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
09.10 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
09.40 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
THE GLP-1 CONSUMER SHIFT
10.00 Welcome The GLP-1 Revolution With Open Arms & Understand Its Long-Term Impact On Eating Habits, Product Demand & Brand Strategy
- Translate the rise of GLP-1 into actionable market insights to forecast how changing appetite and consumption habits will affect category growth, meal occasions, and portion strategies
- Identify how shifting consumer priorities around protein, fibre, and nutrient density can inspire reformulation and guide the development of new health-focused products that meet evolving needs
- Redefine premiumisation and value by understanding how consumers who eat less are seeking higher-quality, functional products and tailor pricing, marketing, and innovation pipelines accordingly
- Equip your business to navigate the reputational and ethical considerations of the GLP-1 trend by developing inclusive messaging, responsible positioning, and future-fit brand strategies
Helen Bass, Head Of Global Marketing & Insights, Tate & Lyle
10.20 Bonus Session; Reserved For Exclusive Conference Partner
10.50 Morning Refreshment Break With Speed Networking & Peer Discussion Zone
AI IN ACTION
11.20 Harness The Power Of Artificial Intelligence To Accelerate Innovation, Streamline Operations & Deepen Consumer Connection
- Unlock the potential of AI in product development by using predictive insights to guide recipe formulation, trend forecasting, and flavour innovation, reducing costly trial and error in NPD pipelines
- Streamline day-to-day operations with AI-driven tools that optimise labour planning, supply chain efficiency, and quality control to deliver consistent results and faster routes to market
- Leverage AI for real-time consumer understanding – from identifying emerging taste trends to personalising marketing and brand experiences that resonate across demographics and platforms
- Explore how AI and robotics are preserving craftsmanship and culinary heritage while driving efficiency, helping brands balance authenticity with innovation in a fast-changing marketplace
MONETISING EMERGING TRENDS
PANEL Q&A
11.40 Transform Buzz Into Business By Identifying, Prioritising & Capitalising On The Food & Drink Trends That Drive Real Commercial Growth
- Translate fast-moving consumer trends – from functional foods to sustainable indulgence – into viable, scalable business models that deliver measurable ROI
- Learn how to evaluate which innovations are worth investing in and which are short-term fads, ensuring marketing and NPD spend delivers long-term value
- Deep dive into how brands are partnering with retailers, influencers, and data platforms to commercialise new concepts and reach target audiences faster and more effectively
- Understand how price, positioning, and promoting on-trend products to maximise shelf standout can drive premiumisation and boost profitability across diverse categories
Chris Mude, Insights Strategy & Development Manager, John Lewis Partnership
Ning Ma, CEO – Founder, TeaJoy
Aoife Mc Donald, Strategic Marketing Director – Europe, Kerry
Alessandra Cervi, Global Observatory Associate Director, Barilla
Zoë Simons, Executive Development Chef, Pret A Manger
GLOBAL FOOD FUTURES: LOCAL ROOTS, GLOBAL REACH
DOUBLE PERSPECTIVE
12.10 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
12.10 Perspective 1
Eleanor Mansell, Head Of Sourcing, SPAR UK
12.30 Perspective 2
Jamie Robinson, Executive Chef, Tesco
12.50 Lunch & Informal Networking For Speakers, Delegates & Partners
13.50 Afternoon Co-Chairs’ Opening Remarks
Andrew Hepworth, Group Commercial Director, Nomad Foods
Carol Rhead, Marketing & Insight Director Business & Industry, Compass Group UK&I
STAND-OUT MARKETING & BRAND SUCCESS
14.00 Build Standout, Shopper-First Brand Strategies That Cut Through A Crowded, Value-Driven Marketplace
- Sharpen brand positioning by understanding the new motivations shaping consumer choice, from health cues to experiential value, so you can craft messages that resonate across generations and buying occasions
- Elevate campaign performance by pinpointing the channels, formats and creative ideas that are genuinely driving reach and conversion, helping you invest where attention and influence are highest
- Boost brand relevance at shelf and online by pairing behavioural insight with winning packaging, storytelling and activation tactics that increase visibility, trust and purchase intent
- Strengthen long-term loyalty by decoding what “value” now means to shoppers – from premium-for-less to purposeful brand values – so you can build marketing strategies that deliver emotional and commercial impact
Dhiren Karnani, Global Director For New Concepts, KFC
PROTEIN & FIBRE SPOTLIGHT
PANEL Q&A
14.20 Redefine Protein, Fibre & Sustainable Nutrition For The Next Generation Of Consumers
- Assess how shifting protein demand, rising meat costs, and changing consumer attitudes are reshaping sourcing, production, and innovation strategies across categories
- Unpack the growing role of fibre as the new “functional frontier” – discover how brands are reframing fibre-rich products for mainstream appeal and measurable health impact
- Navigate the next evolution of protein: from animal welfare to alternative sources, explore which innovations and formats will secure sustainable supply and long-term growth
- Strengthen messaging and marketing strategies around nutritional benefits to meet consumer demand for clarity, authenticity, and health credibility in every product
Josephine Taylor, Head Of Marketing – Quaker Oats, Pepsico
AFFORDABLE & WINNING NPD
14.50 Drive Innovation That Balances Quality, Value & Creativity In A Cost-Conscious Market
- Create innovative, affordable products that meet evolving consumer needs without compromising on taste, safety, or brand integrity by embedding cost-efficiency early in the development process
- Understand the financial realities shaping shopper behaviour and use market insights to develop NPD strategies that deliver value while maintaining profitability and brand differentiation
- Streamline production and sourcing through smarter supplier partnerships, efficient design, and material innovation to offset rising costs and maintain competitive pricing
- Inspire cross-functional creativity by aligning marketing, R&D, and commercial teams around shared affordability goals that enable scalable, sustainable product innovation for today’s budget-conscious consumers
Louise Pilkington, Director Of Innovation, Domino’s
FEEDBACK & REFLECTION
15.10 Reflect On Key Insights Learned & Critical Takeaways From The Event So Far
Take a step back to reflect on the key insights from the day, share thoughts with peers, and discuss practical takeaways to drive real change. This interactive session offers a space to exchange ideas, ask questions, and leave feeling empowered with clear next steps for advancing customer experience in your organisation.
15.30 Bonus Session; Reserved For Exclusive Conference Partner
16.00 Afternoon Refreshment Break With Speed Networking & Peer Discussion Zones
THE FUTURE OF FOOD & DRINK FOR 2026: A BIDFOOD CASE STUDY
16.30 Unpack the Key Consumer Trends Set to Shape the UK Out-of-Home Market in 2026
- Value is being redefined – explore how consumers are shifting from price-driven decisions to value-led choices that balance affordability, indulgence and experience
- Trending ingredients and flavours – discover the flavours and ingredients gaining momentum from chefs and consumers, alongside the established ingredients that remain firm staples
- Reframing the UPF debate with a positive lens – explore how operators can respond to the move away from ultra-processed foods by elevating wholefood ingredients across menus
- The demand for global desserts – uncover the rise of viral and global influenced desserts and understand how operators can translate these ideas into commercially viable out-of-home offerings
- Drink trends continue to diversify – from functional boosts to alcohol moderation, explore the new beverage expectations driving choice, and how to cater to Gen-Z and students
- World cuisines – examine the rising influence of Korean, Malaysian and South American cuisines, the consumer demand behind their growth, and how operators can introduce these flavours across their menu
Rhia Harry, Research & Insights Manager, Bidfood UK
SUSTAINABILITY & PACKAGING INNOVATION
16.50 From Trend To Business Imperative: Embedding Practical, Profitable Sustainability Across Food & Drink
- Understand how sustainability has evolved from a marketing trend to an operational necessity – identify where genuine progress is being made versus where ambition still falls short
- Uncover the latest innovations driving circular packaging, recyclability, and compliance with EPR regulations while maintaining brand appeal and cost efficiency
- Assess how leading companies are balancing climate goals with commercial growth, ensuring sustainability strategies enhance profitability rather than restrict it
- Strengthen long-term resilience by embedding sustainability into every stage of production, sourcing, and design – not just packaging
Dan Chesbrough, Sales Director, FrieslandCampina UK Ltd
JUST LOVE FOOD CASE STUDY
17.10 Exclusive Case Study With Just Love Food Co Ltd
Mike Woods, CEO, Just Love Food Co Ltd
17.30 Afternoon Co-Chairs’ Closing Remarks & Official Close Of Conference
Andrew Hepworth, Group Commercial Director, Nomad Foods
Carol Rhead, Marketing & Insight Director Business & Industry, Compass Group UK&I