AGENDA

AGENDA FOR FESTIVAL OF FRESH 2026

INSPIRATION STAGE

With an eye on current trends and future developments, our Innovation Stage speakers assess the state of play in the UK fresh produce industry and discuss what it takes to thrive at a testing time for the sector.

Through a combination of panels, interviews and presentations, we get to grips with today’s challenges, and explore opportunities to succeed with agile production, innovative marketing, cutting-edge tech, and sustainable processes.

8.30 - 9.20 Registration opens and welcome coffee  

9.20-9.30 Welcome address  

9.30-11.00 Production and politics  

Key figures in production and policy discuss the fresh produce industry’s hot topics – from supply resilience to government support, investment opportunities, seasonal labour, energy costs, and everything in between. 

11.00-11.30 Coffee break  

11.30-13.00 Fresh produce trends  

What are the most important fresh produce trends in retail, wholesale and marketing? We hear from supermarket buyers, company bosses and market analysts about the innovation and consumer behaviour shaping the sector, including health, convenience, and new ways to inspire shoppers.

 

 

 

13.00-14.00: Lunch

14.00-14.20: Festival of Fresh Awards

We announce the winners of the Festival of Fresh Awards, now in their fourth year, as selected by Fresh Produce Journal’s editorial team for outstanding achievement in the UK fruit and vegetable industry.

Awards will be presented in the following six categories:

★ Retail Supplier of the Year ★
★ Non-Retail Supplier of the Year ★
★ Marketing Magic Award ★
★ Sustainable Champion Award ★
★ Innovation Award ★
★ Editor’s Award ★

14.20-15.30 Regen revolution  

As fruit and vegetable businesses face up to the mounting challenges of climate change, we explore the techniques and technologies revolutionising supply chains and minimising environmental impact. Regenerative farming, precision agriculture, and the use of AI will all be up for discussion.