Retail Podcast Episodes

Curious why an increasing number of F&B brands are targeting the airline sector? This Buyer’s Panel hosted by TickEat revealed the secrets to their success. The event brought attendees face-to-face with key buyers actively seeking innovative products tailored to the dynamic needs of travellers. Participants learned how to break into this lucrative market, adapt their offerings to fit traveller preferences, and navigate common industry challenges. The session concluded with a Q&A, where attendees had the opportunity to ask specific questions and gain tailored advice from buyers including Delta, Virgin Atlantic Airways, and more. It offered valuable insights into how to succeed in these ever-expanding sectors.

Moderator:

• Heerum Fleary, Founder & Director - Tickeat Ltd

Panelists:

• Hari Ghotra, Inflight Food & Beverage Development Manager - Virgin Atlantic
• Robert Lofts, Regional Manager Onboard Service EMEIA - Delta Air Lines
• Yvonne Airey, Inflight Retail Trading Manager - Customer, Cabin & Inflight Services - TUI Airlines

 

The UK’s 35,000 convenience stores each sold an average of 4,500 different products per year. Cutting through the noise to make a brand one retailers might choose to stock was challenging—but incredibly valuable when done right. This session examined the barriers, the stories that needed to be told, the role of pricing, and the potential opportunity.

Attendees gained insight from the Association of Convenience Stores, store operators, and a leading retail consultant on how to successfully break onto these shelves.

Panelists:

• Aman Uppal, Franchise Partner - One Stop Mount Nod
• Fiona Malone, Director - Tenby Stores & Post Office
• James Lowman, Chief Executive - Association of Convenience Stores

Keynote:

• Stefan Appleby, Head of Retail Engagement - Newtrade Media

Time-poor? Budget-limited? Resource-challenged?
Many found themselves in that club—but it wasn’t one where accepting those constraints as unchangeable was wise or sustainable. End consumers and retail customers still expected punchy plans and standout actions. This session brought together four marketing experts from the fields of strategy, insight, PR, and branding and packaging, who shared practical advice to help ignite actionable plans for success.

Moderator:

• Richard Medley, Founder - Turning The Page

Speakers:

• Brett Goldhawk, Founder - DesignHawk

• Gareth Turner, Founder - Big Black Door

• Isabel Lydall, Founder - The Curious to Clear Collective

 

As the food and drink industry evolved, many marketing strategies continued to overlook key consumer groups with significant purchasing power. This session examined the untapped potential of these shopper segments. By understanding their behaviours and preferences, supermarkets and brands implemented targeted campaigns, developed innovative product offerings, and created customised promotions to better serve these audiences.

Attendees gained actionable insights into market gaps and learned how inclusive campaigns aimed at these often-forgotten shoppers helped drive growth and build brand loyalty in a competitive marketplace.

Moderator:

• Karen Green, Founder & Chief Coach - Buyerology Ltd

Panelists:

• Christarose Maphosa, Buying Manager - Innovation - Tesco
• Kieran South, Co-Founder - North Star
• Rebecca Oliver-Mooney, Founder - Raising the Glass

 

Attendees discovered how supermarket and wholesaler accelerators and incubators drove innovation in retail. From helping startups refine products to enabling supermarkets to stay ahead of trends and diversify their supplier base, these initiatives transformed the supply chain, product development, and consumer experiences. The session offered an insightful discussion on how these programs accelerated the evolution of the retail industry and why they were crucial for the future of food retailing.

Moderator:

• Theadora Alexander, CEO - YF

Panelists:

• Andrew Allen, Head of Open Doors - Bidfood
• Kelly Orme, Buying Manager - Community Buying - Co-op
• Mariae Hackett, Co-Founder & Director - Dapur Mariae Ltd
• Melanie Harris, Innovation Development Manager - Iceland

 

As the food and drink industry increasingly embraced digital transformation, it became a prime target for cyberattacks. This session explored the sector’s unique cybersecurity challenges, sharing real-world breach examples and their costly consequences. Attendees gained practical strategies to protect operations, secure sensitive data, and maintain trust in a reputation-driven industry.

Moderator:

• Richard Werran, Global Director Retail, Consumer & Food - BSI

Panelists:

• Charlotte Bisson, Consumer Markets Cyber Security Specialist - PWC
• David Mudd, Global Head of Digital Trust Assurance - BSI
• Mark Deem, Partner - Wiggin LLP
• Matt Wilkinson, Director - Reflare
• Will Finley, Senior Underwriter - QBE