While food and beverage companies are experienced innovators, the industry itself is facing considerable consumer, food safety and regulatory challenges. Advances in food and beverage science and technology, both in-sector and beyond, are presenting exciting opportunities but a step-change in innovation is needed if companies are to prosper.

Anyone new to innovation can learn more than a few lessons from the food and beverage industry. The industry knows how to innovate. At its best, it can be nimble, getting products to shelf in a much shorter time than other industries which can be held up by product trials and sector regulation.

- How does concept to market in less than a year sound?

- There is relatively little risk in trying a new flavour or version of a product, deploying the playfulness we associate with Willy Wonka's chocolate factory.

- For retailers selling own-brand products, there is even less risk – they can test the product in store and if sales are poor, then they can simply remove the product from the shelf. What is there to lose?

But the reality is that it’s a tough time to be a food or beverage manufacturer. Competition is high. Retailers have driven down prices. Profit margins are low.

How innovation will shape the food and beverage Industry. Join us to listen our great panel including

Agenda:

6:00-6:30pm: Registration

6:30-7:15pm: Panel

7:15-7:30pm: Mini pitches

7:30-9pm: Networking

Edouard POT - General Manager Puratos Canada

Alain LOCQUENEUX - General Manager Olivieri Foods Limited

Stephane BRUNEL - Plant Manager Mother Parkers Tea & Coffee