Main stage programme
The main stages at Food Matters Live will give you access to a wealth of knowledge across food innovation insights and trends, sustainable sourcing and positive nutrition. Discover influential speakers who will share thought-leadership, key insights and best practice through keynote talks, inspiring panel discussions and ground-breaking case studies. Explore the full programme below and select the sessions that are going to help you navigate towards your strategy goals.
Please note: Welcome refreshments, lunch and drinks will be provided at each day of the event.
Dublin
08:30 - 09:00
Insights and trends
Registration and refreshments
08:30 - 09:10
Insights and trends
Registration and refreshments
09:00 - 09:05
Insights and trends
Chair’s opening remarks
09:05 - 09:30
Insights and trends
Keynote – A macro-outlook on consumer trends driving market evolution globally
09:05 - 09:30
Insights and trends
Keynote - The future of sustainable nutrition
09:30 - 09:40
Insights and trends
Panel discussion - From insight to action: what do tomorrow’s biggest trends mean for ingredient innovation and product development?
09:30 - 09:40
Insights and trends
Partner welcome panel
09:45 - 10:45
Insights and trends
Trends and market insights in the dairy market
Ireland’s dairy industry is globally recognised for its quality, sustainability, and innovation. However, evolving consumer preferences, new regulations and market opportunities are reshaping the landscape. This session will provide key insights into emerging trends, consumer demands, and strategic opportunities that can drive the future success of the sector.
Global consumer trends impacting the dairy industry
New market opportunities and export potential
Panel discussion: Innovation shaping the market
09:45 - 10:45
Insights and trends
Panel discussion - Insights and trends in positive nutrition – from consumer communication, gut health, active nutrition to fibre fortification, mental well-being and personalised nutrition
11.00 - 11.45
NPD Discovery Table Talks
NPD Discovery Table Talks
Led by industry experts, Table Talks provide a setting for informed but intimate discussion around key themes.
- Ingredient innovation support growth categories
- Examining the impact of GLP-1s on the food industry
- Preparing for HFSS legislation in practice
- Sustainability in NPD - showcasing ethical and sustainable sourcing
- Reformulating for clean label
- Unlocking fibre potential for NPD
- Exploring the latest innovations and insights into gut health
- The future of fermentation
- Innovative NPD in active nutrition
- Flavours of the future
11.00 - 11.45
NPD Discovery Table Talks
NPD Discovery Table Talks
Led by industry experts, Table Talks provide a setting for informed but intimate discussion around key themes.
Themes include
- Innovative ingredients for food innovation – formulation focus (cross category)
- Innovative ingredients for positive nutrition and nutraceuticals formulation
- Preparing for HFSS legislation in practice
- Sustainability in NPD - showcasing ethical and sustainable sourcing
- Formulating for plant-based and hybrid proteins
- Emerging food flavours set to take the centre stage
- Preparing for new smoke regulations
- Sustainable sourcing for product development
- Safety-led NPD connections
- Structured networking: reflect on the morning's insights with new contacts
11.00 - 12.00
Insights and trends
Exploring the latest innovations and insights into gut health: opportunities at the cornerstone of positive nutrition
- The role of gut health in overall well-being has gained significant attention, driving demand for innovative solutions in food, drinks, and supplements. As scientific research uncovers new connections between the gut microbiome and various health aspects—including immunity, mental health, and metabolic function—brands are seeking ways to integrate these insights into product development
- Insights into consumer appetite for gut health: how is the trend evolving?
- Translating science into opportunities for NPD
12:00 - 13:00
Insights and trends
Accelerating alternative proteins: pioneering insights and innovation in sustainable, plant-based and hybrid foods
The food industry continues to rapidly evolve to meet consumer expectations for plant-based, hybrid, and alternative proteins. This session will explore the latest advances in sustainable protein innovation, market trends, and technological breakthroughs driving the next generation of food solutions.
Emerging technologies reshaping the future of sustainable protein
Overcoming the technical barriers to mainstreaming alternative proteins
Exploring the new ingredients shaping the future of the market
13:00 - 13:45
Insights and trends
Lunch and networking
13:00 - 13:45
Insights and trends
Lunch and networking
13.45 - 14.30
NPD Discovery Table Talks
NPD Discovery Table Talks
Led by industry experts, Table Talks provide a setting for informed but intimate discussion around key themes.
- Ingredient innovation support growth categories
- Examining the impact of GLP-1s on the food industry
- Preparing for HFSS legislation in practice
- Sustainability in NPD - showcasing ethical and sustainable sourcing
- Reformulating for clean label
- Unlocking fibre potential for NPD
- Exploring the latest innovations and insights into gut health
- The future of fermentation
- Innovative NPD in active nutrition
- Flavours of the future
13.45 - 14.30
NPD Discovery Table Talks
NPD Discovery Table Talks
Led by industry experts, Table Talks provide a setting for informed but intimate discussion around key themes.
Themes include
- Innovative ingredients for food innovation – formulation focus (cross category)
- Innovative ingredients for positive nutrition and nutraceuticals formulation
- Preparing for HFSS legislation in practice
- Sustainability in NPD - showcasing ethical and sustainable sourcing
- Formulating for plant-based and hybrid proteins
- Emerging food flavours set to take the centre stage
- Preparing for new smoke regulations
- Sustainable sourcing for product development
- Safety-led NPD innovation
- Structured networking NPD connections: reflect on the morning's insights with new contacts
14:35 - 15:35
Insights and trends
Unlocking innovation: Opportunities for NPD in functional nutrition
As consumer interest in health and wellness surges, the functional food market is experiencing rapid growth. This session will explore key opportunities and emerging trends for NPD in functional nutrition.
Emerging customer trends and demand in functional nutrition
Latest scientific insights in gut health and fibre and opportunities for NPD
Reformulating for functional nutrition: overcoming challenges in new product development
Q&A
14:35 - 15:35
Insights and trends
Focus on fibre: evolving consumer awareness and demand
Fibre is emerging as a key focus in positive nutrition. With increasing demand for functional foods that support digestive health, gut microbiome balance, and overall well-being, the food industry must innovate to meet these expectations. This session will cover:
15:45 - 16:45
Insights and trends
Culinary Insights Panel - Flavours of the future: Trends and ingredients shaping future consumer trends
This session will unite culinary experts and food experts to delve into the latest culinary food trends and flavours and what they mean for new product development.
15:45 - 16:45
Insights and trends
Examining the key drivers shaping the future of NPD: 2026 and beyond
- 15.45 – 16:05 -An overview of new regulations affecting export and product strategies: from what HFSS means for your business to impact of the new smoke regulations
- 16:05 – 16:45 - Understanding the role AI, data analytics and technology can play in meeting the unique nutritional needs of individuals
16:45 -
Insights and trends
Chair’s closing remarks and end of Food Matters Live Dublin
16.45 - 16.50
Insights and trends
Chair's closing remarks and networking drinks
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