristic, but they’re fast becoming reality. For UK small businesses in food and drink, this is an opportunity to get ahead of the curve, attract forward-thinking customers, and build sustainable branding.

The challenges—costs, consumer scepticism, and regulation—are real. But as these technologies mature, they will become more accessible. Entrepreneurs who start experimenting today could be tomorrow’s industry leaders.