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The Food, Drink & Hospitality Week, taking place on 17-19 March 2025 at Excel London, is delighted to announce the appointment of distinguished industry leaders as official ambassadors for IFE Manufacturing, IFE, The Pub Show and HRC.
These influential figures, representing various sectors within food, drink and hospitality, will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the UK’s largest gathering for the industry.
Their expertise will ensure that Food, Drink & Hospitality Week delivers invaluable insights and innovation for the communities it serves.
Food, Drink & Hospitality Week's portfolio director, Philippa Christer, commented: “We are thrilled to have such an esteemed group of ambassadors on board for Food, Drink & Hospitality Week 2025. Their expertise and commitment to their sectors will be crucial in making the event a success, and we look forward to their contributions in driving the conversation forward on the future of food, drink and hospitality.”
The ambassadors for Food, Drink & Hospitality Week 2025 are:
IFE
Andy Richardson, chair of Food & Drink Council
Stefano Cuomo, CEO of Macknade Fine Foods
James Bielby, CEO of Federation of Wholesale Distributors
Freya O’Mara, trading manager for Pantry and Speciality Foods at Ocado Retail
IFE Manufacturing
Kerri Fidler, head of portfolio food for later at Greencore
Mex Ibrahim, co-founder of Women in Food Industry
Karen Green, consultant at Food Industry Expert
Richard Werran, global director retail of consumer and food at BSI
Ton Knipscheer, executive director for European Co-Packers Association
HRC
Kris Hall, founder of The Burnt Chef Project
Robert Richardson, CEO of Institute of Hospitality
Kirstin Hatherley-Bramwell, chair of Ceda
Katie Deem, director of 4C Associates
Julian George, founder of Future Plate
Stanislava Blagoeva, co-founder of European Pizza & Pasta Show
The Pub Show
Steve Alton, CEO of British Institute of Innkeeping
Emma McClarkin, CEO of British Beer and Pub Association
Werran commented: “It’s a privilege to represent such a dynamic industry that not only showcases the best in food ingredients, manufacturing and product innovation but also leads the way in emerging trends like sustainability, plant-based solutions, advanced automation and AI. I look forward to engaging with fellow professionals to drive growth and development in line with these exciting trends shaping the future of our sector.”
The industry leaders will contribute to shaping the content of their respective shows, speaking at key sessions, and engaging with professionals across the sector to address emerging trends, challenges and opportunities.
Each ambassador brings their unique perspective, grounded in years of leadership and hands-on experience, ensuring Food, Drink & Hospitality Week 2025 will reflect the latest developments and innovations across food, drink, and hospitality.
The UK’s biggest celebration of industry innovation, Food, Drink & Hospitality Week unites IFE Manufacturing, IFE, The Pub Show, HRC and International Salon Culinaire, find out more here.
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