AGENDA

INSPIRATION STAGE

With an eye on current trends and future developments, our Inspiration 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 trade

With a new government in power, industry leaders, top CEOs, and seasonal labour experts experts discuss the hot topics in production and trade. Expect lively debate and frank discussions.

9.30-10.00: Tom Bradshaw (president, NFU)

10.00-10.25: Seasonal labour panel

John Shropshire (chairman, G’s)

Lee Abbey (chief adviser for crop and plant production, NFU)

Matt Jarrett (CEO, Pro-Force)

Shayne Tyler (partner/director, TylerBladon Practical Ethics)

10.25-10.45: Avocado supply panel

Steve Maxwell (CEO, Worldwide Fruit)

Graham Young (group executive for strategic initiatives, Westfalia Fruit)

Rob Davies (general manager, The Avocado Company)

10.45-11.00: Family farming panel

Makhan Padda (owner, Vicarage Nurseries)

Jaswinder Singh (operations director, Vicarage Nurseries)

Bal Padda (commercial director, Vicarage Nurseries)

– From the new docuseries It’s a Punjabi Farm Innit

11.00-11.30: Coffee break

11.30-13.00: Retail, wholesale and marketing

Leading voices in retail and wholesale supply, marketing, and branding come together for a fascinating session on the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in fresh produce. Expect insights, innovation, and inspiration.

11.30-11.55: Martha Springham (trading manager for produce, Ocado)

11.55-12.10: Matt Stoughton-Harris (resilience lead, IGD)

12.10-12.25: Clara Tucker (consumer insight director, Kantar)

12.25-12.40: Future of wholesale panel

Janet Hutchinson (CEO, New Spitalfields Market Tenants Association)

Mark Tate (owner, George Perry)

12.40-12.50: John Valentine (founder, Red Communications)

12.50-13.00: Rosie Osborne (research and projects officer, Bremner & Co)