Heather Mills was invited by Food and Drink Business Europe to speak at Ricoh Arena, Coventry on 7th November 2017.
The event was not only attended by food and drink professionals from across Europe, but over 2,000 key decisions makers from the UK’s leading food processing, rentals and food service industries participated.
There were a range of seminars and panel discussions highlighting the key issues facing the industry.
Fifteen individual conferences dedicated to food, beverage and the manufacturing service were held, with over 250 speakers covering topics of interest currently facing the sector.
The event was a collection of a wide number of individual events with their own individual focus. By gathering delegates and advocates in one room, the Food and Drink Business Expo created a perfect environment for cooperation and networking.
Heather was invited and chose to speak about the current manufacturing market, plant based foods and the challenges facing the marine eco system.
In her speech Heather discussed the importance of business manufacturing and delivering consumer advantage through nutrition, taste and function when promoting her Award winning 20 yr old Plant Based food company VBites.
Highlighting the fact that a vegan diet ultimately saved her life over two decades ago, when she explained in 1993. On Lorraine Kellys GMTV, the nutritional benefits and results are only now being brought to light in the media.
After experiencing such a traumatic event first hand, Heather is now able to provide the drive and motivation to adapt a lifestyle that will benefit not only health, but the planet and long term eco-system as well.
Heather discussed the benefits of being plant-based, the effects that it has on the marine eco-system, and the fact that you can now take oil from algae and develop vitamins and oil capsules that will change the way we treat our planet. Ultimately this research and the findings will save fish, marine life and the eco-system that is slowly being wiped out by us humans. There isn't just a focus on marine life, Heather also discusses the other animals that are suffering every day - she spoke about the importance of saving as many sentient beings as possible. For example within the fashion industry, many companies are changing their views on using real fur for their products - it is a small step in the right direction that others need to then follow.
As well as this, and a key focus on heath and nutritional benefits, she went on to encourage people to shop locally and to buy British products which will ultimately help the food and drink industry going forward.
Chris Sturman, Chief Executive of the Food Storage and Distribution Federation spoke on the main stage about the challenges we may face in the future.
He said:
“Europe has complex supply chains and at the moment there is no clear plan from the Government. Shippers will need time to adjust to a new reality. For every hour of delay at customs, there is a £15,000 cost to road haulage and that is not sustainable. Shopping locally and supporting independent British businesses will be what drives the countries Food and Drink industry in 2018 and the future.”
The show itself covered top trends across the food manufacturing, retail and foodservice sectors, from improving traceability and consumer trust, transforming productivity, to highlighting the latest new ingredients and super foods currently making an impression on the industry.
For further information, click here: http://www.fooddrinkevent.co.uk
