11:00 - 11:10 CET
Welcome address:
Sarah Pursey, Senior Content Editor, Fi Global Insights
Marcelo Brull, Sustainability Manager, Fi Europe

11:10 – 11:25 CET

Title: Upcycling: A long-term opportunity or a passing trend?
Speaker: Emma Schofield, Associate Director - Global Food Science, Mintel

Synopsis: Upcycling is a term describing the act of valorising food waste and byproducts back into the human food chain. Mintel’s GNPD shows that currently, less than 1% of food, drink and supplement launches feature an upcycled ingredient claim, though innovation with upcycled ingredients is increasing. Recent upcycled ingredients, like cocoa pod fruit and juice, spent grains, and grape pomace from the wine and juice industry, have supported the development of innovative launches. 52% of UK consumers say buying food and drink made with upcycled ingredients is appealing. Though many consumers are in theory keen to adopt sustainable diets, factors like taste and price are obstacles to them doing so. Sustainability attributes often add cost, though only 14% of Japanese consumers say use of upcycled ingredients adds value to alcoholic beverages. The thought of consuming “upcycled waste” may not be appealing, which is a challenge, as taste (alongside price) consistently ranks as the top factor for consumers when buying food and drink.

11:25 – 11:40 CET

Title: Unlocking the potential of upcycled food and ingredients Speaker: Caroline Duivenvoorden, Programme Manager Circular Agrifood, Foodvalley

Synopsis: Discover how the Foodvalley Upcycling Community and the UPcycled4Food Initiative are transforming residual streams into high-quality ingredients and food products—and ensuring these solutions reach the market. Through pre-competitive collaboration, shared tools, and clear standards, the community tackles barriers like safety, consumer acceptance, and adoption. Upcycling offers sustainable alternatives to raw materials under pressure from geopolitics and climate change, while enabling climate-neutral and healthier product reformulation. Join us to explore insights, practical levers for market uptake, and showcases from innovators driving circular innovation.

11:40 – 12:30 CET

Live Q&A with the audience

Got questions? We've got answers! After the presentations, join our interactive Live Q&A to gain deeper insights by connecting with our subject matter experts in real time. This is your chance to get answers to your most pressing questions about the latest sustainability trends, the challenges and opportunities in developing eco-friendly solutions, and the innovations shaping a more sustainable future. Be part of the conversation with fellow industry peers to uncover strategies to stay ahead of the curve.

Speakers:
Emma Schofield, Associate Director - Global Food Science, Mintel Caroline Duivenvoorden, Programme Manager Circular Agrifood, Foodvalley

Moderator:
Sarah Pursey, Senior Content Editor, Fi Global Insights