17 - 19 March 2025
ExCeL London

Seminar Programme

From state of the nation to customer perspective, keeping up with socials to AI revolution, this year's seminar programme has been curated to present you with the insights to grow your business, and keep up-to-date with the latest trends to stay ahead of your competitors.

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10:30
  1. New Products Tasting Theatre
    60 mins
    Grab a front-row seat to this drinks-focused product launch pitching session with Tide Coffee, Santhiyagu Ceylon Co, Win Win Water and Better Food Mood. Hear from the faces behind the brands as they t …
10:45
  1. Trends & Innovation Platform
    45 mins
    From human health to environmental impact, our food system is under increasing pressure. Join thefoodpeople's Charles Banks to discover how some of the emerging forces re-shaping the food industry will affect you: from AI and molecular farming to the ‘pillars of protein’. And take part in the debate around ultra-processed & hyper palatable foods.
  2. Future Food Stage
    45 mins
    AI is fascinating retailers, brands and consumers across the world - but how will it affect the food and drinks industry and what exactly do you need to be prepared for? Join Professor Sabine Benoit a …
  3. HRC - TechX
    30 mins
    Tight margins and multiple headwinds in the form of people, costs and meeting consumer demand for great experiences every visit means there has never been a better time to embrace the power of next ge …
11:00
  1. HRC - Vision Stage - Designed by Harp Design
    45 mins
    Join executive chef of the Michelin-starred Northcote restaurant, Lisa Goodwin-Allen as she is interviewed by Si Alexander from FoodFM and talks about everything from championing seasonal cuisine to G …
11:15
  1. Exporters Hub in partnership with UK Export Academy & Department of Business & Trade
    45 mins
    Join the FDEA as they kick off the Exporters Hub content programme for 2024 with an insightful introductory session focussing on advice sharing for companies beginning their exporting journey. Be insp …
11:30
  1. HRC - TechX
    30 mins
    Join this session as we explore strategies to mend and enhance your restaurant's tech stack. You will hear from industry leaders about everything from streamlining operations, to boosting efficiency, …
11:45
  1. Trends & Innovation Platform
    45 mins
    Dive into the groundbreaking realm of AI-driven innovations in the food sector. Explore how AI is revolutionising waste reduction, cutting carbon footprints, driving new product development, and enhan …
  2. Future Food Stage
    45 mins
    70% of grocery shoppers prioritise fresh produce quality when selecting a store. The stakes have never been higher for retailers to meet and exceed quality expectations. Join Clarifruit as they lead t …
12:00
  1. HRC - Vision Stage - Designed by Harp Design
    45 mins
    Why does social sustainability matter in the F&B industry and why should it be an integral part of your sustainability planning? Restaurants form a key part of the social and economic fabric of a comm …
  2. New Products Tasting Theatre
    60 mins
    Join the pioneers behind the finest Speciality products in town as they pitch their latest wares to a live audience; meet Chaatit, 18-18 Flatbread and Ceylon Stuffs. Support these fledgling companies …
12:30
  1. Exporters Hub in partnership with UK Export Academy & Department of Business & Trade
    45 mins
    In this session, expert speakers from FDEA Members Kilburn & Strode and White & Black will discuss some of the key things to review when exporting. Considerations will touch upon how best to protect y …
12:45
  1. Trends & Innovation Platform
    45 mins
    UPF - how should the industry be reacting? Gain diverse perspectives from category expert Debbie Davies of Contigo Management, using behavioural science platform, Vypr, along with a product developmen …
13:00
  1. HRC - Vision Stage - Designed by Harp Design
    60 mins
    Join KAM for an exclusive presentation showcasing the 2024 results of the UK's largest hospitality salary survey. Following the results, our panel of expert speakers will outline what you should be do …
  2. Future Food Stage
    45 mins
    The Innovation Triad (which consists of NPD pioneers, scientists and investors) looks at a part of the macro environment that focuses on creation and exploitation of new ideas as an institutional game …
  3. HRC - TechX
    30 mins
    Hear from new businesses just starting out in the world of hospitality technology, and what they have to offer the market, during these exciting live 10 minute pitching sessions. All featured start-up …
13:30
  1. New Products Tasting Theatre
    60 mins
    In the market for a new health, organic or natural product which will sweep consumers off their feet? Then look no further and join this exciting live pitching session where producers will showcase th …
13:45
  1. Trends & Innovation Platform
    45 mins
    You have a great product, and think you've got what it takes to go on and achieve ground-breaking success. Right? Well maybe… In this panel discussion we’ll be talking about the magic ingredients prov …
14:00
  1. Future Food Stage
    45 mins
    Key social media platforms introduce new features, update their algorithms, and refresh their experiences constantly. It’s hard for any social media manager to keep up! Social Media expert Alison Batt …
  2. Exporters Hub in partnership with UK Export Academy & Department of Business & Trade
    45 mins
    The EU deforestation regulations came into force in June 2023, demanding yet another layer of data transparency and due diligence from retailers and manufacturers. In this panel discussion hosted by A …
  3. HRC - TechX
    30 mins
    Unlock the secrets to customer retention through effective loyalty programs. Join industry experts in discovering proven strategies for building strong customer relationships, fostering loyalty, and i …
14:10
  1. HRC - Vision Stage - Designed by Harp Design
    40 mins
    What are the secrets to balancing form and function for your restaurant? Find out how to elevate your dining experiences by making the right decisions around your light equipment and tableware. Our pa …
14:45
  1. Trends & Innovation Platform
    45 mins
    The World Food Innovation Awards return to IFE for their tenth edition, recognising and celebrating the trailblazing innovators operating in food & drink. Join IFE and FoodBev as we celebrate these tr …
  2. HRC - TechX
    45 mins
    The hospitality industry is built for, and around, people. But right now, finding great team members is tough. Keeping hold of them? That’s even harder. Join Planday and their expert panel to hear abo …
15:00
  1. Future Food Stage
    45 mins
    Join FWD as they discuss their top three focusses for the industry in 2024: sustainability, the digital customer and growth plans. Attend this session to uncover innovative strategies that harmonise e …
  2. HRC - Vision Stage - Designed by Harp Design
    45 mins
    Join Charles Banks and Kelly Dowson as they take you through key learnings and takeaways from thefoodpeople and Good Sense Research's future trend tracker to date, and a look forward as to what we can …
  3. New Products Tasting Theatre
    45 mins
    The Free From Food Awards are the UK’s ONLY awards dedicated to Free From food and drink. Join this tasting showcase of Free From Awards gold-winning companies and go under the cover of innovation at …
15:15
  1. Exporters Hub in partnership with UK Export Academy & Department of Business & Trade
    45 mins
    Selling via ecommerce offers multiple opportunities for exporters. Rosetta Brands will teach you how to leverage ecommerce platforms to sell your product overseas. Hear from this Amazon Vendor Special …
15:45
  1. HRC - TechX
    30 mins
    What does the future hold? Our panel of experts look at opportunities of the future and the changing landscape of hospitality for multi-site operators. And how will technology help operators realise t …
16:00
  1. Trends & Innovation Platform
    60 mins
    IFST is delighted to be collaborating with IFE Manufacturing in presenting a brand new set of ingredients awards. Discover how ingredients are used in exciting products that are wowing consumers as we …
  2. Future Food Stage
    45 mins
    ITN Business launch and screen their latest news style programme, fronted by Chris Bavin, and featuring contributions from thought leaders the Food & Drink Federation and the Institute of Food Science …
  3. HRC - Vision Stage - Designed by Harp Design
    45 mins
    “It is possible to feed a growing global population while protecting our planet.” Join our panel of sustainability powerhouses as they delve into the future of food systems. We'll explore everything f …
10:15
  1. Trends & Innovation Platform
    15 mins
    Businesses have been hit by supply chain shocks over the last five years caused by a number of factors including Brexit, Covid, the Ukraine war and climate change. Join Peter Wortsman where he will ou …
  2. Exporters Hub in partnership with UK Export Academy & Department of Business & Trade
    45 mins
    Join Tony Goodman MBE & founder of Forest & Company Marketing and Amanda Stansfield, Managing Director of Granny Gothards and find out how they turned their businesses into successful companies sellin …
10:30
  1. HRC - Vision Stage - Designed by Harp Design
    30 mins
    Day 2 at HRC kicks off with an outline of the drivers of change for the entire foodservice/hospitality market, as it develops over the next seven years. Simon Stenning will share details of the key tr …
  2. New Products Tasting Theatre
    60 mins
    Learn all about the latest plant-based and vegan products by joining our live pitching session with Ro-Gro, Up 'N' Mellow and Uhhmami. Attend this session for an exclusive front row seat to sample bra …
10:45
  1. Trends & Innovation Platform
    45 mins
    In this presentation, FMCG Gurus will detail how the cost of living crisis continues to influence consumer behaviours and attitudes at a global scale. Their consumer insights will reveal perceptions o …
  2. Future Food Stage
    45 mins
    IGD’s economics and retail experts will come together to provide you with a state of the nation overview of the UK market, sharing their economic forecasts and total consumption view to help retailers …
    Sponsored by:
    IGD
  3. HRC - TechX
    30 mins
    Join KAM as they reveal new research to highlight how Hospitality is falling behind in terms of People Tech and what our employees feel they’re missing out on.
11:15
  1. HRC - Vision Stage - Designed by Harp Design
    45 mins
    Join Kate Nicholls OBE as she breaks down the impacts of the recent rise in the national living wage, the good, the bad and the unexpected. This session will outline cost implications, operational adj …
  2. Exporters Hub in partnership with UK Export Academy & Department of Business & Trade
    45 mins
    Hear from FDEA service providers Export Access, NNR and Ashbury as they talk through how to manage sending products overseas and best practice around customs, logistics and labelling. Gain practical i …
11:30
  1. HRC - TechX
    30 mins
    Navigate the tech labyrinth and reclaim operational ease. Learn from experts on leveraging technology to streamline operations, minimize complexities, and enhance efficiency. Uncover cutting-edge solu …
11:45
  1. Trends & Innovation Platform
    45 mins
    Gain invaluable insights from brand owners as they candidly share their experiences. Learn from their mistakes, hindsight, and reflections on what they would do differently. Discover key lessons to ad …
  2. Future Food Stage
    45 mins
    This UK Hero piece showcases IGD's joined-up thinking on the big industry issues and will provide a complete view of missions and occasions from a retailer and shopper view. Attendees to this session …
    Sponsored by:
    IGD
12:00
  1. New Products Tasting Theatre
    60 mins
    Join the pioneers behind the finest Speciality products in town as they pitch their latest wares to a live audience. Support these fledgling companies as they talk through their unique products, provi …
12:15
  1. HRC - Vision Stage - Designed by Harp Design
    45 mins
    Highlighting an often less talked about side of wellbeing, hear our panellists explore the importance of looking after our teams’ physical health, including nutrition, physical exercise and sleep. Is …
  2. HRC - TechX
    30 mins
    Delivery presents challenges for restaurants and kitchen operators – kitchen scheduling, prioritising dine-in versus delivery, how to get transparency about customers, and not to mention commissions a …
12:30
  1. Exporters Hub in partnership with UK Export Academy & Department of Business & Trade
    45 mins
    How exactly can we know what distributors are after and even trickier- how can we meet these expectations productively? Join this panel of FDEA International Expert members are they give their top tip …
12:45
  1. Trends & Innovation Platform
    45 mins
    Waste and resources specialists WRAP will host this panel discussion around all things packaging reuse and refill. Join these pioneers of packaging as they share best practice ideas on how to navigate …
13:00
  1. Future Food Stage
    45 mins
    IGD’s experts will be joined by NamNews Editor Brian Moore to compare the macro and micro views of the UK market opportunities and challenges, bringing together a combined retail, economics, shopper a …
    Sponsored by:
    IGD
  2. HRC - TechX
    30 mins
    Hear from new businesses just starting out in the world of hospitality technology, and what they have to offer the market, during these exciting live 10 minute pitching sessions. All featured start-up …
13:15
  1. HRC - Vision Stage - Designed by Harp Design
    45 mins
    Join us as we take a deep dive into the Business & Industry sector, our panel of contract caterers will discuss key considerations for 2024 and beyond. How can you enhance your menu offering amid the …
13:30
  1. New Products Tasting Theatre
    60 mins
    Join the pioneers behind the finest Speciality products in town as they pitch their latest wares to a live audience; meet Kin & Duem, Tilz Collection and Swenga Food. Support these fledgling companies …
13:45
  1. Trends & Innovation Platform
    45 mins
    There is increasing pressure on companies to reformulate products; either to improve front of pack labelling schemes, avoid label warnings on pack or to respond to regulatory restrictions. There are d …
14:00
  1. Future Food Stage
    45 mins
    A unique opportunity to see the outcomes of IGD’s recent Consultancy project with client Heinz, with a behind-the-scenes view of the learnings and applications of IGD’s insight into a supplier setting …
    Sponsored by:
    IGD
  2. Exporters Hub in partnership with UK Export Academy & Department of Business & Trade
    45 mins
    Sustainability is a trend that is here to stay. But how it plays out in different markets can be variable. With strong government backing for organic in the EU and retailers showing novel approaches t …
  3. HRC - TechX
    30 mins
    Change Readiness: Discover the critical elements that define a change-ready organisation. Robyn and Chris shed light on the mindset, processes, and cultural aspects that set the stage for successful t …
14:30
  1. HRC - Vision Stage - Designed by Harp Design
    45 mins
    From AI to influencers, Tik Tok to Google Demand Gen, this informative session will update you on the latest marketing innovations & trends to help your hospitality business thrive in 2024 and beyond. …
14:45
  1. Trends & Innovation Platform
    45 mins
    Join the first session of a duo of back to back panels analysing and dissecting the entire NPD journey. Kicking off proceedings with a panel discussion on navigating challenges in food development, sp …
15:00
  1. Future Food Stage
    45 mins
    IGD’s Social Impact and Commercial team will look at the big issues for shoppers across health in industry in 2024 and beyond. Identifying opportunities for shifting shopping habits towards healthier …
    Sponsored by:
    IGD
  2. New Products Tasting Theatre
    60 mins
      Fresh Direct, the UK's No 1 fresh produce wholesaler, has been serving customers for over 50 years with a range of 10,000 fresh products. We work day and night, 364 days a year sourcing only the bes …
  3. HRC - TechX
    30 mins
    Tech is huge investment and once it's in, it's hard to get it out! Discover the tips and tricks to help you find the tech you need, and the questions to ask the vendor. Whether you have 10 sites, or 1 …
15:15
  1. Exporters Hub in partnership with UK Export Academy & Department of Business & Trade
    45 mins
    Certification can bring great power and elevation to a brand. Join exporting specialists the FDEA as they unite a panel of experts to share insights on how product certification can open up doors to m …
15:30
  1. HRC - Vision Stage - Designed by Harp Design
    30 mins
    The World Catering Technology Awards are coming to HRC, recognising and celebrating the pioneers behind the scenes, shaping the future of foodservice and catering. Join HRC and FoodBev as we celebrate …
15:45
  1. Trends & Innovation Platform
    45 mins
    In this second part of our NPD advice double panel discussion, dive into the intricacies of collaborating with contract packers and manufacturers in food and drink production. Our panel will explore e …
  2. HRC - TechX
    30 mins
    This panel will demonstrate the wide range of projects to make huge wins on when you involve your customers. From menu optimisation to voice and brand messaging to drinks development, hear how Rosa's …
16:00
  1. Future Food Stage
    45 mins
    A lively debate between IGD’s UK and international retail experts offering you a comparison between markets, including a regional breakdown and inspirational case studies. Leave with a strategic outlo …
    Sponsored by:
    IGD
10:30
  1. Future Food Stage
    45 mins
    Engaging with accomplished female leaders in the food industry, we delve into their initiatives fostering women's wellness and empowerment. Beyond meeting EDI criteria, we explore the tangible advanta …
  2. HRC - Vision Stage - Designed by Harp Design
    45 mins
    Join Hayley Roy and Cheryl Sutton, hosts of the Interior Design Podcast, as they take us through the top interior design trends for hospitality in 2024.
  3. New Products Tasting Theatre
    60 mins
    In the market for a new health, organic or natural product which will sweep consumers off their feet? Then look no further and join this exciting live pitching session where producers will showcase th …
10:45
  1. Trends & Innovation Platform
    45 mins
    Who Cares? Who Does? is Kantars highly anticipated thought leadership piece on sustainability within FMCG. Natalie Babbage, Director at Kantar, will take you through gloablly acquired groundbreaking r …
  2. HRC - TechX
    30 mins
    Explore the transformative potential of generative AI in hospitality as our panel share insights into navigating the complexities of AI implementation and how to balance staff satisfaction with guest …
11:15
  1. Exporters Hub in partnership with UK Export Academy & Department of Business & Trade
    60 mins
    With the ever fluctuating state of the government and the impact of numerous cabinet changes, it can be tricky to keep up with Westminsters' priorities. In order to demistify what exactly the governme …
11:30
  1. Future Food Stage
    45 mins
    Creating and managing your sustainability business strategies can be overwhelming and expensive. What should we be prioritising? Where do we even begin? Sometimes the best advice can come from those w …
  2. HRC - Vision Stage - Designed by Harp Design
    45 mins
    Join our panel as they embark on a culinary journey through Africa’s cuisine, exploring the rich, untapped heritage that is waiting to be explored. How much influence, inspiration and legacy will Afri …
  3. HRC - TechX
    30 mins
    Here, we reveal new research looking at what really irritates our customers when in hospitality venues - and how to most effectively connect and positively influence them at the ‘moment of truth’.
11:45
  1. Trends & Innovation Platform
    45 mins
    As a society we are eating less meat. Data from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs showed that in 2023, meat consumption had fallen to its lowest level since records began in the 70s …
12:00
  1. New Products Tasting Theatre
    60 mins
    Join the pioneers behind the finest Speciality products in town as they pitch their latest wares to a live audience. Support these fledgling companies as they talk through their unique products, provi …
12:15
  1. HRC - TechX
    30 mins
    Delve into the untapped potential of your data as a lucrative resource during a critical period where operators seek revenue from every avenue. Discover the hidden goldmine within your data and learn …
12:30
  1. HRC - Vision Stage - Designed by Harp Design
    45 mins
    Enhance your dining experience and your bottom line by creating a menu that is as good for your taste buds as it is for your business. Our panel will explore exactly how to engineer your menu, from su …
  2. Exporters Hub in partnership with UK Export Academy & Department of Business & Trade
    30 mins
    Towards the end of 2023, The Food & Drink Export Council put out a survey asking companies to divulge their biggest worries, fears and needs when it came to exporting. The results have been collated a …
12:45
  1. Trends & Innovation Platform
    45 mins
    Dive into the intricacies of allergen and 'may contain' labelling in our panel debate. Explore essential considerations for brands, and how to strike that sweet spot, avoiding mislabelling and with th …
  2. Future Food Stage
    45 mins
    In this insightful session, we delve into the nuanced world of consumer behaviour, specifically focusing on body language and non-verbal cues. Our journey begins with an exploration of the fundamental …
13:30
  1. HRC - Vision Stage - Designed by Harp Design
    45 mins
    Join this panel of charities, non-profits and government organisations as we go beyond the job boards and discuss equitable employment. Find out why you should look beyond your standard recruitment pr …
  2. Exporters Hub in partnership with UK Export Academy & Department of Business & Trade
    45 mins
    Winning on a global level is all about collaboration across our export communities. We need to be asking ourselves: what are our unique selling points? Where can we add value? What are our priorities? …
13:45
  1. Trends & Innovation Platform
    45 mins
    Take part in the green revolution by attending our panel on precision fermentation! Uncover the buzz around this sustainable tech, reshaping ingredient manufacture and supply. Join the conversation as …
  2. Future Food Stage
    45 mins
    For an NPD brand, getting your product into retail is the holy grail. For what used to feel like an unachievable task, the multiples are now on hand to help out. With the launch of Co-op's Apiary sche …
14:30
  1. Exporters Hub in partnership with UK Export Academy & Department of Business & Trade
    45 mins
    In 2024, businesses trading food and drink products between the UK and EU are needing to prepare for a wide range of new rules and systems, including the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM), the Cust …
  2. HRC - Vision Stage - Designed by Harp Design
    45 mins
    Sustainable development is critical for the hospitality industry from an environmental, social and governance perspective. In this session we will focus on the climate crisis, the risks relating to ou …
14:45
  1. Trends & Innovation Platform
    45 mins
    Unlock the power of AI in this session, transforming insights into a humanised experience. Delve into how technology bridges the gap, delivering precisely what consumers desire while providing busines …
  2. Future Food Stage
    45 mins
    Explore the transformative impact of AI on your buyer journey in this session. Learn how cutting-edge AI technologies optimise customer experiences, streamline processes, and deliver personalised inte …
  3. New Products Tasting Theatre
    60 mins
15:00
  1. HRC - TechX
    30 mins
    Social media is an ever-growing and ever-changing factor, so join us for the final session of HRC 2024 where industry leader, Food Story Media, reveal just how to leverage social media to help your br …

 

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Interested in exhibiting at IFE 2025?

Get in touch today to secure a prime location on the floorplan and connect with new clients to grow your business.