Food innovators, business leaders, government ministers, scientists and experts in health, nutrition and diet will be among 400 influential speakers leading a series of thought-provoking debates and seminars during the three-day CPD accredited education programme.
On the agenda at the Food Matters Live conference main stage are important issues such as future-proofing the future of food and nutrition; the effectiveness of the UK’s sugar reduction programme; the future for food technology; changing dietary behaviour in practice; and the impact of Brexit on innovating for health and wellbeing to name a few.
At the same time, cross-sector experts will use a series of case studies in a range of seminars to explore the role of nutrition for optimal health and wellbeing. Among the many topics to be addressed is a strong focus on the latest ingredients and research leading to innovations in nutrition and functional health products to aid digestion, weight wellness, satiety; cognitive health and performance; digestion; bone and joint health; infant and maternal nutrition; sports nutrition and immune health.
The effectiveness of the UK’s Childhood Action plan in tackling obesity will also be under the spotlight, along with insights into key shopper trends in retail such as the demand for free-from, healthy snacking and healthy drinks in the foodservice and the out-of-home sectors.
More than 16,000 influential professionals are expected to attend this year’s Food Matters Live, which also plays host to over 800 leading organisations at the cutting edge of innovation in the curated exhibition – from new ingredients to finished products from the UK and beyond.
Leading ingredient suppliers taking part include i-ingredients, DSM, ProTec Nutra, Brenntag, GELITA, Essentia, FrieslandCampina DMV, Cornelius, TasteTech, Lonza, BENEO, Kreglinger Specialties, PB Gelatins, Galactic, Kerry Taste & Nutrition, Van Eeghen and Naturex to name a few.
They will be joined by stand out brands such as Vitabiotics, NBTY Europe, BetterYou, Clasado Research Services and manufacturers like DCC, IVC Brunel Healthcare, Lamberts Healthcare, VSI, Pouch Alliance, BB Supplements and Extense Pharma.
In addition, Herbalife will sponsor the Tackling Obesity seminar programme while ESSNA and the Health Food Manufacturers’ Association return as key supporters for 2018.
Of particular interest to the nutrition community will be the Nutraceutical Showcase – an innovative hub playing host to the latest product innovations in dietary supplements, functional foods and sports nutrition.
Members from the Council for Responsible Nutrition UK will also be on hand to give advice on the safety and quality of food supplements and the extensive regulatory environment while the new Innovative Ingredients Live will look at the science behind some of the emerging functional ingredients disrupting the nutrition landscape.
And to help facilitate new business connections, an enhanced matchmaking service will enable exhibitors and visitors to identify potential partners, from food and drink manufacturers, ingredients suppliers, retailers and research centres to universities, distributors, importers, exporters, business services, packaging suppliers and branding agencies.
Briony Mansell-Lewis, Food Matters Live Director, said: “Food Matters Live is fast becoming an annual education and business opportunity for many in the industry.
“We’re delighted once again to welcome so many experts to share best practice, forge collaborative relationships, find solutions to challenges and explore new ways of working with colleagues across the food, nutrition and health sectors.”
Food Matters Live is free to attend, including entry to the conference, seminars and all visitor attractions. Simply register at www.foodmatterslive.com.