‘Food-To-Go’ on the menu at leading Irish Retailer Summit

Dame Kelly Holmes, Leon, Le Pain Quotidien and KC Peaches amongst global speaker line-up to discuss the growing ‘Food-to-Go’ Market

Nine international retail experts are getting ready to share their knowledge of the burgeoning ‘Food-to-Go’ market with an Irish audience at Ireland’s Convenience Retailer Summit.

It is expected that over 500 of retail’s top innovators will attend what is set to be the largest event in Ireland this year within the dynamic convenience sector.

Sponsored by Nestlé, the Summit will be held at the Clayton Hotel on Burlington Road in Dublin on 18^thSeptember and will explore the growth trends and future direction of the wider ‘Food-to-Go’ market.

Out-of-home consumption accounts for 41 percent of global spend on snacking and non-alcoholic beverages with the overall food-to-go market worth a total €386m in the Republic of Ireland.

With the UK ‘Food-to-Go’ market set to be worth £21.2bn in the next three years and similar exponential growth levels predicted in the Irish market at over 5% in the same period, there has been no better time to understand the scale and scope of the opportunity it presents.

This year’s trade show and conference, titled ‘What’s Next for Food-to-Go?’ will see a strong line-up of global players come together to share valuable insights on how to capitalise on the growth within the sector, which in 2018, saw €458 million spent by Irish consumers across the island of Ireland.

Each speaker will discuss the latest trends, innovations, and new thinking in the market, including the soaring healthy food category and the dramatic growth of gluten free, vegan, and plant based alternatives. Food service is a sector which is responding to – or perhaps helping to drive – this trend; MCA found that spring and summer menus in 2019 have seen a 25% increase in vegetarian flagged items and a 54% increase in those flagged as vegan, compared to the previous year.¹

Speakers include leaders of well-known brands such as healthy fast food specialists, Leon, global bakery and award-winning eatery business, Le Pain Quotidien, and leading US Retailer Sheetz. Whole food café and catering company, KC Peaches and the Casey Retail Group will share their experience of growing a successful retail business in Ireland, and Dame Kelly Holmes will speak on developing mental attitudes for success in business.

Technology expert and director of Conexxus, Gray Taylor, will advise on the latest ‘game changing’ retail technology developments and in particular how digital technology is transforming retail buying habits. Eric Dzwonczyk of AlixPartners will share his global expertise on improving profitability in the restaurant and hospitality sectors. Broadcaster Ivan Yates will host the day’s proceedings, which will culminate in the Ireland’s Forecourt & Convenience Retailer Gala Awards Dinner.

Ireland’s Convenience Retailer Summit, now in its fourth year, has been described as a must-attend event for anyone interested in growing their business and increasing their share of the Irish foodservice industry which is now estimated to be worth €8.2 billion in terms of consumer expenditure and €2.8 billion in terms of operator purchases.²

Over 500 delegates are expected to attend, including managers and decision makers from supermarkets, convenience retailers, forecourts, wholesalers, restaurants, cafes, and delis, as well as other eating out-of-home businesses.

Bill Penton, managing director of event organisers, Penton Exhibitions, commented on the event, saying:

“We are delighted to be announcing this fantastic and motivational line up of speakers for this year’s Ireland’s Convenience Retailer Summit. Our focus has been on bringing together renowned, global experts who will help those attending to navigate the fast-paced change in the increasingly competitive and growing ‘Food-to-Go’ sector.

“This is an exciting and challenging time to be in this space and attendees will be leaving with lots of new ideas and insight. We’ll be exploring how businesses can capitalise on key drivers for growth such as health and convenience, how they can adapt and stay ahead of the curve through adopting the latest technology in retail, and ultimately how they can successfully grow their business. There really is something for everyone operating in the ‘Food-to-Go’ space, bringing together high-quality exhibitors and a world-class group of speakers with valuable learnings to share which will make a real difference to retail businesses’ bottom line.”

Andrew Shaw, country manager, Nestlé Ireland commented: “As the world’s leading nutrition, health and wellness company we are pleased to partner with Ireland’s Convenience Retailer Summit which has demonstrated a strong focus in these areas over the years. “As an organisation Nestlé is committed to developing long-lasting relationships with its customers and we are very much looking forward to connecting with many familiar faces and new connections on September 18. The Summit is a fantastic networking event and presents a great opportunity to learn from and share experience and knowledge with colleagues both in Ireland and further afield.

“Food-to-go is one of the most significant aspects in modern retailing and we are proud to be associated with an event that leads the way for innovation in this category.”

The Summit is supported by leading trade bodies and organisations including CSNA, RGDATA and Retail NI. The Summit and Exhibition will be followed by Ireland’s Forecourt & Convenience Retailer Awards, now in their 16^th year. For bookings please visit https://wjs.ticketbud.com/ireland-s-convenience-retailer-summit-2019