The event will highlight the key challenges and opportunities facing the food and drink industry and the wider ‘farm-to-fork’ supply chain.
Scheduled speakers include Irish Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed T.D. and the Rt Hon Greg Clark MP, Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.
Ian Wright, Director General of the Food and Drink Federation, said: “The FDF’s annual convention showcases the huge range of insight and expertise that the food and drink industry has to offer. With contributions from leading Cabinet ministers from the UK and Ireland, from the Shadow Cabinet and Select Committee chairmen and a host of experts; the line-up is unparalleled.
“Ours is the UK sector most impacted by Brexit. The next few months will be defining for the industry. The FDF Convention will offer attendees a roadmap to navigate the challenges and risks ahead.”
Split into three sessions - Industrial Strategy, Brexit and Diet & Health - the day will also include discussions, with panellists including:
- Iain Ferguson, Co-chair of the Food and Drink Sector Council
- Stuart Roberts, Vice President of National Farmers Union
- Ian Rayson, Communications & Corporate Affairs Director at Nestle
- Sue Garfitt, UK Commercial Director of Alpro
- Miriam González, Partner of Dechert LLP
- Joseph Owen, Senior researcher and project manager at the Institute for Government
- Brian Holliday, Managing Director of Siemens Digital Factory
- Diana Holland OBE, Assistant General Secretary of Unite
- Karen Tonks, Independent Nutritionist
FDF’s Tim Rycroft will hold an ‘in conversation with’ discussion with Dr Alison Tedstone, Deputy Director of Diet, Nutrition and Obesity at Public Health England.