Has there been a more challenging time for the global food system in modern times? It is difficult to argue against considering the amount of geopolitical turmoil and the growing climate crisis. Add into that, a growing population, and the scale of the challenge of keeping everyone fed is clear. But that is where innovation will be key. The global food system needs to keep innovating in order to meet the challenges it faces. Attend our Food Innovation, Nutrition and Sustainability...

Few industries embrace new technology as readily as the food industry, so what does the future hold? In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, recorded live at the Sustainable Food Forum held in London in September 2023, we ask a panel of experts to answer that question. They explore the latest ground-breaking technological developments in food processing, and delve into the potential impact of robotics and AI on the food industry as a whole. Attend our Tastes of Better events in...

From the first apple orchards, to its resurgence in modern craft cideries, cider’s history is a story of innovation, tradition, and deep connection to the land. But it is not just a tale of apples and fermentation. It is a journey that has shaped communities, cultures, and the way we raise a glass to celebrate life's moments. It is also a tale of adaptation, with cider evolving alongside the changing tastes and technology of today’s modern world. So, in this episode of the Food Matters...

When we think about sustainable nutrition, many of us will think about plant-based eating. There is no doubt that switching to a plant-based diet helps the sustainability cause in multiple ways, but the bigger picture is far more nuanced than that. Every consumer, ingredient, product and brand has their own context, which makes generalising about environmental impact very difficult.  In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, recorded live at our Inspiring Nutrition event in London...

Packaging has a huge role to play in making the global food system more sustainable. The materials we use to transport, store and market our food are a key part of the conversation when it comes to increasing sustainability in the sector. There is a demand for more responsible food packaging solutions across the value chain as pressure mounts from both regulators and consumers.  But, the move towards more sustainable packaging is not always an easy, or straight forward, one. In this...

Producing a new food product, bringing it to market, and then successfully selling it, is no easy task. It is difficult to get an exact figure, but most research indicates that at least half of new products fail within a year of launching. It is no surprise when you consider just how competitive the food industry is - in the UK, it is the largest manufacturing sector. Taking all of that into account, getting your new product “just right” is a challenge that requires skill, knowledge, and...

Nutraceuticals are big business, but what is in store for this dynamic and competitive market in 2024 and beyond? There is no doubt that demand for these products is growing, and consumers are more knowledgeable than ever. But with greater awareness and increased understanding, comes greater skepticism, meaning the science has to be water-tight. In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, recording live at our Inspiring Nutrition Event in London in November 2023, we ask an expert...

What role can new developments in ingredients play in moving us towards a more sustainable global food system? As food companies move towards a more circular, less wasteful model, how important will ingredient innovation be? In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, recorded live at our Sustainable Food Forum in London, we try to answer those questions. Attend our Sustainability events in April Experts and innovators explore the pipeline of emerging sustainable ingredient...

The gut microbiome is one of the hot topics on the lips of nutritionists, dietitians, and the food industry as a whole. But are consumers keeping up with an area of understanding that is moving at such speed? From probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, to the impact of artificial sweeteners on the mind-gut connection, there is a lot to get your head around. In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, recorded live at our Inspiring Nutrition event in London in November 2023, we delve...

There are multiple challenges facing the global food system, so how can we go about changing it to overcome them? It is projected that the system will need to feed nearly 10 billion people by 2050, a big enough challenge in itself. But when you combine that with protecting the planet and building more resilience, it becomes and even more daunting task. In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, recorded live at our Sustainable Food Forum in September 2023, we do our best to find...

Traditionally used to make products like vitamins, precision fermentation has been gaining popularity as an alternative way to produce dairy. It harnesses the power of microorganisms and can be used to make all sorts of products like milk, cheese, yoghurt and more. It is a technology that could transform the way we understand animal-free dairy. And with the dairy industry expected to grow by around $300 billion by 2028, according to Statistica, could precision fermentation serve as a...

Personalised nutrition is big business, and it is forecast to get even bigger in the coming years. Some estimate that the sector will be worth between $15-$25bn before the end of the decade. So what are the opportunities? What is getting people exciting? And how can the food industry capitalise on this growing market? This episode of the Food Matters Live podcast was recorded live at our Inspiring Nutrition event, held in London in November 2023. Our panel reflects on why personalised...

For about a century we have been fortifying some of our foods. It has been seen as a powerful tool in the world of nutrition, where essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients are added to foods to improve their nutritional value. It is a strategy that has the potential to address global health challenges, from vitamin deficiencies to other public health concerns. And still, there are new developments happening today. In the UK, the Government wants to add folic acid to some types of...

There is no doubt that a shift towards healthier and more sustainable diets presents enormous opportunities for the food industry. But it also throws up a whole host of challenges, many of which the sector is grappling with right now. Although more of us are seeking alternative food products, sometimes the alternatives being offered either don't quite fit the bill, or they will take a while to become established. There are, of course, many fantastic alternatives that are already satisfying...

In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, we focus on the role innovation in ingredients has to play in creating a more sustainable global food system. The demand for plant based and vegan ingredients is soaring globally as consumers become ever more health and environmentally conscious in their food and lifestyle choices.  Manufacturers are incorporating new ingredients into their food portfolios to meet this demand.  So, how can we accelerate ingredient innovation? And will these...

In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, we explore the nutritional powerhouses that are blueberries. Aside from being delicious, it is claimed blueberries pack an incredible punch when it comes to promoting our well-being. They are bursting with antioxidants, vitamins, and fibre, and the potential health benefits of these small but mighty berries have been jumped on by food producers and news editors hungry for a juicy headline for some time. As well as claims about supporting...

Sustainability is a huge concern for the food industry, it is fair to say it has moved well beyond being a buzz word. But to what extent do sustainability, a healthy diet and affordability matter to consumers? It is an important question to explore, and one that throws up a whole host of additional questions. In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, recorded live at our Sustainable Food Forum event in London, we delve into those questions. Consumer food choices are influenced by...

Sustainability is at the heart of so much of the food sector, with discussions often focusing on manufacturing processes, food waste, and meat and dairy alternatives. But the most difficult sustainability challenges, and arguably the most impactful, are a step before any of that. In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, made in partnership with CropLife Europe, we focus on agriculture. There is no getting away from the fact that farmers are under increasing pressure to feed a...

In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, we look at the economics of creating a more sustainable food system. Sustainability is front of mind for most businesses in the sector, but has the economic argument been won? Does being more sustainable have to mean reduced profits? This episode was recorded live at the Food Matters Live Sustainable Food Forum, held in London in September. This session was titled: The business case for sustainable food across the supply chain. Our panel...

In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, we dive into the fascinating world of molecular farming. Also known as biofarming, it is redefining the way we produce essential proteins, pharmaceuticals, and other valuable substances. You could describe it as a blend of agriculture and biotechnology, and some say it could transform our world in incredible ways. But, is it all it is cracked up to be? And will the reality live up to the promise? We look at the science behind molecular...

When it comes to physical performance, increasing endurance is of huge concern to many athletes. In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, made in partnership with GELITA, we take a closer look at an ingredient that is making waves in the world of sports nutrition: collagen. Although most of us will be familiar with its potential benefits to skin health, its allure extends far beyond aesthetics, especially for athletes. From its role in enhancing muscle recovery and growth, to its...

There are few industries as innovative as the food sector, and few facing quite so many challenges. Global political turmoil, a growing population, and the climate crisis are once again pushing the food industry to adapt. In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, recorded in front of a live audience during our Sustainable Food Forum event in London in September 2023, we shine a light on the people leading that adaptation. Attend our Sustainable Sourcing Event in April Some of the...

Gut health is of growing concern for many people, but for athletes it can be of vital importance, and there are some very specific issues. Problems in this area are common among the physically active, and their impact can be wide ranging. In recent years our understanding of gut health has grown considerably, and it appears the more we learn, the more we realise just how central it is to our overall health. We also know that for active consumers, be they professional athletes or more...

How is consumer demand shaping the future of the food industry? It is a question that is almost constantly being asked by companies, entrepreneurs and staff across the world, in what is a hugely competitive market.  There is arguably no other sector that is as tuned in to what its customers want, and delivering on those wants and needs is crucial for any business to survive. But, as many of our listeners will know, it is not always a straight line and that means plenty of adaptation and...