AHDB to host conference exploring retail trends and consumer views of farming

Alongside our insight partners, we will showcase the changing consumer landscape, picking out key trends that are impacting the wider supply chain in the agricultural sector to help the industry maximise future growth opportunities. The conference will be held on 17 October in Solihull.

Steve Evans, AHDB’s Lead Consumer Insight Manager, said:

“Building on the success of our webinar earlier this year, we’re excited to share our research at this face-to-face conference in October.”

The day will kick off with a consumer trust session, exploring the latest findings from our trust-tracking research, taking an in-depth look at consumers’ views on farming and the public’s attitudes and opinions across key reputational topics. This will be followed by ‘Insight into action’, taking delegates on the journey from initial research, to message testing, right through to a full marketing campaign and a presentation on exploring in-home eating habits.

A rethinking retail session will look at a round-up of key category research around our in-store, online and labelling research, and the day will end by exploring how Gen Z are influencing the retail space, with ‘Shoppers of the future’.

Industry experts from Blue Marble, TwoEarsOneMouth, Kantar, IGD and representatives from the meat processing supply chain will also be presenting, and there will be meat and dairy breakout sessions with opportunities for Q&As.

Steve added:

“The sessions will delve into the reasons behind consumers’ perceptions of British farming and explore how consumers are carefully balancing household finances and changing their in-home eating habits.

“Our conference will not only inform attendees on current consumer food trends and views of the industry, but more importantly explore how this affects future meat and dairy demand and how consumer insight can help shape and unlock marketing opportunities and improve communication with consumers.”