Two of the UK grocery industry’s most influential bodies — the Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC) and the Institute of Grocery Distribution (IGD) — will participate as official partners at Multimodal 2026, taking place from 30th June to 2nd July at the NEC Birmingham. Both organisations will exhibit and speak at the UK’s premier supply chain and logistics event, underscoring how squarely logistics has moved to the top of the grocery sector’s strategic agenda.
A Signal the Sector Can No Longer Ignore
The decision by the FPC and IGD to participate as partners at Multimodal 2026 is a statement about where the grocery industry now finds itself. Supply chains that once operated as back-end functions are now taking centre stage in the boardroom as cost pressures, fragile global trade conditions, evolving compliance requirements and rising consumer expectations around sustainability have conspired to make logistics one of the most complex and consequential challenges facing grocery businesses today.
Their joint presence at Multimodal 2026 reflects an evolving sector, recognising the conversations now happening at logistics events are directly relevant to its members’ day-to-day operational activity.
Conference Sessions: What the Grocery Sector Needs to Hear
Both organisations will put their expertise in front of the Multimodal audience through its dedicated conference programme. The sessions address two of the most pressing challenges in grocery supply chains today:
SESSION ONE — Tuesday 30th June, 12:10PM–12:30PM
The Future of Food Supply Chains: What Retailers and Manufacturers Expect from Their Logistics Network
Speaker: James Rothwell, Head of Supply Chain, IGD
In a timely and thought-provoking session, James Rothwell will examine how sustainability, resilience, and technological transformation have become non-negotiables for a future-ready supply chain in the food and drink industry, and what those demands mean for logistics providers, retailers, and manufacturers alike.
“The future of food supply chains is a critical point with intensifying pressure for manufacturers, retailers and logisticians alike. At the same time, customers have never been so demanding. For logistics networks, inertia is not an option and delivering against new commitments on sustainability, resilience and technology is inevitable. At Multimodal, we’ll be sharing where shippers are heading and how logistics needs to evolve with it. – James Rothwell, Head of Supply Chain, IGD
SESSION TWO — Wednesday 1st July, 3:45PM–4:05PM
The Future of Perishable International Trade with the UK — Including the EU/UK Reset
Speaker: Nigel Jenney, CEO, Fresh Produce Consortium
In what promises to be a must-attend session for anyone involved in perishable goods, international trade, or fresh produce logistics, Nigel Jenney will lift the lid on the next chapter for the UK’s perishable supply chains. Central to the discussion will be the EU/UK Reset and why it could prove pivotal to the future shape and cost of cross-border fresh produce trade.
“The UK’s perishable supply chain is at a crossroads. The EU/UK Reset has the potential to reshape how fresh produce moves across borders — and the implications for importers, exporters, logistics operators, and ultimately consumers are enormous. I’m looking forward to an open and honest conversation about what the next chapter looks like, and why now is the time for the industry to engage.” — Nigel Jenney, CEO, Fresh Produce Consortium
Why Grocery Bodies Belong at Multimodal
The grocery sector is one of the UK’s most complex and high-pressure supply chains, operating on tight margins, demanding fast turnaround times, whilst meeting strict compliance standards and facing growing sustainability obligations. When its representative bodies engage at a logistics event like Multimodal, it moves the conversations into real, large-scale operational challenges.
Both organisations are participating as event partners, with stands on the exhibition floor alongside logistics providers, technology companies, port and shipping operators and the event’s many other exhibitors. Their physical presence creates direct opportunities for logistics businesses to engage with — and better understand the needs of — one of their most demanding customer sectors.
