16 March 2010, 13:17 PM
  • A series of cutting-edge debates, featuring key figures from across the grocery industry, are promising to make next week's Food & Drink Expo(21st to 24th March) the best yet

The event’s Business Briefing Theatre will stage six panel discussion sessions tackling a range of topical issues, from the impact of digital media on the industry to how the recession has affected the way consumers shop and eat.

As the issue of food security intensifies,‘Countdown to starvation - Is the world going to run out of food?’ will discuss the topic in more detail. Taking part in this debate will be Ross Warburton, executive director of bread giant Warburtons, Oxfam head of policy Sam Bickersteth and BRC director of food policy Andrew Opie.

With the event set to take place just a few months before the General Election, a cross-section of business leaders will gather to make their case for the policies they would like the next Government implement. The session, entitled ‘Party Time – What should the next Government do for the food industry?’, will feature Federation of Wholesale Distributors CEO James Bielby and British Soft Drinks Association director general Jill Ardagh.

Elsewhere, the Tasting Theatre will help retail buyers identify innovations and new ranges that could help boost their sales.

“Nowhere else enables buyers to come into contact with so many key industry figures. And with more than 600 individual exhibitors presenting thousands of new products, Food & Drink Expo really is not a show to be missed,” said Jack Halliday, group sales manager.

Food & Drink Expo will be held at the NEC in Birmingham and is free to attend.