The AgriFood Innovation Showcase 2025, themed “Building a Sustainable Food System,” is set to take place on 6th March 2025 in Birmingham. This event aims to bring together innovators, stakeholders, and experts to inspire sustainable solutions, drive collaboration, and shape a healthier, nature-positive food system.
The Significance of the UK Food and Drink Industry
The UK food and drink industry is a cornerstone of the nation’s £120 billion farm-to-fork food chain. As the largest manufacturing sector, it contributes £29 billion to the economy and employs approximately 440,000 individuals. However, the industry faces pressing challenges, including environmental sustainability, health concerns, and the need for innovation to ensure a resilient and safe food system that delivers healthier, affordable food.
Who Should Attend?
This event is designed for stakeholders, individuals, and organisations involved at all stages of the food and drink supply chain. Whether you’re an innovator seeking to introduce new technologies, a manufacturer aiming for sustainable practices, or a retailer focusing on healthier product offerings, the showcase offers valuable insights and networking opportunities. It’s an unmissable occasion for those committed to driving change and shaping the future of this critical sector.
Why Attend?
Attendees will benefit from:
- Cross-Sector Collaboration: Engage with a diverse community to exchange ideas, forge strategic partnerships, and explore innovation opportunities.
- Showcasing Pioneering Products and Technologies: Companies and innovators will present their groundbreaking products and technologies, providing attendees the chance to connect with key industry players, investors, and potential future partners.
- Insights into Funding and Support: Learn about the benefits and impact of working with Innovate UK and Innovate UK Business Connect, including available products and services.
- Facilitated Discussions: Participate in discussions around adopting existing innovative technologies to support the ‘net zero journey’ in agriculture and food production.
- Supply Chain Connectivity: Connect with various parts of the supply chain to support innovation across its components.
- Research and Development Prioritisation: Identify priority areas for research and development to address current challenges.
- Showcasing Funded Projects: Explore Innovate UK/UKRI funded projects and discover opportunities for further innovation.
- Networking Opportunities: Establish new connections and engage in innovative discussions to work better together.
Event Highlights
The showcase will feature several key sessions:
- Healthy Living and Agrifood System Session: Speakers will share insights on innovation projects that address and impact this area.
- Net Zero Session: Discussions on retailers’ and manufacturers’ needs around net zero and the challenges they seek solutions for.
- Technologies Session: Experts and innovators will discuss advances in relevant technologies.
- SME Marketplace: An exhibition featuring SMEs, short pitch sessions, and networking opportunities.
- Business Support Zone: Information on available industry support.
- Funding Opportunities: Details on relevant funding opportunities for the sector that are live or upcoming.
- Cross-Industry Collaboration: Opportunities for the cross-pollination of ideas and sparking new innovations.
- Networking: Facilitated introductions and innovation exchanges.
To register your place at the event, click here.
