Speciality Food April 2024

34 @specialityfood visitors whose interests go beyond any individual show. Don’t miss: The dedicated Chefs’ Stage at The Restaurant Showwhich focuses in on the lives and careers of some of the UK’s most successful chefs including Akhtar Islam, Kenny Atkinson, Dipna sectors. Across Food & Drink Expo, The Restaurant Show, National Convenience Show and The Forecourt Show, there are countless more opportunities to witness innovation and get networking, meaning valuable time spent out of the office can have evenmore of an impact for Miso & Sesame (the ‘zingy’ one); and Spicy Harissa (the ‘fiery’ one). They’re dressings that not only look and taste great, but that are good for you too. THE GARLIC FARM & WILD ISLAND (STAND Q239) The Garlic Farm on the Isle of Wight is a third-generation brand with a unique range of garlic products – all made in the UK and offering an exciting array of garlicky goods. From fresh, smoked, black garlic and seed bulbs, to its extensive and award-winning ambient collection of mayonnaises, chutneys and pickles even includes garlic beer and garlic vodka. SORBAFREEZE (STAND K240) The UK’s only BRCGS accredited premier manufacturer of chilled packaging systems, Sorbafreeze can help, whatever your chilled packaging requirements. Providing an extensive and versatile range of off-the-shelf and bespoke insulated boxes, ice packs and temperature-controlled shipping solutions, Sorbafreeze manufactures all its products in- house, reducing customer costs and product lead times. WHAT ELSE TO LOOK OUT FOR With five shows under one roof and access granted to all with just one visitor badge, visitors to Farm Shop & Deli Show can benefit from expertise and insight fromdiverse In this session, the event is joined by some the UK’s leading wholesalers to discuss the channel in depth and understand what they are looking for when deciding whether to list a product or not. If you’re looking to grow your opportunities, this is not a session to miss. PLANET ORGANIC: LOOKING TO THE LONG- TERM, TUESDAY, 30TH APRIL, 1.15PM: In April 2023, Planet Organic was saved following a last- minute rescue deal led by the chain’s founder Renée Elliott. In an exclusive interview, Renée discusses the specialist retail sector, the changing needs of consumers, the turnaround at Planet Organic and what the future looks like for the business. ROSEMARY’S JOURNEY: FROM FOODSERVICE TO RETAIL (AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN), TUESDAY, 30TH APRIL, 2PM: One of the most recognisable celebrity chefs in the industry, Rosemary Shrager’s career has seen her present TV shows, judge cooking competitions, release numerous books and launch a range of products within retail. In an exclusive interview with Adam Leyland, editor-in-chief at The Grocer, Rosemary discusses her career, her new product range, the changing needs of consumers, the importance of the specialist retail sector and what the future holds. THE IMPACT OF THE COST- OF-LIVING CRISIS ON THE SPECIALIST RETAIL SECTOR, WEDNESDAY, 1ST MAY, 10.30AM: Smaller baskets? Increased prices? Reduced footfall? There is no doubt that the inflationary pressures on both businesses and consumers have had an impact across the UK food and drink industry. But to what extent has it impacted specialist retail? In this session, a panel of experts unpick the consequences of the cost-of- living crisis, how the industry is adapting and the outlook for the future. SESSIONS AND SPEAKERS MEETING THE NEEDS OF CONSUMERS IN THE SPECIALIST RETAIL SECTOR, MONDAY, 29TH APRIL, 11.15AM: What are the latest consumer trends impacting the specialist retail sector? Join this session with some the leading retailers from across the industry, discussing the changing needs of consumers. Understand how behaviours have changed, the outlook for the future, and how these operators are adapting. THE KEY TO BUILDING AN AWARD-WINNING STORE, MONDAY, 29TH APRIL, 2.30PM: What does it take to be crowned the best in your field? In an exclusive interview, the show is in session with Farm Shop & Deli Retailer of the Year, James Cunningham of Cunningham Butchers, Food Hall & Steak House. Find out what makes Cunninghams stand out from the crowd, James’ views on the future of the industry, and how Cunninghams is adapting to the challenges the sector is facing. A FORCE FOR GOOD: WHY SUSTAINABILITY MATTERS AND HOW YOU CAN DO YOUR BIT, TUESDAY, 30TH APRIL, 10.30AM: The need for action in the fight against climate change is becoming increasingly urgent, and we all have a responsibility, whether that be as businesses or consumers. Join the expert panel, as they discuss consumer expectations around sustainable practices, and hear from leading retailers and manufacturers on how they are driving change and the impact it has had on their business. SUPPLYING WHOLESALE: DISSECTING YOUR BIGGEST ROUTE TO MARKET, TUESDAY, 30TH APRIL, 11.15AM: Whilst the wholesale route to market is vast and can be, at first, daunting, it is the quickest journey to growth for a manufacturer looking to scale-up its business within the specialist retail sector. The Farm Shop & Deli Stage will play host to some of the most inspirational and knowledgeable players in the industry, each primed to offer their expert take on the sector’s most pressing issues and thought-provoking topics. Industry heavyweights including John Gill, head of procurement and marketing at Booths; Renée Elliott, founder and owner of Planet Organic; and Julia Kirby-Smith, executive director of Better Food Traders are all signed up to offer their expert take. Key highlights of the schedule’s programme include: I’mhere to see existing customers, as well as network with other businesses whichmay need services to help themgrow. It’s bigger than I thought and I would come back again. WAYNE MARTIN, DIRECTOR, THRIVE COMMERCIAL FINANCE LTD