The Food & Drink Trends & Innovations Conference returns on 12 May 2026 at the Cavendish Conference Centre, bringing together senior leaders from across brands, retail, and manufacturing to address the forces reshaping the sector.
Now in its 12th year, the one-day, industry-led event brings together senior voices from organisations including Mondelēz International, Diageo, Compass Group, Tate & Lyle, Pret A Manger, KFC, Domino’s, Tesco, and more, with a clear commercial focus: how to translate fast-moving consumer, health, and technology trends into profitable, scalable innovation.
At the centre of this year’s discussions is a sharper understanding of the modern consumer. As value evolves beyond price to include health, quality, and experience, brands are being challenged to rethink how they position products and engage increasingly selective shoppers. Sessions will unpack how generational shifts, affordability pressures, and changing expectations are influencing purchasing behaviour across categories.
Health continues to shape the innovation agenda, with functional foods, protein, and fibre playing a more central role in product development. Alongside this, the rise of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs is introducing a structural shift in consumption patterns, forcing brands to reassess portion sizes, nutritional value, and category growth strategies.
Technology is also a key focus. From AI-led product development to real-time consumer insight and operational efficiency, the conference explores how leading organisations are embedding AI to accelerate decision-making and reduce time to market.
Sustainability and packaging innovation are addressed head-on, with a focus on practical, commercially viable approaches rather than abstract commitments. In parallel, discussions around processed food will challenge outdated perceptions, reframing the role of convenience, nutrition, and transparency in modern diets.
Crucially, the event moves beyond trend identification to commercial application. Dedicated sessions examine how to monetise emerging trends, build resilient NPD pipelines in cost-conscious markets, and strike the right balance between global influence and local relevance.
With over 25 senior speakers and interactive panels throughout the day, the conference offers a concentrated opportunity to benchmark strategies, test thinking, and leave with clear, actionable direction.
For food and drink leaders navigating a complex and rapidly shifting landscape, the 2026 edition provides a timely view of where the industry is heading next.
