Seminar Sessions Available at Foodex 2014
During the three day event, visitors at Foodex in Birmingham will be able to attend live discussions held by a panel of experts across the full industry spectrum on some of the industry’s most pressing topics, this March 24-26.
Keith Newton, CILT and SCALA Consulting will take the stage at the NEC to address the importance of collaboration across the supply chain. Representatives from Fowler Welch, a leading FMCG supply chain organisation, and the Fresh Connection UK 2013 champions from Kimberley-Clark will join and share their experience as winners of the SCALA competition – an innovative programme for developing current and future managers at all levels within the industry.
Visitors can also attend a masterclass with Channel 4 stars The Fabulous Baker Brothers, Tom and Henry, who will share their entertaining and informative culinary knowledge on the best ingredients, according to the schedule announced by organisers.
Further informative talks are set to follow at Foodex with Campden BRI representative, Steve Spice addressing the European Union’s Food Information to Consumers (FIC) regulations with advice on how to ensure food and beverage labels adhere to changing regulations, followed by Lord Rooker, former chairman of the Food Standards Agency who, joined by a panel of speakers, will talk about the horsemeat scandal – one year on.
Other speakers to take the stage at Foodex 2014 include Matt Hindle, Policy Manager for the Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas Association (ADBA) who will explain how anaerobic digestion can make organic ‘waste’ work and what benefits are available to businesses looking to integrate an Anaerobic Digestion plant into an existing site.
Transforming Sustainability
Sustainability, renewable energy, food traceability and plugging the skills gap will be the focus of the seminar sessions on day two, where Richard Gueterbock, Managing Director for Clearfleu will speak on changing waste into energy. Representatives from the NationalSkillsAcademy for Food and Drink and the Institute of Food Science and Technology will also discuss the skills gap and the opportunities for new recruits.
Keeping the focus on food traceability and supply chain management, sessions on food fraud with Steve Garrett from the Campden BRI will reflect on the most recent incidents to affect the food industry. Chris Sturman, Chief Executive for the Food Storage and Distribution Federation (FSDF) and chairman for the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport’s Food Logistics Forum will also take the stage to address sustainable packaging as well as a host of other hot topics.
Former Conservative party politician and Cabinet Minister RH Michael Portillo will also join Foodex visitors on the centre stage, introducing topical debates on the latest industry challenges and developments with food industry business leaders.
Supply chain strategies
Keith Newton will again join visitors on the final day of the show for his second session at Foodex 2014. Keith, SCALA senior partner and secretary general for the Chartered Institute of Logistics, will discuss the need to put service at the heart of every supply chain process. Roy Betts of Food Microbiology will also highlight the changes in microbiological risks and takes a quick look into what we can expect in the future.
To the Point
For visitors looking for sector specific talks, a range of sessions will be available that address key industries. For example, visitors can join John Mettrick of JW Mettrick & Son Ltd for a butchery masterclass, or Ms Cupcake (Mellisa Morgan) who will demonstrate the versatility of alternative ingredients and vegan substitutes for cake recipes. Dr Judith Bryans, Chief Executive of Dairy UK will give her argument for benchmarking the UK’s innovation and the importance of addressing industry best practices.
The final session for Foodex 2014 and returning to the NEC following its success at the 2012 event, will see the Great British Bounce Back return to showcase best practice examples from across the food and drink industry to recognise those businesses going the extra mile and investing in the future of the UK’s manufacturing industries.
Foodex is co-located with Food & Drink Expo, incorporating Farm Shop & Deli Show and the National Convenience Show.