The head of the UK’s largest retailer emphasised that supplier partnerships have a key role to play in the way the food industry addresses many of the challenges it faces, such as food waste and sustainability.

Mr Lewis said: “The City Food Lecture is an iconic event in the food industry calendar and I hope those attending will find the evening thought provoking and informative.”

Held at London’s Guildhall, the 2018 lecture will take place on the evening of 28 February.

The annual event brings together 700 industry leaders, academics and members of London’s seven leading food related livery companies: the Worshipful Companies of Bakers, Butchers, Cooks, Famers, Fishmongers, Fruiterers and Poulters.

The lecture will be followed by a panel discussion focussing on issues raised in the lecture. The panellist for the evening will be Julia Glotz, Managing Editor of The Grocer magazine, Sir Peter Kendall, Chairman of the Agriculture and Horticulture Board and David Hughes, Emeritus Professor of Food Marketing at Imperial College, London.

City Food Lecture organising chairman, John Giles said: “Dave Lewis’s speech is one of the most anticipated the City Food Lecture has had.

“No doubt Mr Lewis’s speech will address the challenges and opportunities the food industry is currently presented with, but we are also looking forward to hearing his take on the future of supplier partnerships, sustainability and how the industry can adopt triple bottom line evaluation covering social, environmental and financial factors.”

Also present at the event will be premium City Food Lecture sponsor Rathbone Investment Management, alongside other key sponsors, including ESS Compass; A C Goatham, ABP; Barfoots; Roythornes and Pelican Communications.

The event will conclude with an informal networking supper in the Guildhall’s famous Old Library room. For more information visit www.cityfoodlecture.com