AIC Dinner & Conference 2026: Dates, Venue, Theme, and Key Speakers Confirmed
The AIC Dinner and Conference 2026 promises to be another flagship event for the UK agri-supply industry, taking place on 10 and 11 November 2026 at the Holiday Inn West in Peterborough.
With tickets still available, this year’s theme, “Delivering for the Agri-Food Supply Chain in an Ever-Changing World", will bring together leading voices from politics, industry, trade associations and the wider food and farming sector to explore the opportunities and challenges facing UK agribusiness.
Established as one of the leading events in the agricultural supply industry calendar, the conference will examine the policy, market and business developments shaping the future of UK agribusiness. Discussions will cover food security, international trade, consumer trends, workforce challenges and the changing political landscape across the UK.
The event opens with a black-tie Dinner on 10 November, featuring guest contributions from AIC's charity partner, the Addington Fund, and an after-dinner address from the Rt Hon Alistair Carmichael MP, Chair of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee. The conference programme follows on 11 November and will be chaired by journalist and broadcaster Anna Jones.
Click below to find out more and book tickets.
Speaker Line-Up
Political Leaders Set Out Priorities Across the UK
This year's programme brings together representatives from government, farming, trade associations and industry to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing the agri-supply chain.
The political programme will feature ministerial representatives from all four nations of the UK, including Stephen Morgan MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; Jim Fairlie MSP, Scotland's Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity; Llyr Gruffydd MS, Wales' Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability; and Andrew Muir MLA, Northern Ireland's Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs. Together, they will outline policy priorities and take part in a discussion on the future direction of agriculture across the UK.
Understanding Global Markets and Trade
The morning programme will then turn to the market and economic outlook. Arnaud Petit, Executive Director of the International Grain Council, will provide an international update on the key macroeconomic factors influencing the UK market.
Delegates will also hear from Tom Bradshaw, President of the National Farmers' Union (NFU), who will assess recent challenges facing UK agriculture and consider future opportunities for the sector.
A dedicated session on achieving a pragmatic UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement will bring together Alexander Döring, Secretary General of the European Feed Manufacturers' Federation (FEFAC); Garlich von Essen, Chief Executive of Euroseeds; and Stéphanie Pelet-Serra, Director of Agri Policies at COCERAL. The discussion will explore the practical implications of future UK-EU trading arrangements for agri-supply businesses.
Exploring Consumer Trends and Business Opportunities
The afternoon programme will focus on market commentary and changing consumer behaviour. A panel discussion will examine how appetite-suppressing drugs and wider health trends are reshaping food demand and what this could mean for UK agriculture and food production. Contributors include Vanessa Adamson, Retail and Consumer Insight Manager at AHDB, and Dan Clarke, Health and Sustainable Diets Manager at Institute of Grocery Distribution (IGD).
Delegates will also hear from Dr Paul Redmond, a leading expert on generational change in the workplace, who will explore how intergenerational working is reshaping modern businesses and discuss the wider global and local trends influencing employers across the agri-food supply chain.
Alongside the speaker programme, delegates will be among the first to see the launch of AIC's new Careers Booklet, a resource developed to help raise awareness of the diverse career opportunities available across the agricultural supply chain.
The conference will conclude with a presentation from James Thornton, Director of Warrendale Group Ltd, who will share the story behind producing British Wagyu beef sustainably and discuss the opportunities and challenges involved in bringing premium products to market.
The event is kindly supported by sponsors US Soybean Export Council (USSEC), Kiwa UK, RDP Communications, Eden Search, Sustainable Foods 2027, and UK Agri-Tech Centre. This year's charity partner is the Addington Fund.
Why Attend?
Whether you are looking to gain new insights, network with industry leaders, or stay ahead of emerging trends, the AIC Dinner & Conference 2026 provides a unique platform to enhance your business strategies and operations.
With a top line-up of speakers and critical discussions on the future of the agri-food supply chain, this is an event not to be missed.
Tickets are limited, so early booking is encouraged. Don't miss your chance to be part of the conversation shaping the future of the agri-food sector.
For more information and to book your spot, visit the AIC Dinner & Conference webpages.
