We grow great food in our region and this is an exciting time for food production.  The world is changing fast and the opportunities for food producers are enormous.  Come along -  hear from world-class thought-leaders about the future of food, and draw on inspiration about what the future of our food-producing region might be.  If you’re involved in food production or processing you won’t want to miss this.  Our superb line-up of speakers includes:

Julia Jones (NZX) is passionate about inspiring a new generation of food producers, she believes this will ensure long term economic relevance for our rural communities.   Her 6 years with KPMG fuelled her understanding global trends and their impact on NZ, and this led to her new role as the Head of Analytics with NZX.  Julia lives in the Waikato and feels extremely privileged be part of such a supportive rural community.  Julia is a member of the primary sector council that is tasked with creating a vision for the NZ Food and Fibre sector.

Matt Crawford (Zespri) returned to New Zealand in January 2019 to take up the newly created role of Operating Model Lead. This role is responsible for structuring and delivering the series of “Must Win” initiatives for the organization, ensuring that Zespri is positioned to capitalize on significant growth opportunities into the future.  Prior to taking up this new role, Matt spent two years with Zespri in the United States as the Business Strategy Manger – looking at how best to develop Zespri’s operational and distribution model to enable rapid, sustainable growth, and before that, three years in China as Head of Corporate Relations. 

Michael Mayell, the ecstatic entrepreneur from Christchurch loves a challenge. The journey begins as Founder of Cookie Time to One Square Meal to Nutrient Rescue and Now Drinkable Rivers, and then the latest and most challenging venture yet Astonishing Cannabis. This journey places Michael well to deliver his insights into the future of food and our role as producers within it.

Dr Abby Thompson is Chief Executive of FoodHQ, a world-class food science and innovation hub with a mission to grow New Zealand’s food and beverage innovation by connecting the science and business of food. Headquartered in Manawatū, FoodHQ aims to work across the country to support the food industry in the development and export of high-value food products from science-based innovation.

Katy Bluett is Group Manager – Food and Beverage, at Callaghan Innovation.  The team at Callaghan Innovation help businesses succeed through technology, with the big vision of helping build a prosperous future where our kids and grandkids can enjoy endless opportunity.  Katy is responsible for leading a Food & Beverage sector strategy plan and a team of Business Innovation Advisors and Customer Managers who work with companies across New Zealand to deliver valuable innovation outcomes.

Inspiring local food producers! Come along and get inspired about the future of food production in our region. World class speakers in our wonderful part of the world.