UK Food & Drink Shows Podcasts

Podcast: Beyond Waste - building a circular economy in food and drink

With Extended Producer Responsibility coming into force this October, the UK’s Deposit Return Scheme moving forward, and new food waste legislation introduced from 31 March, sustainability is shaping every packaging decision in 2025. In this future-focused discussion, Jim Bligh, Director of Corporate Affairs and Packaging at the Food and Drink Federation, and Emma Bourne OBE, Director for Circular Economy at Defra, explore how government and industry are aligning on priorities for the year ahead. From driving innovation in sustainable packaging to building a truly circular economy, this session dives into what these changes mean for manufacturers, retailers, and the wider supply chain. Expect insight on policy timelines, practical challenges, and the opportunities businesses can seize as regulation evolves. 🎤 Recorded live on the Food Manufacture Stage at the UK Food & Drink Shows on Monday 7th April 2025. #SustainablePackaging #CircularEconomy #FoodManufacture #PackagingInnovation #ExtendedProducerResponsibility #DepositReturnScheme #FoodWasteReduction #UKFoodIndustry #SustainabilityInFood #FoodAndDrinkFederation #Defra #GreenPackaging #EcoFriendlySolutions #FoodManufacturing #NationalConvenienceShow #PackagingTrends #FoodIndustry2025 #SustainabilityGoals #FutureOfPackaging #UKFoodSector

Podcast: The Convenience shopper - everything you need to know

Misunderstandings about shopper behaviour often prevent retailers from fully unlocking the potential of the convenience sector. In this data-rich session, leading insight specialist Nic Mynott, Senior Business Development Manager at Lumina Intelligence, breaks down the realities of today’s convenience shopper — cutting through assumptions and revealing what’s truly driving customer decisions in 2025. From where and why customers shop, to what they buy, how often they visit, and the emerging behaviours reshaping the market, this session delivers a comprehensive look at shifting shopper habits. Using the latest market data and trend analysis, Lumina tracks how these patterns have evolved over time and what the industry should prepare for next. Hosted live on the Convenience Store Stage, this practical and future-focused discussion equips retailers with actionable strategies to meet changing shopper needs and spot the biggest opportunities for growth in the years ahead. 🛒 Recorded live at The National Convenience Show on Monday 7th April 2025.

Podcast: Breaking the Myths - Equity and Inclusion in Hospitality

Misconceptions and myths continue to stand in the way of achieving genuine equity and inclusion within the hospitality industry. In this powerful conversation, three seasoned practitioners come together to dismantle those myths, challenge outdated thinking, and share real-world insights from their own experiences. Hosted by Lorraine Copes, CEO and Founder of Be Inclusive Hospitality, this discussion features Alya Lilani, Freelance Culture & Engagement Consultant, and Olajide Alabi, People Experience Leader and Co-Founder of SISU. Together, they unpack what meaningful change really looks like blending expertise, practical examples, and audience interaction. Listeners will come away with actionable tools and a clearer understanding of how to navigate the EDI landscape with confidence. 🎙️ This episode was recorded live at The UK Food & Drink Shows on Monday 7th April 2025.

Podcast: Nailing your pitch: Unlocking investment opportunities

The food and drink industry is so competitive and awash with innovation and fantastic products. The reality is, the majority of these don’t even reach the consumer! For many it is about opportunity and where to find it. Fresh from Dragons Den, Jaydon and Brendon of Lumberjaxe take to the mic to share their journey from conception to investment. Understand the challenges they faced and how they overcame them, plus what it is like to stand in front of the Dragons and win! Brendon Manders - Founder, Lumberjaxe Jaydon Manders - Founder, Lumberjaxe Hosted by Nigel Barden - Food & Drink Broadcaster This session was originally recorded live at The UK Food & Drink Shows, Wednesday 9th April 2025.

Podcast: Alex Emmanuel-Jones: The future of farm shops

Raised in an entrepreneurial family, Alex witnessed the creation of the multi-award-winning Black Farmer brand, sparking his passion for business and high-quality food. After more than a decade in the FMCG sector, developing commercial strategy and leadership in both supply and retail, he joined the family business in 2024. Now, he is driving its growth while championing diversity, innovation, and resilience in British food and farming. In this episode, Alex shares his journey and insights on building a brand with purpose, overcoming industry challenges, and navigating the evolving retail and food landscape. Interview hosted by: Nigel Barden - Food & Drink Broadcaster Alex Emmanuel-Jones - Commercial Director, The Black Farmer This session was originally recorded live at The UK Food & Drink Shows, Tuesday 8th April 2025.