Food, Drink & Hospitality Week has revealed its 2026 ambassador line-up, showcasing a diverse group of industry leaders across food, drink, hospitality, and technology sectors.
The ambassadors will play a key role in shaping the programme, sharing insights, and engaging with visitors at the events, which bring together operators, suppliers, and innovators across the UK’s food and drink landscape.
Food, Drink & Hospitality Week is the umbrella brand for the portfolio of trade events and competitions including IFE Manufacturing, IFE, HRC, International Salon Culinaire, The Pub Show and Hospitality Tech360, collectively the UK’s biggest celebration of industry innovation, taking place at Excel London from 30 March to 01 April.
Nick Powell, Portfolio Director, Food, Drink & Hospitality Week, says: “Our 2026 ambassador line-up reflects the breadth and dynamism of the UK’s hospitality and food sectors. Each ambassador brings unique expertise, and their input will ensure visitors can access the latest insights, practical advice, and inspiration across every area of the industry.”
Mex Ibrahim, Co-Founder, Women in the Food Industry, adds: “I’m absolutely delighted to be returning as an ambassador for IFE Manufacturing. It’s such an inspiring event bringing together so many voices shaping the future of food and drink. As Co-Founder of Women in the Food Industry, I care deeply about making sure women and diverse voices are heard and celebrated on these stages — and that we also recognise the incredible work of farmers, independents, and those championing natural, sustainable foods.
“IFE Manufacturing is where conversations about the food industry’s future really happen, and I’m proud to be part of helping make those conversations more inclusive and representative.”
James Bielby, CEO of the FWD: “IFE brings together every part of our industry under one roof, creating vital opportunities for wholesalers, retailers and foodservice operators to connect directly with suppliers, understand emerging trends, and strengthen the links that keep the food and drink supply chain moving. I’m delighted to support an event that celebrates collaboration and drives real commercial conversations across the sector.”
Richard Werran, Global Director Consumer, Retail & Food, BSI, says: “Being invited to be an Ambassador for IFE Manufacturing 2026 again is an honour and privilege. I appreciate the opportunity to enable connections and highlight the ground-breaking work happening throughout our sector, and I’m looking forward to engaging with and working alongside dedicated food professionals for future success.”
IFE
- Andy Richardson MBE, Food & Drink Council
- James Bielby, CEO, Federation of Wholesale Distributors
- Karen Green, Business Coach and Keynote Speaker, Buyerology
- Freya O’Mara, Trading Manager – Food Cupboard and Speciality Foods, Ocado
IFE Manufacturing
- Kerri Fiddler, Head of Portfolio – Food for Later, Greencore
- Mex Ibrahim, Co-Founder, Women in the Food Industry
- Ton Knipscheer, Executive Director, European Copackers Association
- Richard Werran, Global Director Consumer, Retail & Food, BSI
The Pub Show
- Steve Alton, CEO, British Institute of Innkeeping
- Emma McClarkin OBE, CEO, British Beer & Pub Association
Hospitality Tech360
- Gavin Allison, Global Head of IT, Lore Group
- Matt Bell, CEO, Mollie’s
- Chris Fletcher, Founder & CEO, Tech on Toast
- Tommy Giraux, Head of Restaurant Systems, Honest Burgers
- Nicole Goodwin, Marketing Director, Comptoir Group
- Ceri Gott, Culture & Leadership Coach
- Tom James, CEO, Bill’s
- Jo Lynch, Account Director, KAM
Food, Drink & Hospitality Week takes place from 30 March to 01 April, find out more about everything happening as part of this year’s blockbuster event at fooddrinkandhospitalityweek.co.uk.
