London’s Foodservice Forum Tackles What’s Next In Restaurants And Institutions

June 2, 2019

When we launched The London Produce Show and Conference back in 2014, one of our key insights was that the market had changed. Global produce exporters thought of the market as consisting of four big retailers, but they missed the retail fragmentation with companies such as Lidl and Aldi taking big market share. They missed a vibrant wholesale sector with companies such as Poupart Imports focused on importing for these important companies, and they neglected the important foodservice sector with companies such as Reynolds and Fresh Direct (UK) focused on procuring for this growing sector.

We always thought the foodservice, or catering sector as it is typically called in the UK, was especially important because it held the opportunity to help dramatically boost produce consumption both in foodservice and by using the sampling function that the foodservice industry serves.

So, spinning off our long-running Ideation Fresh Foodservice Forum, which has long run in New York, we created a Foodservice Forum in London. This is our 4th year, and each year it has grown as a fulcrum to think through how fruits and vegetables can play a bigger role in diets and thus boost purchases.

We are proud to announce the agenda for the 4th Annual Foodservice Forum, co-located with The London Produce Show and Conference:

FOODSERVICE INDUSTRY CONFERENCE:

FOODSERVICE FORUM

Wednesday June 5, 2019

Transforming Foodservice Through Technology & Trends

This year’s programme will uncover the ways in which technology and trends are truly transforming the foodservice industry in the UK. We’ll look at the eating out market in focus; the impact of modern technology on customers and operators; the power of plant-based eating, veganism and vegetarianism; the next star product in fresh produce; and how the supply chain can work better together. By understanding how all of these factors are set to shape the business over the next decade, attendees will go away fully prepared to ensure they remain relevant and competitive in this thriving market.

08.30 – Registration and Welcome Refreshments

09.00 – The Welcome

A warm welcome to The Foodservice Forum 2019 delivered by Ken Whitacre, EVP-Publishing Director at Produce Business magazine, and the event’s host Jason Danciger, Managing Director of Hana Group UK, which is the operator of the Sushi Gourmet, Genji and Mai brands, among others.

09.15 – THE MARKET IN FOCUS – EXPERT INSIGHT INTO UK EATING OUT & DRINKING TRENDS

Simon Stenning
Founder & Strategic Advisor
FutureFoodservice.com

Having recently authored ‘The Future of Foodservice 2025-2030’ report, and with over 30 years’ experience in the foodservice/hospitality industry, Simon is expertly placed to advise on what will happen in the sector. During this introductory session, Simon will provide a detailed analysis of the current state of the UK foodservice market and its future projection with the most up-to-date market statistics. In particular, Simon will focus on the key factors and mega trends that will shape the industry over the next 11 years, such as the influence of technology.

10.30 – THE INNOVATOR – Q&A WITH BILL COLLISON,
FOUNDER OF BILL’S

Host Jason Danciger will conduct a special Question & Answer session with foodservice guru Bill Collison, the founder of the hugely popular casual dining chain Bill’s and a former grower. Jason will get the inside track on Bill’s career to date, how his restaurant chain continues to remain relevant, and the important emphasis the business places on revitalising and revolutionising the use of fresh produce in its menus, as it promotes more veg-based options.

11.15 – Networking break

11.45 – THE IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGY

Technology is changing the face of the foodservice industry right across the world. Today, customers can benefit from cashless restaurants, menu personalisation, and waste apps, while operators have at their disposal new gadgets to improve efficiencies. Listen to short, sharp presentations from a diverse range of foodservice market operators on their use of new technology, and how it is shaping their businesses now and in the future.

Speakers:

Nick Liddle
Commercial Director
Vita Mojo International LTD

Freddy May
Cookly Bookly

Kevin Hancock
Senior Trading Manager
Ocado

Jason Danciger
GESCOM

12.45 – Networking Lunch

13.45– THE POWER OF PLANTS

The growing desire to eat more plants continues unabated in the UK, as veganism, vegetarianism and plant-based eating tick the boxes for consumers concerned with their health and the environment. During this panel discussion, leading lights from the UK restaurant scene discuss the impact on their menus, their sourcing, and their growth.

Panellists:

Sarah Wassermann
Head of Development
& Head of the Central Kitchen
Mildreds

Diane Camp
Executive Development Chef
Reynolds

Aggie Morrell
Head of Food
POD

14.30 – THE NEXT BIG THING

With UK diners continuing to show enthusiasm for exploring new flavours and textures, suppliers of unusual fruits and vegetables will take to the stage to showcase the unique characteristics of their weird and wonderful offerings. Discover the next big thing; from jackfruit and tomatillo the lesser-well-known herbs. Learn what added value they have to offer the UK foodservice scene, and how they will scale up for volume for the bigger operators.

Panellists:

Brian Rajasinghe
Business Development Director
MTJ

Peter Taylor
General Manager
Westlands Nurseries

Andy Benn
Development Chef
Fresh Direct

15.15 – Networking Break

15.45 – THE SUPPLY CHAIN

An interactive panel discussion involving major contract caterers and fresh fruit and veg producers looking at how the supply chain can work better together, what foodservice operators need from produce suppliers and vice versa.

Panellists: