This year’s Organic Trade Conference, to be hosted by the Soil Association on 19 October, will consider the market performance of organic in the context of the cost of living crisis.
As well as addressing prospects for future growth, speakers at the conference will reveal what the latest research indicates about shifting consumer priorities amid rising household bills, and explore the ‘challenges and opportunities associated with emerging sustainability claims’.
Topics to be considered include ‘How can organic maintain its appeal in an increasingly busy sustainability space?’, with perspectives offered by Sabine Bonnot, president of the French Institute for Organic Food and Farming, Fay Cooke, chief impact and financial officer at Yeo Valley Production, and Stefanie Sahmel, head of sustainability at Abel & Cole.
Dave Goulson (pictured), professor of biology at the University of Sussex, will feature in the line-up of speakers, delivering the keynote speech. Delegates will hear from research expert David Preston, founder of The Crow Flies, and receive updates on the latest market figures from Mike Watkins, head of retailer and business insight at NielsenIQ.
Dominic Robinson, Soil Association Certification CEO, comments: “In what is proving to be another challenging year on so many levels we are looking forward to exploring the latest insights and opportunities for the organic market. We will explore how we need to focus on organic’s unique strengths – sustainability, trust, quality and taste – and hear from key influencers in the organic sector.
“As we face climate breakdown, loss of biodiversity and an epidemic of dietary related disease, it’s clear we urgently need our food system to change. The message from consumers is clear too: they want to make food choices with less impact on their environment and on their health. Organic food and drink businesses will continue to play a vital role in driving this change.”
Register for the online broadcast here.
