STAYING FRESH AND RELEVANT IN THE RESTAURANT SECTOR
With increasing demand amongst consumers for new and high quality experiences in the Out-Of-Home, it is essential for operators and suppliers to be aware of these shifting expectations and to continuously innovate to keep ahead of the curve. The team from NIQ powered by CGA will be taking us through their latest data insights diving into the everchanging economic landscape and the impact this has on businesses and consumers alike, whilst demonstrating the key opportunities and trends for operators to consider in a constantly evolving and exciting market.
THE GREAT FOOTFALL DISCONNECT: WHAT THE DATA REALLY SAYS ABOUT WHERE CUSTOMERS HAVE GONE AND HOW TO WIN THEM BACK
Drawing on Meaningful Vision’s tracking of over 60,000 UK outlets, Maria will reveal why the industry is facing its most concerning traffic picture in two years, and what it means for pub, restaurant, and fast-food operators specifically. Fast-food traffic has swung from 1% growth to a 1.2% decline in Q1 2026, while pub and restaurant traffic has fallen more steeply still, down 8% in the same quarter following a 7% drop in 2025. But the picture is uneven: only chicken shops and ethnic food stores are growing, and regional performance diverges sharply, with London seeing a 6% customer traffic decline while the South West has risen 16%. Maria will present exclusive new data on where consumer visits are actually going, which dayparts and formats are proving resilient, and what the most effective operators are doing differently from promotions strategy to menu architecture, to protect and rebuild their customer base in this environment.
INTERVIEW: JOHN HUTSON, CHIEF EXCECUTIVE, JD WETHERSPOON
Arrive early as JD Wetherspoon Chief Executive John Hutson………..
The challenges and the opportunities for independent retailers
The UK high street faces real pressure yet demand for independent retail is still strong. This keynote reveals how the boldest local businesses are turning challenge into opportunity.
CAN YOU REALLY SAY THAT? MAKING GREEN MARKETING CLAIMS WITH CONFIDENCE
Green claims are under the spotlight — and food and drink businesses need messages that stand up. Join us for a practical Q&A on how to talk about green claims clearly, confidently and credibly. The discussion will draw on Soil Association Certification’s NEW guide, Marketing organic: What you can say, which attendees will be able to access after the session, helping build customer trust, support retailer conversations and make green claims that can be substantiated.