Sustainability takes centre stage as IFE seminar programme launches

The seminar programme for IFE, International Food and Drink Event, is now live, with this year’s event putting the issue of sustainability at the heart of discussions on a dedicated Sustainability Stage, sponsored by Elopak.  

Taking place on 20-22 March at ExCeL London and supported by Official Show Sponsor MHP Food, IFE is the UK’s most comprehensive showcase of food and drink suppliers, delivering high-quality and effective business connections for the retail, wholesale and hospitality sectors.  

In addition to thousands of innovative UK food and drink products, this year’s event will also feature suppliers representing over 90 countries from around the world, including the US, Australia, Ethiopia, Brazil, Romania and Japan.  

The Sustainability Stage, sponsored by Elopak 

New for 2023 is the Sustainability Stage, sponsored by Elopak, which will see a wide range of speakers take a deep dive into a plethora of issues under the banner of ESG, reflecting the diverse range of talking points within this important topic.  

A full day of content will be curated by key event partner the Food and Drink Federation (FDF), who have gathered together an unrivalled selection of speakers to delve into topics such as building resiliency into our food systems, achieving net zero, meeting evolving customer expectations, the transition to a circular economy for plastics and packaging and what ‘green skills’ are needed by the eco-conscious workforce of tomorrow.  

FDF head of climate change and energy policy Emma Piercy comments: “The FDF is delighted to be partnering with IFE for their inaugural Sustainability Stage at this world-class event”.   

“Global food systems make up around one-quarter of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. Bringing all stakeholders together and collaborating at IFE is essential to building the resilient and sustainable food systems we need.” 

Alongside curating a members’ pavilion within IFE’s chilled and frozen section, event partners the British Frozen Food Federation (BFFF) will be taking to the stage to discuss sustainability innovators within the frozen food sector and how frozen food can pave the way to a more sustainable supply chain. 

BFFF chief executive Rupert Ashby comments: “We are very much looking forward to discussing what sustainability means for the frozen food industry. Sustainability is at the top of the agenda for nearly all of our members at present, with important target dates now appearing over the horizon.” 

Another must-attend session will take a close look at how upskilling employees in sustainability best practices can lead to a lower carbon future for the industry.  

Panellist Ben Goodwin, head of policy at the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA), says: “I’m delighted to be shining a light on the importance of green skills development throughout the food and drink sector. The sector will play a big part in our transition to a cleaner economy, so ensuring that those individuals working within it are ready to deliver is critical. This is a fantastic opportunity for discussion on how we drive this agenda forwards.” 

Venture capital firm Mission Ventures is teaming up with Urban Health for an in-depth discussion around the role the food and drink industry is playing in improving the health of the nation, from ingredients and ethical supply chains to issues such as branding and advertising and legislation such as HFSS.  

Mission Ventures managing director Louis Bedwell says: “I’m really excited to be speaking on the Sustainability Stage at this year’s event, and I’m delighted that healthier food and innovation has such a strong platform. There’s brilliant progress being made in our industry, and I hope this event will shine a light on the entrepreneurs driving this change.”  

The trends and innovation platform 

The trends and innovation platform, sitting within IFE’s sister event, IFE Manufacturing, is set to feature a wide array of presentations and discussions for anyone eager to further their food and drink industry knowledge and gain key insights to drive profits and business growth.  

Across the three days of the event, visitors will have the opportunity to see FMCG Gurus unveil the results of their Price Sensitivity Survey, examining the changing shopping habits of consumers, Kantar discuss the rise of discount retailers and what this means for the future of grocery, thefoodpeople’s Charles Banks talk through some of the most exciting food technologies in 2023, and much more.  

A must-attend session on the trends and innovation platform is an examination of how the food sector should be managing the question of allergens. Hosted by Bertrand Emond of Campden BRI and featuring Pret A Manger senior technical and safety manager Anita Kinsey, this session will be an insightful look at how food service, food brands and manufacturers can work to protect consumers and establish clear and consistent allergen messaging.  

Emond comments: “I’m looking forward to leading the discussion on allergens. This is a complex topic, and it’s hugely important that food and drink brands and foodservice businesses ensure they are meeting legal standards and following best practices when it comes to managing allergens responsibly and accurately conveying information around allergens to consumers.” 

To view the full seminar programme for IFE 2023, and to register for your complimentary trade ticket, head to ife.co.uk.