It’s a bleak time for UK consumers as they face rising food costs, as well as skyrocketing petrol, energy bills, tax, and mortgage payments. How can brands innovate, inspire, and demonstrate real value with a long-term view of sustainability in order to weather the storm?
Helen Dickinson OBE, is the chief executive of the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and leads the strategic direction of the organisation. She’s been working with retailers for over 25 years and was awarded an OBE in 2016 for her services to the industry. BRC is the go-to trade association for all UK retailers. Its purpose is to make a positive difference to the industry, and the customers it serves today and in the future.
Melanie Loades is the founder of Froghop food product development agency. She holds a food and management MSc, an MBA, and a European food law qualification. She has worked across a wide portfolio of food and drink products and is an expert in the New Product Development (NPD) process end-to-end.
David Bellamy is the Food and Drink Federation’s (FDF) senior environment policy manager. FDF is the membership body of the largest manufacturing sector in the UK, food and drink. It represents more than a 1,000 companies, from global brands to thriving challengers. It’s a unified voice for the industry and provides a range of expertise and guidance to its members.
Lisa Harris is a senior editor with over 10 years experience leading some of the UK's biggest food and recipe websites. She writes food and travel features for print and online publications including The Independent, Stylist, The Sunday Times, Time Out, Mr & Mrs Smith, Sainsbury's Magazine, Food and Travel, Fire & Knives, The Liberal, and Waitrose Kitchen.
Alexandra Hayes is a food and drink consultant who specialises in bespoke food trends and consumer insight. Her work supports the biggest food producers, retailers, and hospitality brands in the UK.
