Early February 2026 Newsletter – Women In The Food Industry News & Offers

Join our International Women’s Day 2026 Events  –  Women In the Food Industry (WIFI) Newsletter

Our latest newsletter introduced all of our Women In the Food Industry events for International Women’s Day events leading up to IWD on 8 March 2026. 

The best way to keep up to date with all of our news, opportunities, events, features and podcasts is to subscribe to our fortnightly newsletter.

Celebrating International Women’s Day 2026 at Mercato Mayfair

After a successful event for 2025 we’re back at Mercato Mayfair and as you can see from all the amazing women above, the day is bigger than ever!

To mark International Women’s Day 2026, Women in the Food Industry returns to the beautiful Mercato Mayfair with three inspiring panel discussions and a mini food fair celebrating female-founded food businesses.

If you would like to find out how to join us and sample your products please email mex@womeninthefoodindustry.com for details.

Set in a stunning Grade I listed former church, this full-day event brings together women from across the food world to share ideas, experiences and lessons learned – the good, the challenging and everything in between.

From exploring what the future of food really looks like, to opening up the realities of getting a food book published, through to growing a food business with integrity, these sessions are designed to be open, practical and genuinely useful. Each panel runs for two hours, giving space for real conversation, audience questions and shared learning – all aligned with #GiveToGain.

Women Shaping Solutions for Food Insecurity

Food poverty is not inevitable and together, we can do something about it. Join us at Corner Corner, Canada Water, 3rd March for an empowering gathering of women working together to tackle food insecurity head-on.

Hear from leading voices working to tackle food poverty and transform the food system:

Sarah Bentley – Author & Food Justice Activist
Sareta Puri – Diversity & Outreach Coordinator, Sustain
Georgie Branch – Head of Programmes, School Food Matters
Carly McGoldrick – Head of Partnership & Impact, Food Bank Aid UK
Victoria Williams – Director, Food Matters

They’ll share insights, lived experience, and bold ideas on how the industry can step up and create lasting change.

Food Insecurity Hackathon
Then turn that inspiration into action. Collaborate with fellow attendees in small groups to explore challenges, generate ideas, and propose practical solutions.

Storytelling with Authenticity

Very excited about our first event in Kew – an unmissable evening designed for women in food, hospitality and creative businesses.

Welcome drinks and a grazing table

A workshop with Rupa (Your Creative Vision) – Why Food Brands That Tell Stories Win (and How to Start Telling Yours)

A panel on authentic food storytelling, exploring culture, history, identity and visibility in food with:

Anjula Devi – author of 15 Minute Indian, 290k+ Instagram followers, consultant chef at Man United
Sohini – Smoke & Lime – supper club host telling stories of ingredients and colonial history
Rupa – iPhone Food Photography / Your Creative Vision
Soha Darwish – Food Writer & Culinary Consultant
Mex Ibrahim – Women In The Food Industry co-founder

Closing with a mesmerising Indian dance by Sohini

Women Growing Together in the North West

Join us this International Women’s Day for an inspiring, welcoming and connection-led event bringing together women from across Lancashire and the North West’s food, drink, hospitality, marketing and creative industries. Here’s what’s in store.

Arrival drinks, sampling & networking

Fireside Chat – The Power of Storytelling
The event opens with Meena McDonald and Seema Dalvi, in conversation, exploring Seema’s journey, her background, and how she built her award-winning restaurant. Expect honest insight, real experiences and practical takeaways.

Panel Discussion – Women Growing Businesses in the North West
Moderated by Meena McDonald, this panel brings together inspiring women from across the region to share their journeys, challenges, and lessons learned:

Seema Dalvi, Founder, Dalvee Restaurant
Ann Farrell, Director, The Lancashire Mead Company
Sara Dewhurst, Founder, Lytham Gin
Adele Scott, Marketing Exec, Oato

Artists collaborating with food, farming, sustainability and community

Special presentation by Maddi Nicholson – artist and artistic director of Art Gene in Barrow-in-Furness.

Short grounding breathwork session led by Nicola Iredale of APRANA, helping you feel calm, centred and recharged.

Canapés by Seema & networking

Female-Founded Brand Showcase
Discover, sample and buy from an exciting selection of female-founded brands across food and drink. (Let us know if you’re interested in sampling).

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