IFE Manufacturing, part of Food, Drink & Hospitality Week, has launched its seminar programme for 2024 with sessions covering all aspects of product development in the world of food & drink.  

Topics under the microscope on the show’s Trends & Innovation Platform this year will include the disruptive forces impacting the world of food & drink, the AI revolution, changing attitudes to ultra processed foods, building more resilient supply chains and the projected impact of rising prices on consumers in 2024.  

Richard Werran, Global Director Food and Retail at BSI and moderator for the session, ‘The AI revolution: a food transformation’, comments: “AI makes precision agriculture a reality and will optimise on-farm resources through data analysis of soil health, weather conditions, and crop growth, boosting yields while simultaneously minimising environmental impact. I’m hugely looking forward to joining this discussion at IFE Manufacturing 2024.” 

Mark Thompson, Co-Founder of Edinburgh-based insight and innovation company TRKR, and panellist for the session, ‘Ultra Processed Foods: What is all the fuss about?’, says: “I’m looking forward to attending IFE Manufacturing and sharing my thoughts and views on the topic of ultra-processed foods.  

“It’s an important topic as whilst many of the foods that fall under the umbrella of ‘ultra-processed’ are everyday staples for most consumers. A loaf of bread for example, the very fact that these items are part of our weekly diet means that as an industry, we need a measured and informed approach to tackling their uptake.” 

Ruth Dolby of Food Science Fusion will moderate a session on efficiency in food & drink development. She comments: "Working across the food chain, we will be looking at best practice for optimising NPD value in all areas of the process. It is great to be invited back to facilitate this panel on the Trends & Innovation Platform and to be joined by colleagues with some great insights and to share." 

The 2024 programme will also see startup founders and brand owners taking to the stage to share candid experiences of business failures, sharing key lessons and resilience tips for future success.  

The Trends & Innovation Platform will also play host to the World Food Innovation Awards winner award ceremony at 3.30pm on Monday 25 March and the winner presentation for the inaugural IFE Manufacturing Ingredients Awards, in partnership with the IFST, at 5pm on Monday 25 March. 

IFE Manufacturing takes place alongside IFE, The Pub Show, HRC and International Salon Culinaire as part of Food, Drink & Hospitality Week. To view the show’s full seminar programme for 2024 visit ifemanufacturing.co.uk/seminar-programme.