Food, Drink & Hospitality Week, taking place on 17-19 March 2025 at Excel London, is delighted to announce the appointment of distinguished industry leaders as official ambassadors for IFE Manufacturing, IFE, The Pub Show and HRC.  

These influential figures, representing various sectors within food, drink, and hospitality, will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the UK’s largest gathering for the industry. 

Their expertise will ensure that Food, Drink & Hospitality Week delivers invaluable insights and innovation for the communities it serves.  

“We are thrilled to have such an esteemed group of ambassadors on board for Food, Drink & Hospitality Week 2025,” comments Food, Drink & Hospitality Week Portfolio Director Philippa Christer. “Their expertise and commitment to their sectors will be crucial in making the event a success, and we look forward to their contributions in driving the conversation forward on the future of food, drink, and hospitality.” 

The ambassadors for Food, Drink & Hospitality Week 2025 are:  

IFE 

• Andy Richardson, Chair, Food & Drink Council  

• Stefano Cuomo, CEO, Macknade Fine Foods  

• James Bielby, CEO, Federation of Wholesale Distributors 

• Freya O’Mara, Trading Manager – Pantry and Speciality Foods, Ocado Retail 

• Karen Green, Consultant, Food Industry Expert  

IFE Manufacturing  

• Kerri Fidler, Head of Portfolio Food for Later, Greencore  

• Mex Ibrahim, Co-Founder, Women in Food Industry  

• Richard Werran, Global Director Retail, Consumer & Food, BSI  

• Ton Knipscheer, Executive Director, European Co-Packers Association  

HRC 

• Kris Hall, Founder, The Burnt Chef Project  

• Robert Richardson, CEO, Institute of Hospitality  

• Kirstin Hatherley-Bramwell, Chair, ceda  

• Katie Deem, Director, 4C Associates  

• Julian George, Founder, Future Plate 

• Stanislava Blagoeva, Co-Founder, European Pizza & Pasta Show  

• Radford Chancellor - Principal Consultant of Macintosh Foodservice Consultants and Podcast Host of Kitchen Curiosity

The Pub Show  

• Steve Alton, CEO, British Institute of Innkeeping  

• Emma McClarkin OBE, CEO, British Beer and Pub Association  

Werran comments: “It’s a privilege to represent such a dynamic industry that not only showcases the best in food ingredients, manufacturing, and product innovation but also leads the way in emerging trends like sustainability, plant-based solutions, advanced automation and AI. I look forward to engaging with fellow professionals to drive growth and development in line with these exciting trends shaping the future of our sector.” 

The industry leaders will contribute to shaping the content of their respective shows, speaking at key sessions, and engaging with professionals across the sector to address emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities.  

Each ambassador brings their unique perspective, grounded in years of leadership and hands-on experience, ensuring Food, Drink & Hospitality Week 2025 will reflect the latest developments and innovations across food, drink, and hospitality.  

Food, Drink & Hospitality Week will take place from 17-19 March 2025 at Excel London. The UK’s biggest celebration of industry innovation, Food, Drink & Hospitality Week unites IFE Manufacturing, IFE, The Pub Show, HRC and International Salon Culinaire, find out more at fooddrinkandhospitalityweek.co.uk.