Mar 29
On Site

Nourish: Food and Drink Innovation Conference

29th March, 2023

Register for event here

Join the Food Innovation Cluster on Wednesday 29th March at Barnham Broom for the new annual Nourish: Food and Drink Innovation Conference.

What will you get out of the conference?

  • Inspiration

  • Hear experiences and stories from those that have been where you are now

  • Challenge your thoughts

  • New product development ideas

  • Networking

  • Opportunity to exhibit your brand to buyers and other local food and drink SME's

  • Define and shape your Cluster's future

  • Meet investors

  • Learn how to take on your first employee and create a positive work culture

  • Understand how you can make your products healthier

  • Celebrate food and drink innovation in the East of England

This Conference is a hybrid event, therefore, if you cannot travel down to Norfolk and make it on the day, you would be welcomed to join us virtually and celebrate from the comfort of your office or home.

Agenda

8:30 - 9:00 - Exhibitors Registration

Those with exhibitor stands and tasters to arrive and set up their exhibition stands.

9:00 - 9:30 - Attendee Registration and Coffee

Attendees arrive and are presented with delicious local breakfast foods and quality coffee.

9:30 - 10:00 - Introductions and welcome to the Broadland Food Innovation Project

Hear from the project partners on the goals and current successes of the Broadland Food Innovation Project, including the three sections of the project: innovation support, Cluster and Centre.

10:00 - 10:30 - Entrepreneurship, creativity and sustainability

Founder of PROPER snacks, the maker of internationally recognised brands PROPERcorn and PROPERchips, Cassandra Stavrou MBE, is a hugely successful entrepreneur who sits today on the UK government's food and drink sector council, helping to represent the needs of food start-ups and SME's.

10:30 - 11:00 - Beating the odds and building successful brands

James Averdieck is the man who built and sold the award winning Gü brand that took on entrenched competition and revolutionised the quality of desserts. James has now started The Coconut Collaborative which has also grown very quickly to become the nations favourite Coconut yogurt.

11:00 - 11:30 - Break

Time for some morning networking and to enjoy a mid-morning local snack!

11:30 - 12:00 - From restaurant to fine dining frozen foods

Learn about the history of Farmyard and how during the pandemic they were able to efficiently develop their products to their newest brand, Farmyard Frozen, from Co-Founder Hannah Springham.

12:00 - 12:30 - Sustainability and ethical stances in business

Hear about the story of Paddy & Scott's, their history, mission and what makes them the most ambitious coffee company. Learn how they do good for the planet and for those all around the world from Head of Commercial, Joseph Cordy.

12:30 - 14:00 - Sit-down lunch using local food and drink delicacies and time to view the exhibition

A sit-down lunch will be provided from the wonderful caterers at Barnham Broom, utilising local food and drink produce. There will be time for networking and viewing the exhibition stands from local food and drink manufacturers. The raffle will be drawn during lunch.

14:00 - 14:20 - The supply and value chain for food and drink businesses

Hear from Professor Andrew Fearne, Norwich Business School, in his expert market insights towards the value chain surrounding food and drink.

14:20 - 14:30 - Split into four workshop groups

Time to find your workshop groups ready to take part in the four 30-minute workshops.

14:30 - 17:00 - Workshops

  • Alex Larter, University of East Anglia - Shaping the Cluster and its' membership to suit your needs

  • Fergus Fitzgerald, Adnams - How to innovate and develop your food and drink products

  • Gemma Crane, Mindset HR - How to get your first employee and create a positive work culture

  • Prof. Anne-Marie Minihane, UEA - Healthier food, Healthier Minds: Healthy nutrition and how to make your products healthier

17:00 - End of Main Event

Main conference is completed, all attendees are invited to a drinks reception to enjoy some local delicacies and drinks whilst giving time to network.

17:00 - 19:00 - Drinks Reception sponsored by Woodfordes (Optional)

We are glad to announce that Woodfordes are sponsoring our drinks reception. Use this as an opportunity to get to know other food and drink SMEs and networking with investors and buyers.

FAQs

How many of my colleagues can come along?

We recommend that if you'd like to attend a full day, that only one person per business attends. However, this is a hybrid event and other members are welcome to join us virtually (more information soon for those attendees) and you can also halve the day with a colleague either AM and PM.