As food and consumer goods businesses navigate an increasingly complex operating environment, the future of the UK food system increasingly depends on progress across five interconnected areas which are stronger supply chains, better health outcomes, sustainable growth, future-ready talent and long-term investment.
Against this backdrop, IGD has announced the return of its Future of the UK Food System conference, which will take place on 21 October 2026 at The Brewery, London.
The event demonstrates IGD’s ability to bring together representatives from across the food system, creating an opportunity for leaders to look beyond individual business priorities and hear insights on the shared challenges facing the industry.
Building on the momentum of the inaugural event in 2025, the day will bring together leaders from retail, manufacturing, agriculture, government, academia and the wider food system. Delegates will hear about how commercial growth and positive societal impact can go hand in hand, and how cross-sector collaboration can help turn shared ambition into practical action across the issues that will shape the future of UK food.
Sarah Bradbury, CEO of IGD, said:
"The resilient and thriving food system of the future won't be built by a single business, sector or policy decision. It will be shaped by the choices we make and the actions we take together.
“Many of us across the food system understand what needs to change. The challenge now is accelerating progress at scale. This event explores the practical solutions that will help create a better future sooner."
At the heart of the programme is an increasingly urgent question: how can the UK food system deliver growth while improving outcomes for people, communities and the planet, and what collective action is now needed to make that happen?
The day will open with Sarah Bradbury, CEO of IGD, and Simon Roberts CBE, CEO of Sainsbury's, exploring how to create healthier food environments, improve access to nutritious and affordable food, and build stronger, more transparent supply chains.
A panel discussion will follow, featuring leaders from Tesco, Greggs, Greencore, Sofina Foods Europe and The Food Foundation, discussing how organisations across the food system are implementing change and where they see the greatest opportunities to accelerate progress.
The conference will also examine the role of agriculture in building a future-fit food system, with leaders from AHDB, Bord Bia, the Agricultural Industries Confederation, Alltech and the NFU sharing perspectives on resilience, competitiveness and innovation.
Additional sessions will explore the economic and policy conditions needed to unlock investment into the food system, the shopper trends reshaping growth and value creation, and the long-term decisions that will determine the future health, resilience and sustainability of the food system.
Delegates will also take part in specialist breakout discussions focused on resilience and sustainability, health, workforce development, and supply chain transformation. Future of the UK Food System 2026 takes place on 21 October 2026 at The Brewery, London. Tickets are available now.