UK food system leaders discuss security and resilience at IGD conference

More than 460 participants, including government ministers and industry leaders, attended the IGD ‘Future of the UK Food System 2026’ conference on 21 October. The event focused on the interconnected challenges of growth, health, sustainability, and investment within the food sector.

Simon Roberts CBE, chief executive of Sainsbury’s and president of IGD, emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between industry and government, linking food security directly to national security. Keynote speaker Dame Angela Eagle DBE MP, secretary of state for environment, food and rural affairs, called for a shift from ambition to implementation, highlighting the importance of local action, school meals, and sustained investment in resilience.

Discussions covered various critical areas, including the impact of GLP-1 medicines on consumer needs, workforce recruitment through initiatives like Feeding Britain’s Future, and the necessity of creating stable conditions for business investment.