IFE and IFE Manufacturing have confirmed their content programmes for 2026, addressing technical development, consumer behaviour analysis and commercial strategy across the food and drink sector.

Running 30 March to 1 April at ExCeL London as part of Food, Drink & Hospitality Week, both exhibitions will examine how manufacturers and brands are responding to shifting demand patterns, regulatory pressure and supply chain requirements under the shared theme 'Feeding the Future'.

Consumer and Cultural Analysis

The Future Food Stage at IFE, sponsored by Brambles Digital, will host sessions examining market drivers including sustainability credentials, sourcing practices, health reformulation and flavour development. Charles Banks, Director and Co-Founder of thefoodpeople, will present consumer and cultural forecasting analysis. Alice Pilkington, Senior Food and Drink Analyst at Mintel, will deliver forecasting data on sector developments.

Maggie Fitzherbert, Senior Responsible Sourcing Manager at Soil Association, will address supply chain transparency requirements and environmental compliance. Her session will outline practical frameworks for implementing responsible sourcing systems.

Rebecca Oliver-Mooney, Founder of Raising the Glass, will examine representation within food and drink, exploring commercial implications alongside cultural considerations.

Manufacturing and Technical Development

IFE Manufacturing's Trends & Innovation Platform will focus on production realities, covering ingredients development, sustainable sourcing implementation, reformulation challenges, regulatory compliance and processing technologies.

Louis Bedwell of Future Food Movement will examine healthier product formulation methods that maintain sensory appeal whilst meeting nutritional guidelines. The session will address ingredient functionality and consumer acceptance alongside manufacturing practicality.

Bob Bayman, Managing Director at Elephants Can't Jump, will identify ten growth trends currently affecting product development and market positioning.

Export and Business Development

The Business Growth Stage will run commercially focused sessions, including content developed with the Food & Drink Exporters Association, providing guidance on international market entry and export requirements.

Registration for trade visitors is open at ife.co.uk. Food, Drink & Hospitality Week incorporates IFE Manufacturing, IFE, The Pub Show, HRC, Hospitality Tech360 and International Salon Culinaire.