Webinars help food industry navigate the future

The food sector has always been affected by changes in consumer trends and behaviour, and the agricultural industry is no different. From the rise in plant-based diets to a shift to organic produce, the growing demand for crops from ancient grains to unusual legumes brings with it new opportunities.

Discussing the benefits and challenges of growing alternative crops, an upcoming webinar will explore how farmers can reach new markets, drive profitability and grow climate-friendly produce.

Taking place on 17 June, the ‘Novel and Alternative Crops – Improving the Rotation and the Bottom Line’ webinar will be hosted by Agri-TechE, and will look into the potential of the alternative crops market in the UK. On the agenda will be specific crops such as oats, sweet potato, herbs, soya and alternatives for feed and meat substitutes.

It’s one of just many webinars taking place to help those in the food industry navigate the future of their sector, particularly given the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. The discussions offer insight on various topics, from how to prepare to reopen your business, to creating an Instagram strategy for your brand.

Since the onset of lockdown, Bread & Jam, billed as the first food founders festival, has been hosting a series of webinars to help start-up food and drinks businesses develop new skills during the coronavirus.

Catering specifically to retailers and dining outlets in the industry, the Farm Retail Association recently hosted webinars offering expert advice for businesses to thrive as they prepare to reopen. The webinars are still available to watch for free online. Meanwhile, the British Retail Consortium has a schedule of webinars available to help retailers of all levels navigate the next phase of the pandemic as well as other challenges in the sector.

The Montgomery Group, organisers of Speciality & Fine Food Fair and IFE, have also launched a wide-reaching range of webinars to support the communities they serve: The Montgomery Group Series. One such event is the upcoming session entitled The Top 10 COVID-era shifts in Food & Drink Retail, taking place on 4th June.