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, policy and logistics discuss the fruit and vegetable industry’s hot topics – from supply resilience to government support, investment opportunities, seasonal labour, energy costs, and everything in between.

9.30-10.00 Dame Angela Eagle (Defra)

10.00-10.25 Industry leaders panel: Martin Emmett (NFU), Simon Conway (Horticulture Crop Protection), Chris Rose (UK Fruit & Vegetable Association)

10.25-10.40 Sam Trevey (Red Tractor)

10.40-11.00 Imports panel: David Bateman (SHP Group), Alison Hall (Port of Dover)

11.00-11.30 Coffee break

11.30-13.00 Fresh produce trends

What are the most important trends in fresh produce retail and consumption? We hear from supermarket buyers, market analysts and campaign leaders about the innovation and strategies shaping the sector, including long-term partnerships with growers, health, and new ways to inspire shoppers.

11.30-11.45 Clara Tucker (Worldpanel by Numerator)

11.45-12.10 Hannah O’Reilly (Sainsbury’s)

12.10-12.35 Matt Buckingham (M&S)

12.35-13.00 Health panel: Barbara Bray (Alo Solutions), Dan Parker (Veg Power), Jan Doldersum (Rijk Zwaan)

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 ★
★ Sustainable Champion ★
★ Innovation Award ★
★ Editor’s Award ★

Regen revolution

We explore the potential of regenerative farming to cut fertiliser use, restore soils and increase profits.

14.20-14.45 Regen panel: Julius Joel (G’s), Harriet Bell (Riverford), Andy Pembroke (Fresh Direct)

Automated future

How is robotics shaping the future of the fresh produce industry? We hear from the man at the heart of it all.

14.45-15.05 Simon Pearson (Lincoln Institute for Agri-food Technology)

Foodservice focus

What are the key trends, challenges and opportunities in UK foodservice and how can fresh produce suppliers best serve the sector?

15.05-15.30 Foodservice panel: Andy Clarkson (Dole), Will Thorogood (S Thorogood & Sons)

DELEGATE TOURS

Packhouse and seasonal labour tour

A 30-minute guided behind-the-scenes look at G’s operations. Visitors will be given an introduction to the Barway facility, including its baby leaf packhouse, and an overview of the seasonal workers’ hostel on site. The packhouse will be viewed from behind several windows on a mezzanine floor, offering great views of the process.

Farm tour

A 60-minute farm tour exploring planting and harvesting processes, alongside a focus on biodiversity, regenerative farming, and the innovative growing techniques used across the site.

Important info

Visitors should congregate at the Tour Pick Up Point flag for all tours. They will be delivered back to this point 30/60 minutes after the start time.
It is possible to sign up for one of the two tours, or both, but spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.
For the farm tour, visitors will be transported by minibus but are advised to wear sturdy footwear as they will be on foot out in the fields.