16/03/2026
Mid March 2026 Newsletter – Women In The Food Industry News & Offers
Women In the Food Industry (WIFI) Newsletter
Our mid March newsletter has news of brand new events for late March and April, recaps of Women In the Food Industry events for International Women’s Day, podcasts we took part in for #IWD2026 and how to join our sessions at free trade shows in March and April.
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.
Women in the Food Industry have teamed up with one of West London’s largest catering colleges – West London College – Hammersmith & Fulham Campus, to provide a healthy and highly affordable lunch. You will enjoy a delicious three course menu prepared by Culinary Arts students working with Anjula Devi, Author of best-selling cookbook 15 Minute Indian and Consultant Chef for Manchester Utd. Anjula will be on hand to introduce the dishes for the lunch.
Kind thanks to our Ingredient Sponsors
Aussie Beef and Lamb
Shrub London
Allen Reeder Ltd
Bold Bean Co
TASTE Restaurant is an award-winning commercial restaurant at Hammersmith & Fulham College. With food cooked and served by the chefs, sommeliers and restaurateurs of the future, you will be welcomed by team of friendly staff and students, as you enjoy an exquisite lunch prepared by Anjula Devi.
AI for Food & Drink Businesses:
Opportunities, Risks and What Comes Next? – 20th April
Artificial Intelligence is already transforming the food and drink industry – from how businesses source ingredients and predict trends to how recipes, marketing and content are created.
One thing is certain: AI isn’t going away.
So how can we use it responsibly, creatively and to our advantage?
Join us at Corner Corner, for an inspiring event exploring how AI can support food and drink businesses while leaving more room for human creativity, innovation and connection.
Hear from leading voices in AI including:
LJ Rich – World-renowned AI musician and TV presenter who has hosted global AI events including the UN’s AI for Good Summit.
Elisa Moyns – Senior commercial leader at Opply helping food and drink brands grow with AI-driven strategy and smarter supply chains.
Pade Ojomo – AI Enablement Consultant and founder of The GPT Club, the UK’s first AI implementation community.
Thomas Akintan – Co-founder of Avalon Insights specialising in practical AI implementation across businesses and organisations.
Hosted by Mex Ibrahim – Co-founder of Women in the Food Industry and award-winning advocate for equality, sustainability and ethical food.
Through fireside chats, workshops, expert panels and practical discussions, we’ll explore real-world uses of AI and the opportunities it presents for the industry.
Recaps of our International Women’s Day Events
On 2nd March 2026 we ran three inspiring panel discussions at the beautiful Mercato Mayfair along with a mini food & drinks fair celebrating female-founded food businesses.
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 were designed to be open, practical and genuinely useful. Each panel ran for two hours, giving space for real conversation, audience questions and shared learning – all aligned with #GiveToGain. Check out our recap!
For International Women’s Day celebrations Women In The Food Industry held a Food Insecurity panel and hackathon dedicated to learning, collaboration, and action on 3rd March 2026 at Corner Corner, Canada Water
Our celebrations for International Women’s Day concluded with an unmissable evening on 11th March designed for women in food, hospitality and creative businesses.
We began with a workshop led by Mex Ibrahim – Why Food Brands That Tell Stories Win (and How to Start Telling Yours)
Followed by a Panel Discussion 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
Soha Darwish – Food Writer & Culinary Consultant
Mex Ibrahim – Women In The Food Industry co-founder
Listen to our podcasts for International Women’s Day
IFE 30th March – 1st April Excel London
Women in the Food Industry are trade supporters of IFE – the ultimate business event for food & drink product discovery, bringing together three inspiring days of innovation, shaking up the sector. The IFE seminar programme includes two panels led by Women in The Food Industry: Mood Busting Nutrition on 30 March & Plant-based Food Transformation on 31 March. supported by Women in the Food Industry, will be shining a spotlight on the work of female industry leaders as businesses from across the trade come together for three days of innovation, inspiration and networking.
We are also delighted to partner with IFE at the event on Day 2 – 31st March for a free Networking Breakfast. Women from across the food and drink community can join us at the Networking Bar at IFE 2026 to kick off the day with meaningful connections and coffee.
Food & Drink Expo 13th – 15th April
NEC Birmingham
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The 2026 UK Food & Drink Shows, supported by Women in the Food Industry, will be shining a spotlight on the work of female industry leaders as businesses from across the trade come together for three days of innovation, inspiration and networking.
Watch this space for details of a special Women in the Food Industry panel on 15th April on Resilience and Pivoting, chaired by Mex Ibrahim, co-founder of Women In The Food Industry. She’ll be in conversation with hospitality professionals Aida Khan of Shola Kitchen, Shadia Al Hili Founder of Cuzena.com and Daksha Parekh / AKA Chef D of My Green Kitchen.
Taking place at the NEC Birmingham from Monday 13 to Wednesday 15 April, The UK Food & Drink Shows comprises four events that each target a sector of the industry: Food & Drink Expo, Farm Shop & Deli Show, National Convenience Show and Forecourt Show.
Free to register, one ticket will give access to all four shows.
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Thanks.
Some of our supporters
