‘Future proofing business to thrive’ is the theme of the 57th EPIC.
Following the success of 2023’s Egg & Poultry Industry Conference (EPIC), the industry is gearing up to attend the 57th conference, which once more will be held at the famous Celtic Manor hotel resort, over the 10 and 11 of November 2024.
The theme for 2024 is ‘future-proofing business to thrive’ and the line-up of speakers includes leaders from UK and international poultry businesses.
The event kicks off on Sunday 10 November with an evening drinks reception, followed by a carvery introduced by Martin Troop, British Poultry Council chairman.
On Monday morning the conference opens at 9 with a welcome from Jerry Glover, chairman of the EPIC organising committee, and an introduction from Patrick Hook of PD Hook.
The first speaker of the day is Tom Bradshaw, president of the NFU. A speaker from the Government has been invited to speak in the second slot of the day, and there will be a short Q and A session after both these papers.
After a coffee break, Trevor Williams will speak in the 10:45 – 11:15 slot. Williams served as chief economist at Lloyds Bank for over a decade. Now an author, academic and consultant, he analyses the key trends and policies that shape the economy and markets. From energy and climate to how companies use their data to understand the wider economy, he brings clarity and relevance to an often complex and abstract field.
Ruth Edge, head of sustainability, KFC UK & Ireland, will speak next. She is the newly appointed head of sustainability at KFC, bringing with her over 15 years of extensive experience in the food and agricultural industry. Ruth has held influential roles at leading organisations such as Tesco, ABP, and the NFU, where she has honed her expertise in driving sustainable change and reducing the impact of supply chains.
Hilde Talseth, chief executive of Norsk Kylling, is next on the bill. Norsk Kylling is a leading broiler chicken producer in Norway, and the first producer in the world to implement the ECC standard for animal welfare throughout the whole value chain.
Talseth has had a key role leading the sustainable transition in Norsk Kylling.
Dr James Bentley, global technical director, Hubbard, will also speak during the morning session. Bentley has visiting poultry in over 40 countries, and was appointed to the role of Hubbard global technical director in 2020.
After lunch is the ‘young guns’ session, which kicks off at 2.30pm. Speakers include broiler grower Tom Wareham, Dr Bushra Schuitemaker, a PhD candidate focused on poultry health & welfare, and free range egg producer Ivory Arden.
At 4pm Awal Fuseini, PhD, will take to the stage. Fuseini is senior halal manager for the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB). He looks after the domestic halal market and key halal export markets; his role also involves delivering inward and outward trade missions as well as trade shows.
Judith Batchelar OBE will speak at 4.30. Batchelar is chair, non executive director, trustee and advisor, at Food Matters International. She has worked in the food and drink industry for over 30 years and is a biochemist and registered nutritionist.
She has a particular interest and expertise in building resilient and sustainable farming and food systems. Prior to setting up Food Matters International, Batchelar was director of Sainsbury’s brand.
In the evening a drinks reception will be held before the banquet and awards, hosted by Martin Troop, chairman of the British Poultry Council. This year’s after dinner speaker is Steve Richards, a BBC presenter, columnist, author, podcast presenter and host of live shows on British politics. He currently presents Radio 4’s Week in Westminster and writes columns for the FT, Guardian and Sunday Times.