Food Matters Live Podcast

The rise of plant-based foods has been fuelled by the global push for sustainability and healthier diets. But with ongoing debates about taste, texture, and the ultra-processed food narrative, how is the industry adapting to meet consumer expectations?

In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, recorded live at Food Matters Live in October 2024, our expert panel explores the innovations, challenges, and opportunities shaping sustainable nutrition today.

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From the development of mycoprotein as a sustainable protein source, to tackling ingredient innovation, flavour, and nutritional profiles, there are plenty of exciting opportunities and challenges ahead.

Our panel unpacks the role of alternative proteins, the potential of locally sourced ingredients, and the evolving consumer mindset around sustainable nutrition, from plant-based and beyond.

Dr Hannah Theobald, Head of Nutrition, Marlow Foods

Food allergies are a growing public health concern, impacting millions worldwide and reshaping how we think about food safety. So how if the food industry doing when it comes to protecting consumers?

In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, recorded live at Food Matters Live in Ascot in October 2024, our panel of experts delves into the latest developments in allergen management and consumer protection. 

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From the significance of near-miss reporting, to the implications of emerging allergens, our panel share insights into the challenges and solutions shaping the future of allergen safety.

With one in 12 children now living with a food allergy, and 30% of them managing multiple allergies, ensuring safe and inclusive food options is critical. 

This episode unpacks the collaborative efforts needed across the industry to create a safer, more transparent food system for everyone.

Consumers are the driving force behind innovation in the food industry, but how well do we know what they want?

In this lively episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, recorded live at our October 2024 event in Ascot, our panel of industry experts focuses on consumers; their tastes, behaviours, and budgets.

They look at the trends that are reshaping what we and how we eat, now and into the future.

Crucially, the food industry is a global business, and our panelists also delve into the evolving tastes in global cuisine. Which regions are leading the way, with products that will be on all of our supermarket shelves in the months and years to come?

They also look at the complex challenges around ultra-processed foods. How can manufacturers balance consumer demand for “clean” ingredients, with the realities of food production and shelf-life requirements?

Rob Kidd, Independent Food Industry Consultant

What impact does what we eat and drink have on our health in later life?

In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, recorded live at our event in Ascot in October 2024, a panel of nutrition experts explores the challenges and opportunities in promoting healthy ageing through diet. 

They discuss the latest consumer insights around ageing, as more people than ever are prioritising wellness and quality of life as they grow older.

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They tackle complex challenges, such as the lack of one-size-fits-all solutions and the need for foods that support diverse cultures and dietary habits.

Our panel also dives into the evolving relationship between food and medicine, examining how research-backed ingredients could offer direct health benefits and align with lifelong wellness goals.

Silke Ullmann, Nutrition Communications, Beneo

How are consumer habits going to change as Gen Z play an increasingly prominent role?

In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, recorded live at our event in Ascot in October 2024, a panel of experts look at the mega trends shaping the food industry of the future.

They discuss how Gen Z's values of authenticity, transparency, and environmental consciousness are reshaping the sector. 

Their skepticism toward traditional advertising and greenwashing is driving a new level of accountability, pushing brands toward transparency and genuine sustainability efforts.

Our panel dive deep into the plant-based market’s evolution, with insights into what is holding the market back and where it might head next. 

They also discuss ultra-processed foods, the impact of consumer demands on industry practices, and how the lack of a standardised definition of “ultra-processed” complicates the picture.

Steve Gladwell, Senior Associate, Food Strategy Associates

Thea Alexander, CEO and Founder, YF

Charlotte Cremonese, Head of Food and Innovation, Charlie Bigham's

What is driving the next big product innovations in the food and drink industry? And how can we use data, digital tools and AI to support new product development, innovation and reformulation?

These are the big questions put to our expert panel in this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, which was recorded live at the Food Matters Live event, in Ascot in October 2024.

From improving plant-based cheese to optimising recipes and predicting food trends, AI is helping revolutionise the way food products are created and brought to market.

We delve into the practical applications of AI in the food sector, from simplifying data analysis to improving consumer research. 

Our panel also discusses how big data, digital modelling, and advanced analytics can help streamline processes across the supply chain, and how product developers are using digital tools to solve complex challenges like sodium reduction.

Clare Otridge, Director, Grounded Research

What are the big trends and ingredient innovations that will shape the menus of the future?

What changes are on the horizon that will re-shape the look of our plates 10, 15 or 20 years from now?

In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, recorded live at the Food Matters Live event in Ascot in October 2024, a panel of experts offer their insights on those questions.

The conversation explores the significant impact of social media on food trends, the role of chefs in adapting these trends, and the importance of sustainability and health in the food industry. 

Our panelists discuss how consumer research influences menu development and the growing emphasis on presentation and texture in dining experiences. 

They shine a light on the evolving expectations of consumers and, crucially, how the food industry will need to adapt to meet these demands.

Rohan Wadke, Chef

Sustainability in the food and drink sector is here to stay as a key issue, but what will drive it in the years to come?

In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, recorded live at our Tastes of Better event in Ascot in April 2024, a panel of experts offer their views on this crucial question.

The conversation explores the emerging trends in sustainable food and drink solutions, focusing on consumer engagement, the importance of data, transparency in supply chains, and the role of eco-labeling. 

Our panel discusses how sustainability is becoming a priority for consumers, the challenges of making sustainable choices, and the need for better labeling systems to guide consumer decisions. 

It is clear that reaching sustainability goals within the food and drink sector will require a collaborative effort, but can that be acheived? And if so, how?

Natasha Maynard, Sustainability Programme Manager, IGD

Amy McDonnell, Senior Sustainability and Social Innovation Manager, UK & Ireland, Danone

Vanessa Henry, Research Director, Walnut Unlimited

Mikaela Linden-Ibrahim, Senior Researcher, New Nutrition Business

A healthy gut is something that is increasingly on consumers’ minds, but where is the market heading and how much do we really know about how the food we eat impacts our gut?

In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, recorded live at our Tastes of Better event in Ascot in April 2024, we assemble an expert panel to try to answer some of those questions.

They discuss the complexities of nutrition and gut health, precision nutrition, the role of gut health products, and the regulatory landscape health claims on packaging.

They also delve into the ethical considerations in marketing around gut health claims, and look at how consumer understanding is evolving over time.

Bertrand Emond, Culture Excellence Lead, Campden BRI

Consumers are increasingly aware of their food choices and how those choices affect their health, so what will that mean for the food industry of the future?

In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, recorded live at our Tastes of Better event in Ascot in 2024, our expert panel discusses the evolving trends in the food industry.

They look to the future and contemplate where we might be heading in terms of health and sustainability, consumer behaviour towards cooking, innovations in retail, personalised nutrition, and the growing importance of allergen awareness. 

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What might the 'free-from' market look like in five to ten years' time? How will manufacturers go about managing the balance between health and taste preferences among consumers? And how will the industry navigate the challenges presented by ultra-processed foods?