Table Talk

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. Guests: Rohan Wadke, Chef Jamie Measor, European Head Nutritionist, Griffith Foods Tim Sheed, Head Chef, Fairmont Windsor Park

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? Guests: Natasha Maynard, Sustainability Programme Manager, IGD Amy McDonnell, Senior Sustainability and Social Innovation Manager, UK & Ireland, Danone Va

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. Guests: Bertrand Emond, Culture Excellence Lead, Campden BRI Claire Baseley, Industry Nutritionist and Regulatory Expert Sophie Medlin, Chair of the British Dietetic Association for London Rick Miller, Food and Drink Associate Director for Specialised Nutrition, Mintel

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.  Check out our Events Calendar 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? Guests: Megan van Someren, CCO, Jamie Oliver Group Gail Stevenson, Head of Product Insight, Tesco Edward Bergen, Senior Analyst: Food and Nutritio

How do we make our food systems more sustainable? It's a big question and it is a huge challenge. But we know that progress can be made. The food industry has a big impact on the climate and the environment, but we cannot just stop making food, we need to keep everyone fed.  We also know that some of the processes we use to make food could be improved to lessen their impact on the world around us.  In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, made in partnership with Tetra Pak, we delve into the world of sustainable food systems to discover some of the incredible work already being done to reduce the industry’s impact on the climate and the environment. And we look to the future to see where progress could be made in the years to come. All of this progress is underpinned by the need to produce enough food to feed a growing population, whilst meeting the high safety standards the industry demands. Guest: Gilles Tisserand, Vice President of Climate and Biodiversity, Tetra Pak

Sourdough has taken off in recent years as the bread of choice for many consumers, but what does the future hold for the product? Although many of us turned our hand to sourdough starters during the Coronavirus pandemic, the trend of choosing it over other bread products does not appear to be abating. And when we look to its history, it is clear that it has long-held a place in people’s hearts. In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, made in partnership with Millbio, we delve into that history to look for clues to what the future might hold. It is clear that innovation is key to the sourdough story and with new developments being made as we speak, it all points to a rather rosey outlook for the sourdough market. Millbio are at the forefront of that innovation, and we discuss some of the latest products coming to market, why sourdough remains a popular choice with consumers and bakers, and the importance of clear labels and provenance as part of that journey. Guests: Alessandro Boggiani, CEO, M

Healthy ageing, and in particular heart health, are big concerns for consumers. So how is the food industry responding? In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, made in partnership with BENEO, we dive into a critical topic that resonates with many of us.  As we know, ageing populations are on the rise globally. In the UK alone, the number of people aged 65 and over has surged from 9 million to 11 million in the last decade.  This demographic shift brings the importance of healthy ageing and heart health into sharp focus. We have previously discussed on the podcast the difference between an increased lifespan and an increased health span, spending our later years in good health.  In this episode, we explore the market for products that promote healthy ageing, the trends we are seeing among consumers, and look at how how the food and drink industry is stepping up to meet consumer demand. Is functional nutrition the answer to increasing our intake of key nutrients? And how do we make products that

Health and wellbeing is big business, so what are the innovations the food and drink sector should be getting excited about? We are seeing a huge investment in this area and the benefits of new ingredients are being looked at all the time. But it is not just about following the latest trends, health and wellbeing through nutrition is also incredibly important to consumers, so what does the science say? In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, recording live at our Tastes of Better event in Ascot in 2023, our expert panel off their insights into where the market might be heading. Check out our upcoming events Guests: Ramsey Baghdadi, Food and Foodservice Analyst, GlobalData Dr Caroline Childs, Associate Professor of Nutritional Sciences, University of Southampton Dr Marie Lewis, Associate Professor of Gut Immunology and Microbiology, University of Reading Flyin Makinwa, Senior Diet and Health Executive, Food and Drink Federation

How does a food product get from concept to market? What ingredients are needed to go from a spark of imagination to a purchase at the counter? How do new ideas get from chef to shelf? In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, made in partnership with Griffith Foods, we go on that journey to learn about the challenges and opportunities of new product development (NPD). And we actually get to experience it firsthand, as we take the podcast on the road to visit Griffith Foods at their UK headquarters in Somercotes in Derbyshire. When it comes to NPD it is clear there is a need for both art and science. The inspiration in the kitchen, the insights to prove there is consumer demand, the evidence to support any health claims. But at what stage are each of the component parts brought in? How do the scientific and artistic parts of the process dovetail to allow enough space for both? And how does the food industry continue to innovate in an ever-changing market? We try to answer all of these questions i

“The big difference these days is the magnitude and the complexity of the challenges facing the food industry, and the fact they all seem to be happening at the same time.” So says Dr Kaly Chatakondu, AAK’s Commercial Director for Food Ingredients in the UK and Ireland. There is no doubt that the food industry is facing multiple challenges on multiple fronts but three key themes stand out: sustainability, health, and the cost of living. All of us in the food industry are searching for potential answers that could help us overcome them, and satisfy consumer demand. But here’s the big twist in the tale - it is suggested the answer to all three of those huge challenges could lie in fat. It may not be the answer you were expecting, but in this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, made in partnership with AAK, we explore the idea and discuss fat’s potential role in all three areas. Interested in finding out more? Sign up to meet AAK at the Food Matters Live Events in Ascot and Dublin. Guests: Dr Kaly C

What is low-energy availability, and why should the food and drink industry care about it? We have made episodes in the past about how to fuel the bodies of athletes, but in this episode, we are focussing specifically on female athletes. And we are not just talking about people at the very elite level, like those competing at the Paris Olympics, we are also talking about people who live active lives. Low-energy availability is a big concern in the world of sport nutrition and it can have a huge impact on performance. The question is: What role can nutrition and, therefore, the food industry, play in helping people overcome it? Guest: Renee McGregor, Sports dietitian

What does the future hold for sustainability in the food industry? It remains one of the biggest areas for innovation in the sector, one that continues to concern consumers and drive change on a systemic level. But where will that momentum for change take us? What will sustainability in the food sector look like a decade from now? And where will it sit on the list of priorities for consumers in the years ahead? In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, recorded live at Food Matters Live in Ascot in April 2024, we hear from an expert panel on where sustainability might be heading. It is a huge topic, but an important one, and it has been central to much of the thinking within the food industry for a number of years, the question is - where do we go from here? Guests: Michael Adams, Head of Product Innovation, Campden BRI Ollie Rosevear, Sustainability Director, Fuller Smith & Turner Peter Cross, Senior Lecturer Food and Nutrition, University of West London Dini McGrath, Co-Founder, The Wonki C

Food allergies affect millions of people, and when food providers get it wrong, we know the consequences can be catastrophic. The Food Standards Agency says around 6% of adults have a clinically confirmed food allergy, that is around 2.4 million people, and that figure only covers the UK. Ensuring mistakes are not made in labelling or use of ingredients is, of course, a matter of safety for the consumer, but a mistake can also have a devastating impact on those working in the food industry. None of this is designed to create a culture of fear, but merely to highlight just how serious this topic is. In this episode of the podcast, recorded live at Food Matters Live held in Ascot in April 2024, we look at the risks, the rules, and the opportunities (yes, there are some) when it comes to the relationship between allergens and food. Is your company fully up to date on the latest regulations? Are your processes as safe as they could be? And could small changes help you increase your customer base? Our expert

What decisions will people be making in the year 2030? What factors will influence their purchasing decisions? And how does the food industry adapt to meet those new demands? When it comes to the future of food, everyone in the industry would like to know the types of food and drink products people will be buying in the years to come. It is, of course, impossible to know for sure, but we can look at the underlying trends and the circumstances that will be acting as motivators for the consumers of the future. In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, recorded live at the Food Matters Live Tastes of Better event held in Ascot in April 2024, we ask an expert panel for their insights and try to answer some of those questions. We cover the cost-of-living, sustainability, personalised nutrition, and plenty more. Michael Adams, Head of Product Innovation, Campden BRI Robert Lawson, Managing Partner, Food Strategy Associates Richard Neish, Global Futures and Global Tastepoint, IFF Millie Diamond, Food an

How prepared is the agricultural sector for the next big technological revolution? We live in a digital age, everywhere you look new technologies are helping to make things faster, more efficient, and more precise. But there is a feeling, not just in the food sector but more broadly, that we are on the cusp of another digital revolution. AI, robotics, and access to data are advancing at great speed. The question is: can regulations, and expertise at a regulatory level, keep up with the advances we are seeing? And all of that applies to farming methods too, particularly at a time when food producers are having to deal with multiple challenges like climate change, global political tensions, and a growing population. In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, made in partnership with CropLife Europe, we dive into the world of digital and precision farming to see if we can answer some of those questions. Guest: Olivier de Matos, Director General, CropLife Europe

Confectionary is big business. The global market is worth over a trillion US dollars and all the forecasts suggest that figure is set to continue rising. But with so much competition, and a population increasingly concerned with topics such as sustainability and animal welfare, it is more important than ever for new products to stand out. In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, made in partnership with Royal Avebe, we look at how potato starch is providing some solutions to these concerns. Is it possible to create confectionary products that are sustainable, guilt-free and delicious? And how does potato starch fit into the conversation? Guests: Ria Tinga, Strategic Marketing Manager, Royal Avebe Peter Feiken, Senior Account Manager Food, Royal Avebe

There are many challenges facing the food industry at the moment, and those challenges are being faced by all of us, farmers, producers, manufacturers, retailers and consumers. Consumers in particular, are increasingly concerned with a rising cost of living, their overall health, as well as sustainability and climate change. In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, made in partnership with Azelis UK Food and Nutrition, we look at how the food industry can address these concerns, and support consumers whilst continuing to feed a growing population. It is a challenge, but every challenge presents an opportunity. We look at the latest trends, the differences and similarities between working with a start-up and a multi-national, and learn all about the new product development journey. Meet the Azelis team at the Food Matters Live Tastes of Better event Charles Hawley, Managing Director, Azelis UK and Ireland Mandy Hogben, Senior Sales Manager, Azelis Food and Nutrition Joe Yeates, Business Manager,

Looking after crops and maintaining a resilient food supply is as important now as it has ever been. But the challenges farmers are facing are growing, from inflation to a growing population and climate change - and all with sustainable agriculture front of mind. In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, made in partnership with CropLife Europe, we explore the role biopesticides could play in helping to ease some of the pressure on our food producers. Biopesticides are pesticides produced using naturally occurring substances such as plants, microbes, or biochemicals.  They offer opportunities for protecting crops from pests and diseases and have a more favourable toxicological safety profile compared to conventional pesticides. In many parts of the world, they are widely used and new products can make it to market within a couple of years. In Europe, things are moving, but much more slowly. The question is: is Europe playing catch-up? This episode looks at how biopesticides are currently being

What are the innovations that will shape our culinary experiences over the next decade or so? It is exciting to think about some of the things we may be seeing on our plates in the years ahead, but the really interesting aspect is what influences those trends. In this episode, recorded live at the Food Matters Live Tastes of Better event in Ascot in April 2024, we ask the experts where we might be heading, and which factors may be taking us there. How will an increased interest in sustainability, provenance, and cultural diversity impact our culinary experiences if the future? We also ask them to reflect on some trends from the past, which have stood the test of time, and which have fallen by the wayside? It is a journey from the past to the present and beyond, that left our live audience licking their lips. Juliane Caillouette-Noble Managing Director, Sustainable Restaurant Association Jamie Robinson Executive Chef, Tesco Tim Sheed Head Chef, 1215 Restaurant at Fairmont Windsor Park Stephen Humphries E

How can the food sector go about achieving its sustainability goals? It's a big question, but one that is increasingly pressing. Sustainability has been a hot topic in the food sector for many years, and whilst consumers might try to make more sustainable choices, often it's the parts of the food production system they do not see that are the most energy intensive. In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, made in partnership with Tetra Pak, we take a look at some of the solutions that could make a real difference. The food industry is making great efforts to reduce things like CO2 emissions and water wastage, but it is a big challenges, and most would agree that it requires a joined-up, cohesive effort to really make the changes needed. One of the answers for food manufacturers could be Tetra Pak's new Factory Sustainable Solutions. It is all about moving away from a piecemeal approach to sustainability, looking at a factory's sustainability credentials as a whole. In this episode we find out m