IGD Unveils Future of UK Food Event – Oct 1, 2025

IGD is delighted to announce its inaugural flagship event, the Future of the UK Food System – a one-day food industry conference offering unparalleled insights into the actions required to accelerate progress toward a more sustainable, resilient, and thriving food system.

The UK food system has evolved greatly over the years, but it now stands at a critical juncture, entering a period of transformation crucial to the future success of our economy, society, and environment. As we confront the growing impacts of climate change and geopolitical uncertainty, the food system faces significant risks that will continue to challenge even the most resilient industry players.

Evolving shopper behaviour, driven by changing consumer preferences, increased demand for sustainability, and a shift towards healthier eating habits, is set to reshape the food system, separating winners from losers in an increasingly competitive landscape.

From fostering collaboration to boost food security, drive climate action, and make healthier, more sustainable diets accessible to all, to exploring how retailers and suppliers can achieve growth in the UK food industry in an increasingly challenging trading environment, the event will combine IGD’s renowned commercial and shopper insights with our unique ability to unite the industry around the major shifts shaping the sector's future.

Key speakers

• Simon Roberts, CEO, Sainsbury’s

• Alex Freudmann, Managing Director, M&S Food

• Thomas Lye, Category Director Health, Beauty and Wellness, Tesco

• Baroness Minette Batters, Farming Profitability Review Lead, Defra

• Richard Watson, CEO, Nestlé UK and Ireland

• Dalton Philips, CEO, Greencore

• Ranjit Singh, President of Boparan Holdings Limited & Owner of 2 Sisters Food Group

• Anna Taylor, Executive Director, The Food Foundation

• Henry Dimbleby MBE, Co-Founder of Bramble Partners, Leon Restaurants, and the Sustainable Restaurant Association

• Andrew Selley, CEO, Bidcorp UK

• Kari Daniels, CEO, SSP UK and Ireland

Sarah Bradbury, CEO of IGD, said: "The Future of the UK Food System event is a milestone in our calendar, bringing together industry leaders to address the critical issues facing our food system. This conference is a must-attend for anyone committed to driving sustainable growth and resilience in the food industry. The importance of the food system to the UK economy cannot be overstated, and supporting economic growth and resilience is essential for the future success of our society and environment."

Event format

Comprised of a main stage plenary and three breakout streams – Driving Growth in the Food System, Net-Zero, Climate Change & Resilience and Securing a Healthier Future - each track features keynote speeches, interviews and panel discussions with those operating at the sharp end of the food system.

Event Details: https://www.igd.com/events/future-of-the-uk-food-system/60189

Future of the UK Food System

Wednesday, 1 October 2025, The Brewery, 52 Chiswell St, City of London, London (EC1Y 4SA)

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Notes to editors:

1. All content is owned by IGD. If you use or refer to any content in this press release, please credit IGD.

2. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/igd/

3. IGD brings together stakeholders from across the food system, fostering action across on critical challenges across a broad cross section of forums. Through evidence-based insights, credible research, and thought leadership, IGD guides businesses to make informed decisions that not only benefit their operations but also contribute to the collective good of society. As a charity with a long-standing commitment to the food and grocery industry, IGD does not advocate for any single commercial interest but works towards fostering alignment on shared goals that can have a positive, lasting impact on both the industry and the communities it serves. Its neutrality and impartiality are key to its role in facilitating collaboration, whether through policy development or addressing emerging risks and opportunities. By staying connected to the changing dynamics of the world, IGD ensures that the food system remains robust and sustainable, creating tangible benefits for businesses, consumers and society.