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.
Manchester
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
09:00 - 09:05
Insights and trends
Chair’s opening remarks
09:05 - 09:30
Insights and trends
Keynote – Shaping tomorrow’s food: a macro-outlook on consumer trends driving market evolution
09:05 - 09:30
Insights and trends
Keynote - The future of nutrition
09:30 - 09:40
Insights and trends
Partner welcome panel - Ingredient innovation shaping the future of food
09:30 - 09:40
Insights and trends
Partner welcome panel
09:45 - 10:45
Insights and trends
Panel discussion - From insight to action: what do today’s biggest trends mean for product development?
09:45 - 10:45
Insights and trends
Panel discussion - Unpacking the UPF debate: implications for the food industry, public health and product development
Whatever your view on UPF categorisation, impact or importance, the debate isn’t going away. Consumers are ever-more engaged in discussion around nutrition and the health risks associated with added sugar and excessive processing. But to what extent is the social media furore based in science or detracting from other nutritional challenges? How can industry unpick the challenges and navigate the noise?
11.00 - 12.00
Insights and trends
Trends in active nutrition: opportunities for product development
- 11.00-11.20 Spotlight on protein: gauging consumer appetite
- 11.20-11.40 Exploring the evidence-base for supplementation
- 11.40-12.00 Mapping the market: understanding how different generations and cohorts are engaging with active nutrition
11.00 - 12.00
Insights and trends
Exploring the latest innovations and insights into gut health: opportunities at the cornerstone of positive nutrition
- 11:00 – 11:15 - Insights into consumer appetite for gut health: how is the trend evolving?
- 11:15 – 11:30 - Spotlight on the interplay between gut health and the menopause
- 11:30 – 12:00 - Panel discussion: Translating science into opportunities for NPD
12.15 - 13.00
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
- Trends and opportunities for targeting longevity and healthy ageing
- Gut/brain axis insights
- Sustainable sourcing for product development
- Benefiting from collaborative partnerships between academia and industry stakeholders
- Allergen awareness: latest developments and better protection for consumers
- Flavours of the future
- Structured networking NPD connections: reflect on the morning’s insights with new contacts
12.15 - 13.00
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
- Trends and opportunities for targeting longevity and healthy ageing
- Gut/brain axis insights
- Sustainable sourcing for product development
- Benefiting from collaborative partnerships between academia and industry stakeholders
- Allergen awareness: latest developments and better protection for consumers
- Flavours of the future
- Structured networking NPD connections: reflect on the morning’s insights with new contacts
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.
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
- Trends and opportunities for targeting longevity and healthy ageing
- Gut/brain axis insights
- Sustainable sourcing for product development
- Benefiting from collaborative partnerships between academia and industry stakeholders
- Allergen awareness: latest developments and better protection for consumers
- Flavours of the future
- Structured networking NPD connections: reflect on the morning’s insights with new contacts
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
- Trends and opportunities for targeting longevity and healthy ageing
- Gut/brain axis insights
- Sustainable sourcing for product development
- Benefiting from collaborative partnerships between academia and industry stakeholders
- Allergen awareness: latest developments and better protection for consumers
- Flavours of the future
- Structured networking NPD connections: reflect on the morning’s insights with new contacts
14:35 - 15:35
Insights and trends
Interpreting and implementing HFSS regulations: policy and practice
- 14:35 – 14:50 - Understanding HFSS regulations due October 2025
- 14:50 – 15:35 - Translating guidance into action: how will the changes impact NPD, governance and your bottom line?
14:35 - 15:35
Insights and trends
Focus on fibre: evolving consumer awareness and demand
- 14:35 – 14:50 - Examining the evidence-base: how the latest science interprets the role of fibre in our overall physical and mental health
- 14:50 – 15:35 - How can industry respond? NPD challenges and opportunities
15:45 - 16:45
Insights and trends
Progressing protein: pioneering insights and innovation in sustainable and plant-based foods
- 15:45 – 16:00 - Examining the data: drilling down into consumer preferences in protein
- 16:00 – 16:45 - Panel discussion: Fuelling the future of sustainable protein
- Assessing how the UPF debate has altered consumer acceptance of alternative proteins
- Identifying new ingredients coming on stream and shaping sustainable proteins
- Anticipating how the category will evolve in the next 3-5 years
15:45 - 16:45
Insights and trends
Examining the key drivers shaping the future of NPD: 2026 and beyond
- 15.45 – 16:05 - What's on the horizon? How to keep on top of the biggest regulatory changes in the UK/EU
- 16:05 – 16:45 - Understanding the role AI, data analytics and technology can play in meeting the unique nutritional needs of individuals
16:45 - 16:50
Insights and trends
Chair’s closing remarks and end of day one
16:45 - 16:50
Insights and trends
Chair’s closing remarks and end of Food Matters Live Manchester
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