Join the TUCO Academy for our first Extreme Day Trip (EDT) as we head to Berlin to explore the food trends, innovative concepts and sustainability initiatives shaping the future of university catering.
Overview
Designed to maximise learning in a single day, this exciting new study tour format combines international inspiration with minimal time away from the workplace – departing the UK in the morning and returning the same evening.
Berlin's vibrant food scene provides the perfect backdrop to discover how global flavours, plant-forward menus, independent food operators and experience-led dining are attracting younger consumers.
From innovative food halls and creative grab-and-go concepts to sustainable catering initiatives and Christmas food markets, delegates will experience a carefully curated programme with a focus on ideas that can be adapted for UK university campuses.
Who is this for?
- Executive Chefs,
- Head Chefs,
- Catering and Hospitality Managers,
- Food Development Teams,
- Sustainability Leads,
- Retail and Commercial Managers,
- Food Innovation Teams
- and anyone involved in developing the student food experience
Why should I take part?
Today's students are looking for more than just somewhere to eat. They want value, convenience, choice, sustainability and memorable food experiences.
Berlin offers a fascinating insight into how food businesses are responding to these expectations, with exciting international cuisines, innovative retail concepts and a growing emphasis on sustainable food systems.
This fast-paced study tour will provide an opportunity to explore:
- Food trends and global flavours: Discover emerging cuisines, street-food concepts and international influences that appeal to younger consumers.
- Food halls and social dining: Explore how independent operators, shared dining spaces and experience-led environments encourage customers to stay, eat and socialise.
- Sustainability and plant-forward innovation: Investigate approaches to sustainable catering, seasonal ingredients, food waste reduction and alternative proteins.
- Grab-and-go and retail innovation: Experience creative, convenient and visually engaging food concepts that could inspire campus retail offers.
- Food technology and innovation: Consider how new technologies and approaches to food production could influence the future of catering.
With visits planned to locations including Markthalle Neun, Kantine Zukunft, Food Campus Berlin and KERB Berlin, the day will combine professional learning with practical food-trend exploration.
The festive season also provides an opportunity to experience Berlin's Christmas market food culture, showcasing seasonal products, international flavours and creative food-to-go offers.
How will it help me?
By the end of the visit, delegates will have had the opportunity to:
- Identify emerging food trends and international flavours with potential applications in university catering.
- Explore how food halls, street-food concepts and social dining environments can improve student engagement and campus footfall.
- Investigate sustainable and plant-forward catering approaches that could support institutional sustainability objectives.
- Discover innovative grab-and-go, packaging and retail ideas that balance convenience, commercial appeal and environmental responsibility.
- Understand how Berlin's public-sector catering initiatives are supporting positive changes in food production and service.
- Bring back practical, adaptable ideas to enhance menus, retail operations and the wider student dining experience.
What’s included?
- Return economy flights between Manchester and Berlin.
- Public transport within Berlin.
- A curated programme of professional visits and food-trend exploration.
- Visits to innovative food halls, markets and retail concepts.
- Opportunities to sample a range of international food offers.
A seasonal Berlin Christmas market experience.
Please note: The programme is provisional and subject to confirmation of visits, opening times and travel arrangements. This is an intensive, one-day itinerary involving walking and public transport.
What’s not included?
Anything not listed on the itinerary including, but not limited to:
- Additional drinks, trips not on the itinerary etc.
Provisional Itinerary:
Thursday 10th December
- 06:35 Flight from Manchester to Berlin
- 09:35 Arrive Berlin
- From approx 11:00 onwards visit a variety of sites across the city including lunch and dinner
- 19:00 Transfer to Berlin Airport
- 21:45 Flight to Manchester
- 22:55 Arrive Manchester
