Decode Changing Consumer & Shopper Insight • Health & Functional Foods • The GLP-1 Consumer Shift • AI In Action • Monetising Emerging Trends • Global Food Futures: Local Foods, Global Reach • Redefining Processed Food • Protein & Fibre Spotlight • Winning & Affordable NPD • Sustainability & Packaging Innovation • Shopper Behaviour & Retail Trends
12th Annual, One-Day, Industry-Led Conference & Networking Exhibition | Cavendish Conference Centre, London | 12th May 2026
08.30 Registration, Informal Networking & GIC Opening Remarks
OPENING REMARKS
09.00 Morning Co-Chairs’ Opening Remarks
Konrad Treter, Product Manager, Food Experience & Product Safety, Just Eat Takeaway
Ian Noble, VP R&D – Research, Analytical Sciences & Cocoa, Mondelēz International
DECODE CHANGING CONSUMER & SHOPPER INSIGHTS
PANEL Q&A
Decode The New Consumer Mindset Through Value, Generational Shifts & The Experience Economy
- Unpick how the definition of value is evolving from pricing sensitivity to health, quality, and emotional satisfaction and uncover what’s driving purchasing decisions in 2026
- Understand how Gen Z and Gen Alpha are shaping the next wave of food and drink consumption, from alcohol-free lifestyles to experience-led dining and brand engagement
- Explore how retailers and brands can tap into “affordable luxury” and “treat at home” behaviours to sustain growth amid continued cost-of-living pressures
- Identify how food and drink companies can stay relevant to changing consumer priorities – balancing innovation, accessibility, and premiumisation to drive both loyalty and spend
Sian Davies, Global Consumer Planning Lead, Ready To Drink, Diageo
Lauren Pizey, Head Of Brand, Pilgrim’s Europe
Antonio Pietrantuono, Global Digital Marketing Director (Digital Products & Digital Shelf), Suntory Global Spirits
Amanda Mason, Marketing Director – One Retail, Compass Group UK&I
Laura Willoughby MBE, Co-Founder, Club Soda
HEALTH & FUNCTIONAL FOODS
Explore The Evolution Of Health, Nutrition & Functionality To Drive Innovation, Education & Consumer Connection
- The definition of health is evolving – discover how brands are reframing the concept of wellbeing beyond calories and macros to include holistic wellness, mental health, and lifestyle alignment
- As functional beverages, rehydration products, and mood-boosting ingredients dominate shelves, learn how to balance innovation with consumer education to ensure credibility and trust
- Nutritional quality and nutrient density are climbing the agenda: uncover how to communicate these claims transparently while addressing consumer confusion and regulatory scrutiny
- Gut health, adaptogens, and nootropics continue to trend – explore which functional benefits are gaining traction and how established brands can integrate them into mainstream categories
Polly Lamy, Director Of Innovation, Elior UK
Hannah Locket, Head Of Nutrition, Elior UK
GLOBAL FOOD FUTURES: LOCAL ROOTS, GLOBAL REACH
DOUBLE PERSPECTIVE
Balance Global Influence With Local Identity To Build Sustainable, Authentic & Future-Ready Food Strategies
- Examine how shifting geopolitical, environmental, and supply chain pressures are reshaping global trade, and identify opportunities to strengthen local sourcing and UK-based production while maintaining affordability and quality
- Uncover how regional and hyper-local cuisines are redefining “global food” – from the rise of micro-regional specialities to the celebration of provenance and authenticity in consumer choice
- Future-proof your innovation pipeline by spotting and scaling emerging international trends before they hit saturation to secure competitive advantage and supply resilience
- Bridge the gap between global inspiration and local execution, ensuring that global flavour exploration, sourcing, and partnerships align with sustainable practices and resonate with evolving consumer values
Perspective 1
Eleanor Mansell, Head Of Sourcing, SPAR UK
Perspective 2
Jamie Robinson, Executive Chef, Tesco
