AGENDA

Fruitnet Berry Congress 2026 features a forward-looking agenda built around what consumers and supermarkets need next from the berry category. Under the theme Fresh Berry Connections, our agenda focuses on opportunities to develop better products, faster and more predictable supply chains, and more effective marketing strategies.

08:30

Registration and networking

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Welcome refreshments

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09:30

Welcome and opening remarks

Introduction to Fruitnet Berry Congress 2026 and conference themes.

Speaker
Mike Knowles  · Managing Director, Fruitnet Europe

09:35

Talk: Market trends

Our opening speaker sets the scene and forecasts what the year ahead will bring for the berry category.

Speaker
Cindy van Rijswick  · Global Strategist Fresh Produce, RaboResearch Food & Agribusiness

09:45

Keynote interview

An in-depth interview with one of the international berry market’s leading suppliers.

Speaker
Adam Olins  · Chief Executive Officer, BerryWorld

10:00

Discussion: What next for the berry business?

Analysis of fresh berry trends and new market growth opportunities, including emerging supply sources and the continued rise of year-round and local production. What are retail expectations, supply pressures, and shifting shopper behaviour doing to the business and its key players?

Speakers
Hans Liekens  · Global Head of Marketing & Innovation, Planasa
Danitza Sánchez  · Business Development Director, Dole
David Sanclement · Chief Executive Officer, The Summer Berry Company
Mike Soulsby  · Director, Beta Best Produce

10:30

Networking break

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11:15

Talks: Product innovation

A closer look at the work that berry suppliers are doing to develop more exciting products, and more effective marketing strategies.

Speaker
Lisette Rosenkvist  · Category Manager, Dole
Hans Puijk  · Berry Innovator, BrightBerries & FruitMasters
Isla Haslam  · Marketing Manager UK, Driscoll’s
Charlotte Knowles  · Marketing & Communications Director, BerryWorld
India Lawton  · Senior Partnerships Manager, CoppaFeel!
Emma White  · Commercial Manager Fresh Produce, FareShare | Felix Project

11:45

Discussion: How can the category grow?

We explore the berry category in terms of its product mix, new varieties, future innovations, and the attributes that matter most to consumers, retailers and suppliers.

Speakers
Rachel Letham  · Global Head of Marketing & Brand, The Marketing Society
Fiachra Moloney  · Global Chief Marketing Officer, Bloom Fresh
Sabina Wyant  · Senior Technical Manager, Marks & Spencer

12:15

Brainstorm: Packaging potential

Berry business leaders take a whistlestop tour of the big challenges around cost, environmental impact, and regulatory compliance when it comes to packaging. How can the category tap into lighter materials, better recyclability, and formats that extend freshness without compromising consumer appeal?

Speakers
Alessandro Mariani  · Export Area Manager, Infia
Piotr Milewski  · Chief Executive Officer, Milbor
Massimiliano Persico  · Corporate Marketing Executive, Carton Pack

12:35

Brainstorm: Inspired breeding

A quickfire look at the various challenges and opportunities related to new varietal development in berries. What do breeders need to consider and how can licence owners avoid some of the potential pitfalls involved in protecting their IP?

Speakers
Tomer Biran  · Managing Partner, Greenstone
Alessandro Gualandi  · Variety Development Manager, G-Berries
Steve Nelson  · Chief Executive Officer, Plant Sciences Genetics

12:55

Talk: Technology that makes the grade

A quick rundown of the latest major trends in sorting and grading technology for berries.

Speakers
Raffaele Benedetti  · Sales Director, Unitec

13:00

Networking lunch

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14:00

Keynote interview

One of the world’s foremost agritech experts offers their thoughts on the berry industry’s fast-paced technological evolution.

Speaker
Simon Pearson  · Professor of Agri-Food Tech, University of Lincoln

14:20

Talks: AI and automation

A series of updates on the berry sector’s most groundbreaking technological developments.

Speakers
Gina Mercier  · Head of Sales – Europe, IGS
Sid Shaikh  · Chief Technical Officer, FieldWork Robotics
Marco Snikkers  · Founder – Commercial & Product Strategy, OneThird
Malkeet Padda  · Director of R&D and Regulatory, AgroFresh

15:00

Discussion: How smart can the berry business become?

Our panel considers the latest advances in AI and automation, as autonomous machinery, AI-based grading systems, and more joined-up data management all look set to make the business more resilient, more sustainable, and more profitable. What are the next steps in this dramatic, rapid shift towards smarter supply chains?

Speakers
Steve Barker  · Commercial Director, Dyson Farming
Salih Hodzhov  · Chief Operating Officer, WB Chambers
Kristoffer Skarsgård  · Operations Manager, Saga Robotics
Katia Zacharaki  · TCEA Soft Fruit Specialist, Niab

15:30

Networking break

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16:15

Keynote interview

Another leading player in the international berry business explains what consumers and retailers want from the category.

Speaker
Mario Steta  · Chairman, International Blueberry Organisation

16:45

Discussion: The big picture

Our closing panel looks to draw some conclusions about the future of the global berry business.

Speakers
Iain Farrell  · VP Sales and Marketing UK & EMEA, Driscoll’s
Callum Baker  · Berry Buyer, Tesco
Philip Symons  · Director EMEA, North Bay Produce
Jill Witheyman  · Head of Marketing, Angus Soft Fruits

17:20

Closing remarks

Speaker
Mike Knowles  · Managing Director, Fruitnet Europe

17:30

After work drinks

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18:30

Conference and expo closes

Delegate Tour 1

Visit to London Gateway (DP World)
Gain behind-the-scenes access to one of the UK’s most advanced deep-sea ports and logistics hubs

08:30
Meet at Tribe Hotel, London, and depart

09:15–09:30
Arrival at London Gateway and welcome coffee

09:30–11:30
Port presentation and guided port tour
Delegates will explore operations at London Gateway and learn about its strategic role in UK trade. The presentation will also highlight DP World’s new connection from Morocco – particularly its expanding import route from Agadir – which supplies a significant share of the UK’s berry imports

11:30–12:15
Departure and arrival at Canary Wharf.

Why attend?
• Discover one of Europe’s major entry points for berries
• Understand fresh produce logistics from Morocco to the UK
• Network with port and supply chain professionals

Delegate Tour 2

Retail Insight Tour – London
Explore the UK retail environment with guided visits to leading food retailers

09:30
Meet at Tribe Hotel, London, and walk to first retail store

10:00–10:45
Store visit – Waitrose & Partners, Canary Wharf
Gain insight into premium retail positioning, product presentation, and fresh produce merchandising

10:45
Public transport to Stratford

11:15–12:00
Store visit – Marks & Spencer, Stratford
Discover one of the UK’s most iconic retailers and understand its approach to quality, sourcing, and consumer trends

Why attend?
• Experience the UK food retail market firsthand
• Learn about fresh produce merchandising strategies
• Understand consumer purchasing trends

Secure your place
Spaces on both tours are limited and allocated on a first come, first served basis, to ensure a high-quality experience. Early registration is strongly recommended

For booking and further information, please contact info@berrycongress.com