Irish Food Trade Connect Forum 2026 returns this year as a key date in the calendar for Ireland’s retail, foodservice professionals, bringing together senior decision-makers, buyers and suppliers to explore the future of food in a rapidly evolving market. The forum will once again provide a focused, business-first environment where industry leaders can share insight, deepen relationships and identify new commercial opportunities that supportlong-term growth and resilience across the sector.
The 2026 programme features a high-calibre line-up, including Billy Carr, Aldi Ireland, Deborah Howell, Applegreen, and Ciaran Mollahan, Henderson Foodservice, each bringing frontline experience of trading conditions, consumer behaviour and operational challenges on the island of Ireland. These industry leaders will address themes such as value and differentiation, supply chain agility, sustainability, and the role of strategic partnerships in maintaining competitiveness in a crowded and cost-sensitive marketplace. Returning MC Ruth Scott will anchor the day, ensuring sessions are delivered with pace, clarity and strong audience engagement.
This year’s content is built around two core themes: how innovation works in a digital era, and how the industry can better educate consumers on where and how food is produced. A dedicated panel on innovation in a digital era will examine the practical application of data, AI, digital platforms and supply chain technology in areas such as demand planning, inventory management, category development and customer experience. Panellists will highlight real-world examples of digital tools improving efficiency, margin and responsiveness, with a focus on actionable lessons for Irish operators of all sizes.
A second panel will focus on customer education and transparency, exploring how retailers, brands, manufacturers and food service operators can communicate provenance, sustainability credentials and production standards in a clear and commercially effective way. As consumer interest in origin, welfare, environmental impact and ethical sourcing continues to grow, the discussion will look at best-practice approaches to labelling, storytelling, in-store and online communication, and the role of assurance schemes and standards in building trust.
Irish Food Trade Connect Forum 2026 is supported by a strong group of industry partners, including Shelflife Magazine, GS1 Ireland, Irish Quality Food & Drink Awards, and Women in Food & Drink Awards. Their involvement reflects a shared commitment to innovation, standards, leadership and inclusion across the Irish food and drink ecosystem, and reinforces the forum’s position as a practical, business-focused platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration.
Alongside the main conference sessions, the event will host a targeted exhibition zone showcasing producers, solution providers and service partners working across retail, foodservice, logistics, technology and support services. Exhibition spaces are now limited, and interested companies are encouraged to APPLY TODAY to secure visibility with key trade buyers and decision-makers.
Tickets for Irish Food Trade Connect Forum 2026 are now available HERE with early booking strongly advised due to high demand and limited capacity. The forum offers a full day of industry insight, peer learning and high-value networking for professionals seeking to grow, innovate and build resilient, future-fit food businesses.
