From the pages of Produce Business UK

The London Produce Show and Conference has unveiled another top-level programme studded with star speakers for the fourth-annual edition of its dedicated event for the UK foodservice industry, The Foodservice Forum 2019, which takes place on Wednesday, June 5 at The Grosvenor House, a JW Marriott Hotel in London.

A first-rate line-up of market-leading foodservice, hospitality, catering and fresh produce industry specialists are now confirmed to take part as speakers and panelists to uncover the ways in which technology and trends are truly transforming the foodservice industry in the UK.

Moderated by Jason Danciger, a Paris-trained chef, restaurateur and the UK Managing Director of the Hana Group, The Foodservice Forum 2019 presents an interactive and engaging platform dedicated to the UK’s diverse and thriving foodservice industry, and the potential to make fresh produce more prominent on plates.

This year’s conference sessions will address the eating-out market in focus; the impact of modern technology on customers and operators; the power of plant-based eating, veganism and vegetarianism; the next star product in fresh produce; and how the supply chain can work better together. 

By understanding how all of these factors are set to shape the business over the next decade, attendees will go away fully prepared to ensure they remain relevant and competitive in the thriving foodservice market.

Jim Prevor, CEO and Editor-in-Chief at Produce Business and Phoenix Media Network, explains: “Our Foodservice Forum adds another level of value to The London Produce Show and Conference, and appeals to culinary heavy hitters and major UK and international foodservice companies.

“Attendees of The Foodservice Forum will participate in seminars, discussion panels and ideation sessions – all with a view to improving the performance of fresh produce in the foodservice and catering arenas.”

Sponsored by Reynolds, one of the UK’s leading produce suppliers to the foodservice sector, The Foodservice Forum is the prelude event to The London Produce Show and Conference (LPS). It attracts major UK and international buyers, chefs, operators, suppliers and influencers from across the foodservice, catering, hospitality and fresh produce sectors.

Matt Jones (center), a senior buyer at Reynolds, speaks during the 2018 London Produce Show and Conference.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

The Foodservice Forum 2019 programme boasts a diverse range of high-profile experts representing the spectrum of the industry, including:

• Bill Collison, Founder – Bill’s
• Jason Danciger, UK Managing Director – Hana Group
• Simon Stenning, Founder & Strategic Advisor – FutureFoodservice.com
• Nick Popovici, Co-founder and CEO – Vita Mojo
• Sarah Wassermann, Head of Development – Mildreds
• Antony Bennett, Head of Food – Loungers
• Diane Camp, Development Chef – Reynolds
• Aggie Morrell, Head of Food – POD
• Nick Vadis, Culinary Director – Compass Group UK & Ireland
• Matt Jones, Senior Buyer – Reynolds
• Peter Taylor, General Manager – Westlands Wow
• Darren Deadman, Chef Director – Searcys
• Freddy May, Founder – Cookly Bookly
• Brian Rajasinghe, Business Development Director – MTJ London

The event on June 5 will begin with Simon Stenning, Founder & Strategic Advisor, FutureFoodservice.com, setting the scene by providing expert insight into the latest trends on the UK eating out and drinking market.

Having recently authored The Future of Foodservice 2025-2030 report, and with more than 30 years’ experience in the foodservice and hospitality industry, Stenning will focus on the key factors and megatrends that will shape the industry over the next 11 years, such as the influence of technology.

Following Stenning’s introduction, Danciger will conduct a special Question & Answer session with Collison, a former grower and the founder of the UK’s hugely popular casual dining chain Bill’s. 

Collison with share his views on why the Bill’s restaurant chain continues to remain relevant, and the important emphasis the business is placing on revitalizing and revolutionizing the use of fresh produce in its menus, as the chain promotes more vegetable-based options. 

Next, the impact of technology on foodservice both now and in the future will be addressed via a series of short, sharp presentations from a range of market operators on their use of new technologies, including: Vita Mojo, Gescom and Cookly Bookly.

After the networking lunch, Collison will return to the stage to discuss the UK’s growing desire to eat more plants, thanks to the rise of veganism, vegetarianism and plant-based eating, together with Wassermann (Mildreds), Bennett (Loungers), Camp (Reynolds) and Morrell (POD).

To continue the theme of consumer enthusiasm for new flavors, suppliers of unusual fruits and vegetables will take to the stage to showcase the unique characteristics of their weird and wonderful offerings. Rajasinghe (MTJ London) and Taylor (Westlands Wow), will showcase jackfruit and lesser-well-known herbs respectively. 

An interactive panel discussion involving major contract caterers and fresh fruit and veg producers will complete the day by looking at how the supply chain can work better together, including what foodservice operators need from produce suppliers, and vice versa. The session will feature Vadis (Compass Group UK & Ireland), Jones (Reynolds), Deadman (Searcys) and Taylor.

The London Produce Show and Conference will continue to explore the role of fresh produce in foodservice, in addition to the latest cooking techniques, on the day after The Foodservice Forum in the Chef Demonstration Kitchen, which runs alongside the trade exhibition on Thursday 6 June.

For more information about attending, sponsoring and/or exhibiting at The Foodservice Forum and/or The London Produce Show and Conference, contact:

Linda Bloomfield, Sales Director
T: +44 (0)7711 509709 Email: linda.bloomfield@producebusinessuk.com