Food Matters Live Returns to Manchester: Industry Leaders to Shape the Future of Food Innovation

Date: 05/11/2024
Author: Food Matters Live
Company: Food Matters Live

Food Matters Live, Manchester: 26-27th November 2024

Food Matters Live returns to Manchester for an exciting two-day event on 26-27th November 2024. This exclusive gathering will unite influential leaders, innovators, and experts to explore the future of positive nutrition, sustainable sourcing, and the trends reshaping the food and drink sector.

Building on past success, this gathering promises engaging sessions and immersive learning opportunities, providing a powerful platform for collaboration, fostering impactful change within the food and drink industry. Attendees will gain critical insights into the most pressing challenges and opportunities from the forefront of the sector, connect with innovators driving change, and discover innovative solutions that will shape the future of food.

The event, supported by Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, underscores the importance of innovation and partnership in the sector. Lucy Mulligan, Head of Marketing at Greater Manchester Chamber, said: “Food Matters Live offers an essential forum for professionals to connect with the latest trends and advancements in food production, presenting a unique opportunity for businesses across the region to explore fresh ideas and forge valuable partnerships.”

Expanding its commitment to innovation, Food Matters Live has partnered with UNESCO and Saudi Arabia’s Culinary Arts Commission on the launch of the International Food Atlas, a digital platform dedicated to preserving and showcasing global food diversity for future generations.

With over 60 speakers across 40 sessions on two main stages, the programme provides deep insights into the industry’s key themes.  The Positive Nutrition stage covers topics like gut health, functional ingredients, and innovations in active nutrition, while the Sustainable Sourcing stage explores food waste recovery, sustainable supply chains and regenerative agriculture - offering valuable perspectives for businesses navigating today’s evolving landscape.

Attendees will hear from leading experts, including:

  • Dr. Mohamed Hamoud, Senior Consultant at the Culinary Arts Commission, Ministry of Culture, Saudi Arabia, introducing the International Food Atlas and its role in fostering food diversity.
  • Jon Walsh, Co-Founder of Bio&Me, on the rising consumer interest in personalised nutrition and gut health.
  • Samantha Abbott, Performance Nutritionist, Loughborough Sport, discussing strategies for optimising nutrition for female athletes.
  • Dr. Catarina Rendeiro, University of Birmingham, addressing the impact of polyphenols on cognitive function.
  • Dr. Sarah Gaunt, Director at SPG Innovation, exploring food waste recovery and its role in healthier diets.
  • Gareth Powell, Research and Development Manager, Applied Nutrition, on how consumer trends are reshaping the current sports nutrition market.
  • Andy Thomas, Founder and CEO, BetterYou, examining the role of positive nutrition in improving sleep and managing stress.
  • Dr. Emily Prpa, Scientific and Regulatory Affairs Manager, Yakult, discussing the latest developments in probiotics and their role in supporting gut health.
  • Emma Fielding, Marketing Communications Specialist, GNT, on enhancing clean nutrition with natural colours to align with consumer demands for clean label products.
  • Drew John Campbell, Head of Innovation, NiHPRO, showcasing the science behind allergen-free protein ingredients and their impact on active nutrition innovation.

Exclusive Roundtables for Deeper Industry Engagement

The event will feature exclusive roundtable discussions led by industry leaders including Ulrick & Short, Humane Society International, Norkem and NiHPRO, focusing on pressing challenges in the food industry. These intimate discussions offer attendees a platform to engage directly with industry leaders on topics such as sustainable sourcing, food production innovation and regulatory landscapes.

Highlighted roundtable topics include:

  • Sourcing sustainable ingredients for impactful product development – Strategies to meet environmental goals, uphold ethical standards, and engage conscious consumers through sustainable ingredient sourcing.
  • Formulating for active nutrition with lactose & allergen-free protein ingredients - An in-depth look into lactose- and allergen-free proteins and their role in enhancing active nutrition.
  • Equipping Foodservice for a Plant-Based Future
    Discussing the tools and education catering teams need to meet growing demand for plant-based options, supporting Humane Society UK’s Forward Food programme.

  • A Balanced Plant-Based Plate
    Chef Jenny Chandler demonstrates “Parched Peas on Toast with Beetroot and Walnut Cream,” showcasing taste, texture, and seasonality in Humane Society UK’s Forward Food training for successful plant-based dishes.

Industry Networking and Collaborations

With major brands like Nestlé Health Science, MyProtein, Asda, Greencore, Holland & Barrett and Morrisons confirmed to attend, Food Matters Live provides a one of its kind platform for the food industry to connect, collaborate and build meaningful partnerships.

To Attend
Complimentary VIP passes are available for professionals in product development, innovation, or sustainability within brands, manufacturing, retail, service and QSR sectors.

Those providing services to the food and beverage sector can purchase a pass to join VIP attendees and seize opportunities to collaborate, connect and conduct business. Find out more here

Event Programme & information
The event preview can be viewed here, full programme can be viewed here, and the current speaker list is available here

Registration 

Contact Louise.bridges@foodmatterslive.com to register