Food Matters LIve has released the full programme for its first-ever continental European event for the functional food, drink and nutrition sectors.
Held between 23–24 September 2025 at the Rotterdam Ahoy Convention Centre, the event will celebrate innovation within the food ingredient and functional nutrition niches, as well as sustainability initiatives and cross-industry collaborations that are driving the industry's growth.
“Attendees will benefit from inspiring thought-leadership, technical expertise, structured networking and expert-led discussions, all designed to support and accelerate innovation in new product development (NPD)," said Briony Mansell-Lewis, Managing Director of Food Matters Live.
With more than 750 patrons set to attend, 100 expert speakers and 100 curated sessions, the Rotterdam event features a series of unique, immersive programmes designed to bring ingredient innovation to life:
- The Tastes of Better programme: This initiative will provide exclusive access to ingredient innovation showcases, featuring presentations and tastings by technical and culinary teams. As part of this programme, the event partners utilise full innovation kitchens to bring ingredient innovation to life for a pre-qualified VIP audience.
- Insights and Trends: – With more 50 international speakers, this series covers key topics such as sustainable innovation, the future of NPD, ultra-processed foods, sustainable sourcing, protein diversification and filling the fibre gap.
- Future of Positive Nutrition: Bringing together 50 voices from the global food and nutrition community to share cutting-edge science, research and ingredient innovation focused on healthy ageing, women’s health, active nutrition and more.
- The NPD Discovery Zone: A central feature of the event, the NPD Discovery Zone will offer practical insight into the latest ingredients, technologies and innovation strategies shaping the future of food. From GLP-1 and clean label reformulation to carbon-neutral ingredients and emerging NPD services, this hub addresses a wide range of challenges facing today’s food and nutrition industry.
With live demos and expert-led sessions, it brings together the tools and knowledge essential for navigating shifting consumer expectations, regulatory pressures and the drive for sustainability.
In this part of the programme, R&D, technical, and innovation teams from forward-thinking businesses come together to discover solutions that help them stay ahead in product development.
Reflecting on the format and similar events in the past, Head of Growth at Purezza said, "Food Matters Live was jam packed with fantastic workshops, tastings and talks. It was fascinating to learn about specialist ingredient suppliers & their innovative solutions."
The event’s Lead Partners include some of the most influential names in the industry—AAK, Agrana Fruit, IFF, Ingredion, and Tate & Lyle—bringing a high level of insight and credibility to the programme.
Alongside them, a wider group of expert contributors, including Rousselot, Ulrick & Short, ENOUGH, BESMOKE, ARBOREA, and Brightlands Nova Bite, will lead targeted sessions based on their industry expertise.
A unique format for a European audience
With four main stages, exclusive tastings, and a bespoke 1-2-1 ingredient discovery business meeting programme, Rotterdam’s format will enable attendees to build meaningful connections and gain hands-on experience with next-gen ingredients.
"The future of the food industry relies on cross-sector collaboration to meet evolving consumer expectations for sustainable, nutritious and affordable food. Our event in Rotterdam brings this mission to life—offering unparalleled access to innovation, insights, and global expertise," concluded Briony Mansell-Lewis, Managing Director of Food Matters Live.