Arena Round Table Discussion - April 2026
In Partnership with IGD
28 April 2026
Participants
Nicola Knight
Head of Away from Home, IGD
Rhian Thomas
Director of Shopper Insights, IGD
Dawn Collison
Head of Procurement, Entegra
David Kinder
Head of Buying - Food, Bidfood
Giverney West
Head of Planning, Sysco GB
Charlotte Crawford
Category Lead - Added Value & Dry Store, Foodbuy Group
Paula Merrigan
Procurement Director, SSP
Camille Rich
Head of Procurement Operations, Elior
Charlie Wallis
Corporate Account Director, Brakes
Event Review
As foodservice continues to navigate complexity and change, creating space for open, high quality dialogue has never been more important.
Senior leaders from across foodservice operators and wholesalers came together at Arena’s Savoy Lecture for an IGD round table that delivered frank, engaged and forward looking discussion on the future of supplier partnerships. The session provided a valuable opportunity to step back from day to day pressures and focus on how collaboration, capability and shared understanding can drive stronger outcomes across the supply chain.
A forum built for honest discussion
Participants welcomed the chance to openly share perspectives on the challenges shaping the market today. The round table format enabled constructive debate, practical reflection and a clear sense of alignment around the direction of travel for supplier relationships.
Reframing planning in a changing market
While uncertainty remains a defining backdrop, the discussion was notably solution focused. Conversations explored how businesses are adapting their approaches to planning and forecasting, with an emphasis on flexibility, realism and better conversations rather than rigid models.
What customers value from suppliers
The discussion reinforced that best in class suppliers are those that truly understand the foodservice environment and are prepared to work alongside customers to navigate complexity. There was strong appreciation for suppliers that bring insight, consistency and a partnership mindset to the table.
The evolving role of brands
Brands continue to play an important role, particularly where reassurance and experience matter. The round table highlighted how brands that actively support customers through collaboration, insight and capability building are best placed to remain relevant.
Health and longer term shifts
Long term changes in consumer behaviour, including the influence of GLP 1 medications, were discussed in a pragmatic and forward looking way. Participants shared early observations and explored how suppliers can proactively respond as these trends become more embedded.
Collaboration as a shared priority
Perhaps most importantly, the session reinforced the value of collaboration. Regular dialogue, shared problem solving and a sense of mutual responsibility were widely recognised as critical in building resilience and confidence on both sides of the relationship.
The round table underlined the power of bringing the industry together. By creating space for honest conversation and shared learning, events like this play a vital role in helping suppliers, operators and wholesalers move forward with greater confidence and clarity. For more information on IGD’s Away From Home insight services visit www.igd.com/commercial-insight/away-from-home or email nicola.knight@igd.com.
If you’re interested in hosting or participating in a future round table event, please contact Lorraine.
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