AGENDA

THURSDAY 19 MARCH 2026 · CONFERENCE & NETWORKING

  • 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

     

    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.

     

    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 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

     

    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

     

    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
    Fiachra Moloney · Global Chief Marketing Officer, Bloom Fresh
    Sabina Wyant · Senior Agronomist, 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?

    12:35

    Brainstorm: Breeding brilliance

    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
    Steve Nelson · Chief Executive Officer, Plant Sciences Genetics

  • 13:00

    Networking lunch

     

    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 · Chief Executive Officer, OneThird

     

    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
    Salih Hodzhov · Production Director, WB Chambers
    Kristoffer Skarsgård · Operations Manager, Saga Robotics

     

    15:30

    Networking break

     

    16:15

    Keynote interview

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

     

    16:45

    Discussion: The big picture

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

    Speakers
    Tom Mackintosh · Produce Category Director, Tesco
    Philip Symons · Director EMEA, North Bay Produce

     

    17:20

    Closing remarks


    Speaker
    Mike Knowles · Managing Director, Fruitnet Europe

     

    17:30

    After work drinks

     

    18:30

    Conference and expo closes

     

FRIDAY 20 MARCH 2026 · DELEGATE TOURS

Fruitnet Berry Congress delegates can sign up for guided tours to selected sites and facilities. A separate booking form will be sent to all registered delegates to secure their space on these tours. Spaces are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

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