The Future of Food and Beverage Forum USA

27th - 28th May 2026

Minneapolis, USA

From talk to traction: We keep talking about collaboration, what do we actually need to see this in action?

Plenary
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Global food systems are under pressure. Supply chain inefficiencies, market dynamics, unpredictable weather, and climate shocks are creating costly gaps in the value chain. The FAO estimates that 14% of food is lost between harvest and retail. While commodity price swings of up to 30% in a single season are increasingly common in today’s volatile markets.

Pre-competitive collaboration can offer a way to turn these risks into opportunities. By breaking down silos between brands, farmers, processors, retailers, and investors, companies can stabilize supply and create a more predictable and resilient agricultural market.

This case-study session explores how deeper collaboration across the industry can drive commercial advantage and systemic transformation:

  • How can we utilize data and shared insights to forecast trends, manage risk, and optimize production
  • Building multi-stakeholder partnerships that coordinate investments, sourcing, and innovation
  • How can we translate industry collaboration into measurable ROI- lower procurement costs, improved supply security and better consumer outcomes
Plenary

What to expect from this type of session...

Main stage sessions, but not as you know them. Because we’re off-the-record, leading experts can speak candidly about their experience with what works, and what doesn’t. At least half the session is dedicated to audience insights and questions to ensure we tackle the big issues head on.

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Day 0

Tuesday 26th May 2026

Time
Session title
Session theme
Session type
Day 1

Wednesday 27th May 2026

Time
Session title
Session theme
Session type
8:30am - 8:55am
Plenary
8:55am - 9:25am
Plenary
10:10am - 10:50am
10:50am - 11:40am
Plenary
12:00pm - 1:00pm
1:00pm - 1:50pm
1:50pm - 2:40pm
2:40pm - 3:10pm
4:00pm - 4:45pm
Plenary
5:00pm - 6:00pm
Networking
Day 2

Thursday 28th May 2026

Time
Session title
Session theme
Session type
9:00am - 9:30am
The say-do gap: Are young consumers buying more 'sustainable' ? 
Dole Food Company | The Center for Food Integrity | Fairtrade America
Plenary
9:30am - 10:15am
Unlocking the commercial opportunity in innovation: How to align R&D, agriculture and nutrition 
Post Holdings, Inc. | The J.M. Smucker Co. | Plug and Play Tech Center
Plenary
10:15am - 10:45am
10:45am - 11:35am
Investing in resilience: How blended capital, venture funding and partnerships can work together to scale resilience 
Transformational Investing in Food Systems | ING | Danone | Sand County Foundation | The Rockefeller Foundation
Plenary
11:35am - 12:25pm
Plenary
12:25pm - 1:25pm
12:25pm - 1:05pm
1:05pm - 2:35pm
3:00pm - 3:15pm
Plenary