Diversity: More Than Just Ticking Boxes – Join our free panel session at Speciality & Fine Food Fair 2024

Speciality & Fine Food Fair, is the UK’s leading showcase of artisanal food and drink. Now in its 25th year the fair is returning from the 10th – 11th of September at Olympia, London. It’s a free industry event, designed as a food festival. Our co-founder, Mex Ibrahim, is delighted to be chairing a session in the Trends Theatre on 10th September called Diversity: More Than Just Ticking Boxes. Read on to find out about the inspiring women in the food industry on the panel and what you will take away from both the panel and the event.

DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) are the three letters on everyone’s lips right now as companies strive to welcome all employees, regardless of gender, sexuality, age, race, or physical abilities. However, with few minority groups (or majority groups in the case of women) in the boardroom, are DEI policies truly effective? In food product advertising, do we see genuine representation or audiences that are “woke” at one extreme or “inauthentic” at another?

We’ve brought together an expert panel of inspirational women in the food industry to share practical steps for creating a more diverse and profitable food business.

Who’s on our panel:

Priya Narain – Purpose and Impact Manager KERB

Priya is the Purpose and Impact Manager at KERB, where she leads DEI, Sustainability, and team committees, contributing to a more positive and inclusive workplace and company culture. Beyond this role, Priya is the co-founder of Event First Steps, an initiative dedicated to guiding newcomers to the events and hospitality industries to carve out their career paths. Priya’s multifaceted approach involves not only managing key aspects at KERB but also actively shaping the future of the industry through her impactful work with Event First Steps. With a vision for a more inclusive and sustainable professional landscape, Priya stands as a driving force for positive transformation, with her passion for making a difference evident in her commitment to fostering positive change..

Alla Ouvarova – Co-founder & CEO, Two Chicks

Alla Ouvarova is the co-founder and CEO of the multi award winning Two Chicks company. Together with her business partner Anna, they were the first to launch liquid egg products into the European retail markets, that had previously only been available in the US. They now have a line of products and are stocked in almost every supermarket chain in the UK, as well as having listings in France, Belgium, the Netherlands and the UAE.

Alla is passionate about female empowerment and has set up the Future Female Entrepreneur (FFE) initiative to inspire and empower the next generation of female entrepreneurs, and to help ensure that more businesses are created and led by women. FFE provides mentoring opportunities as well as monthly educational and networking events, delivered through strategic partnership with UK’s leading firms such as NatWest, Farrer & Co and Cavendish. An avid sportswoman, Alla grew up playing tennis, golf and skiing. She recently competed in the World Championships of the highly prestigious Hyrox fitness competition.

Elizabeth Solaru – Founder, Diversity in Luxury

Elizabeth Solaru is the multi award-winning founder of Elizabeth’s Cake Emporium. Recognized as one of the best wedding cake companies in the world, her company creates the most opulent and beautifully handcrafted cakes. A pioneer in the wedding industry, her creations have been featured in numerous national and international blogs and publications, including Vogue, Tatler,  The Times, WedLuxe, Brides, Martha Stewart, The Telegraph, and HELLO.

Elizabeth Solaru’s influence extends beyond cake artistry. She is the CEO and Founder of Diversity in Luxury Awards, celebrating excellence and diversity within the luxury sector. As a business consultant, she advises luxury brands on how to innovate and thrive in a competitive market, known for her dynamic approach to business and her focus on creating authentic connections.

Elizabeth is an international keynote speaker and competition judge who travels the globe, and she presents on a number of topics, ranging from her own inspirational creative journey from microbiologist and headhunter to luxury cake maker, to encouraging diversity in the luxury industry.

Alana Buchanan – Programme Director, Saira Hospitality

Alana Buchanan, a seasoned hospitality professional with 14 years of expertise, is dedicated to creating positive change. In her impactful role at Saira Hospitality, Alana focuses on uplifting marginalised communities in London through innovative training programs. Alana has empowered individuals, providing them with the skills and confidence to thrive in the competitive hospitality landscape.

Her work transcends traditional boundaries, focusing on creating meaningful opportunities for those often overlooked. Alana’s journey is a testament to her commitment to excellence and making a meaningful impact, establishing her as an ambassador for diversity who combines industry proficiency with a passion for community empowerment.

Mex Ibrahim, Co-Founder of Women in the Food Industry

Mex Ibrahim was formerly Head of Marketing and Social Media at Great British Chefs – the UK’s fastest growing food website. After almost eight years in that role, Mex co-founded Women In The Food Industry – a Community Interest Company for conversation, insight, stories, resources & community support as women in food face obstacles of inequality & inclusion.

Mex is also MD of her own freelance social media, marketing and content creation agency, a trustee of School Food Matters, a member of the Guild of Food Writers and an Associate member of the Royal Society of Public Health. Her expertise includes sustainability, food entrepreneurs, equality within the food industry and ethical eating.

Our panel takes place on  Tuesday 10 September from 14:15 – 15:00 at the Talking Trends Theatre at the Speciality & Fine Food Fair 2024.

You can register for free for both the fair and the panel here.

About the Speciality & Fine Food Fair 2024

Over the last 25 years Speciality & Fine Food Fair has built up a rich heritage and has become the home of fine food & drink discovery for buyers from across the retail, hospitality, foodservice, manufacturing, import & export, and wholesale sectors. Women in the Food Industry are proud to be one of the Fair’s industry partners in this anniversary year.

Whether you’re looking for product inspiration for your business, or you’d like to learn the latest trends and insights from top industry experts, then we’re confident you’ll uncover the ideas you’re searching for at the Fair.

Taking place annually at Olympia London, the Fair is a hub of inspiration for the artisan food & drink world and is a fantastic opportunity to hear and learn from top retail specialists, industry disruptors and entrepreneurs. Condense a year’s worth of product sourcing into an inspiring journey of discovery.