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.
Lead partner:
Dublin
08:30 - 09:00
Insights and Trends
Registration and Breakfast
09:00 - 09:05
09:05 - 09:20
Insights and Trends
Opening interview: Kerry Ingredients
09:20 - 10:10
Insights and Trends
Panel discussion - From insight to action: what do tomorrow’s biggest trends mean for ingredient innovation and product development?
Join us for a dynamic session focused on the next big trends in industry and how they are shaping the future of product development and category evolution.
John Brennan
Category Director, Fresh Foods
Tesco
Adam Townsley
Head of Food and Beverage Development
YO! SUSHI
Niamh Brannelly
Head of Nutrition and Scientific Communication, UK & Ireland
Danone
Ben Richardson-Hughes
Food Development Manager
Greene King
Anne-Marie Kelly
Head of Insights
Valeo Foods
10:10 - 10:35
Insights and Trends
Spotlight: Trends and market insights in the dairy sector
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.
10:35 - 11:00
Insights and Trends
Spotlight: Changing consumer needs in a GLP-1 influenced market
- GLP-1 is changing how people experience hunger, satisfaction, and food itself. This session explores the shifting consumption needs of GLP-1 users—how their eating patterns, preferences, and priorities are evolving—and what this means for the food industry.
- Speaker to be confirmed
11.00 - 11.55
NPD Discovery Table Talks
Refreshments and NPD Discovery Roundtables
- 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
12:00 - 13:00
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.
Focus on gut health and fibre: Developing NPD opportunities
John Core, Culinary Nutrition Lead, Sodexo
Reformulating for functional nutrition: overcoming challenges in new product development
Speaker to be confirmed
PANEL: Emerging customer trends and demand in functional nutrition
Eimear Connolly, Head of Technical and Innovation, Future Nutrition Ltd
David Hartigan, CEO & Co-Founder, Blynk Drinks
13:00 - 13:45
Lunch and networking
13:45 - 14.30
NPD Discovery Table Talks
NPD Discovery Roundtables
These roundtable discussions offer practical, solution-oriented insights. Key themes include innovative ingredients, reformulation for clean label, cutting-edge technology patents, unlocking fibre potential, the latest innovations and insights into gut health, sustainable sourcing practices, the future of fermentation for alternative protein development, innovative NPD in active nutrition, the impact of GLP-1s on the food industry, regulation and cross-sector industry collaboration.
The business of growth: unlocking NPD and export opportunities
Lucy Ryan Head of Food and Beverage Sector, Bank of Ireland
14:35 - 15:05
Insights and Trends
Executive interview: The Impact of AI on the future of product development
15:05 - 15:15
Afternoon Refreshments
15:15 - 16:00
Insights and Trends
Culinary Insights Panel - Trends and ingredients shaping the flavours of the future
Join leading chefs and culinary innovators for an in-depth exploration of the bold tastes, emerging ingredients, and global flavour profiles shaping consumer choices. This session will spotlight the sensory and cultural drivers behind current and future food trends and what they mean for the future of product and menu development.
16:00 - 16:30
Insights and Trends
Spotlight: 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.
The National Alternative Protein Innovation Centre: Emerging technologies reshaping the future of sustainable protein
16:30 - 17:00
Insights and Trends
PANEL: How are brands and manufacturers leveraging next-generation alternative proteins to drive innovation in new product development?
17:00 -
Insights and Trends
Chair’s closing remarks
Join the conversation
Take your involvement with Food Matters Live’s events to the next level. Whether it’s exploring latest announcements or connecting with fellow industry experts, this is your chance to have exclusive access and be part of our most engaged audience members.
