){kind=logo}
){kind=logo}
)
IFE and IFE Manufacturing launch 2026 theme ‘Feeding the Future’
IFE and IFE Manufacturing have announced ‘Feeding the Future’ as a shared theme for 2026, placing the evolving priorities of the food and drink industry at the heart of the UK’s largest product sourcing and manufacturing event.
Running from 30 March to 01 April at Excel London as part of Food, Drink & Hospitality Week, IFE and IFE Manufacturing will explore how changing consumer expectations, shifting global pressures and new ways of thinking are shaping what we eat and drink, how it is made and who gets to shape the next generation of products.
Feeding the Future reflects the realities facing the sector, from affordability, health and sustainability to ingredient innovation, manufacturing resilience and the role of technology in building a food system fit for the years ahead. Across both shows, the theme will provide a unifying lens for product discovery, thought leadership and industry debate, bringing together brand owners, manufacturers, suppliers and buyers from across the supply chain.
The theme will be brought to life through a programme of expert-led sessions on IFE’s Future Food Stage, sponsored by Brambles Digital, and IFE Manufacturing’s Trends & Innovation Platform. Content will explore how consumer behaviour, retail strategy, nutrition, sustainability, skills and technology are converging to shape the future of food and drink.
Sessions will examine the long-term outlook for the sector, including ‘Retail 2030 – Forecasting the future for UK supermarkets’ with Bryan Roberts of IGD, ‘The big food and drink predictions for 2026’ with Mintel’s Alice Pilkington, and ‘Serving up wellness for 2026’ with FMCG Gurus’ Benjamin Campaniello.
Campaniello says: “IFE is one of the few places where big-picture thinking about the future of food meets the commercial realities brands are grappling with right now. Feeding the Future is a theme that really resonates, because consumers are rethinking what food and drink should deliver, not just in terms of taste or price, but wellbeing, trust and long-term value.”
Innovation and values-driven growth will be explored through sessions such as ‘Feeding the future: How mood-boosting nutrition is shaping innovation’ with Mecca Ibrahim of Women in the Food Industry, ‘Powering progress: Supporting women in food leadership’ with Amy Wilkinson of Fearless Foodies, and ‘Uncover the nine mega trends defining the future of food’ with Barney Mauleverer of the Food and Drink Exporters Association.
Other sessions will focus on how the industry turns ambition into action, from people and skills to systems and supply chains. Sessions will include ‘Smart factories, smarter people: The skills powering the future of food’ with Richard Werran of BSI, ‘Keeping forests out of our food supply chains’ with Maggie Fitzherbert of the Soil Association, and technology-led discussions such as ‘Closing the loop and turning food waste into value with the power of AI’ with Dave Elliman of Zühlke.
Plus, the Institute of Food Science & Technology will be collaborating with Campden BRI to run sessions on the Trends & Innovation Platform covering future-focused topics such as sustainable ingredients sourcing, lab to label ingredients innovation, and AI in new product development.
Federico Dellafiore, Event Director for IFE and IFE Manufacturing, comments: “Feeding the Future is about recognising the responsibility the food and drink industry carries, not just to respond to trends, but to actively shape what comes next. At IFE and IFE Manufacturing, we’re creating space for meaningful conversations around innovation, sustainability, manufacturing and access, while showcasing the products, ideas and people that will define the future of the sector. It’s about practical progress, collaboration and ensuring the industry is equipped to meet changing expectations with confidence.”
Rebecca Oliver-Mooney, Founder of Raising the Glass, adds: “For me, Feeding the Future is about more than new flavours or formats. It’s about who gets to shape what we all eat and drink next. The future of this industry will be defined by the ideas we champion and the people we choose to back. When we make space for more women, more under-represented founders, and more diverse perspectives at the table, we don’t just create better products. We build a healthier, more connected culture around them. Feeding the future isn’t just a trend, it’s a responsibility. It’s asking ourselves who benefits, who’s left behind, and what legacy we’re creating with every sip.”
Andy Richardson MBE, Member of the Food & Drink Export Council, says: “‘Feeding the Future’ shines a light on the profound shifts and priorities reshaping our food and drink system. From changing consumer expectations for healthy diets, to more resilient, sustainable supply chains, to the need to understand and adopt digital technologies and AI, the industry is entering a period where collaboration and bold thinking are essential.”
IFE and IFE Manufacturing take place from 30 March to 01 April at Excel London as part of Food, Drink & Hospitality Week.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=logo}
)
)
)
)
)