Join us and inspirational speakers such as Guy Singh Watson, visionary founder of Riverford in Birmingham next March for our incredible networking and learning experience.
FRA Conference 2025
Event overview.
Welcome
Evening.
Join us for a lively and informal networking dinner, a great way to catch up with existing contacts and meet new friends in a relaxed setting.
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Farm retail
bus tours.
Join us on a tour of some of the best retailers, going behind the scenes and getting an inside perspective from your peers.
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FARM RETAIL AWARDS GALA DINNER.
Join us to celebrate the best in the business, as the winners of the 2025 Farm Retail Awards are announced. The night will provide a drinks reception, three-course dinner, entertainment and networking.
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Conference and Trade Show.
A full-day conference with a range of informative and inspirational speakers, break out workshops and trade show featuring leading partner organisations.
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Keynote
Speakers.
The Future of Food and Rural Retail in the UK
Panel: George Eustice, Former Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 2020-22, Andrew Goodacre, CEO of British Independent Retailer Association, chaired by Nigel Barden, food and drink broadcaster and champion
Rural retailers and farmers face significant challenges and opportunities in the modern world. This panel will explore the key trends shaping the industry, and discuss how to protect and preserve food culture in the UK. Join us as we delve into the future of food and rural retail explore the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
Guy Singh-Watson
Join Guy Singh-Watson, the visionary founder of Riverford Organic, for an inspiring session on building a successful and ethical farm retail business.
Learn how to cultivate a thriving enterprise that prioritizes integrity, sustainability, and customer satisfaction. Guy will share invaluable insights from his decades of experience, empowering you to grow your business while making a positive impact on the environment and community.
What Can We Learn From Bigger Retailers?
What can farm retailers learn from the larger multiples about running successful food businesses? Join us for a panel discussion with Sainsbury’s and Morrisons, chaired by Michael Lane, editor of Fine Food Digest Magazine. Our experts will discuss customer experience, product range, pricing, digital transformation, and sustainability. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and elevate your farm retail business
Panel: Jen Price, Director of Insight and Customer Services at Morrisons, Rob Hainsworth, Head of Change at Sainsburys, chaired by Michael Lane, Editor of Fine Food Digest Magazine
The Future of Food and Rural Retail in the UK
Panel: George Eustice, Former Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 2020-22, Andrew Goodacre, CEO of British Independent Retailer Association, chaired by Nigel Barden, food and drink broadcaster and champion
Rural retailers and farmers face significant challenges and opportunities in the modern world. This panel will explore the key trends shaping the industry, and discuss how to protect and preserve food culture in the UK. Join us as we delve into the future of food and rural retail explore the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
Guy Singh-Watson
Join Guy Singh-Watson, the visionary founder of Riverford Organic, for an inspiring session on building a successful and ethical farm retail business.
Learn how to cultivate a thriving enterprise that prioritizes integrity, sustainability, and customer satisfaction. Guy will share invaluable insights from his decades of experience, empowering you to grow your business while making a positive impact on the environment and community.
What Can We Learn From Bigger Retailers?
What can farm retailers learn from the larger multiples about running successful food businesses? Join us for a panel discussion with Sainsbury’s and Morrisons, chaired by Michael Lane, editor of Fine Food Digest Magazine. Our experts will discuss customer experience, product range, pricing, digital transformation, and sustainability. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and elevate your farm retail business
Panel: Jen Price, Director of Insight and Customer Services at Morrisons, Rob Hainsworth, Head of Change at Sainsburys, chaired by Michael Lane, Editor of Fine Food Digest Magazine
our
Workshops.
Breadwinning: How to Make Production Kitchen Profits Without Compromising on Quality
Craft Bakers Association | Rumwell Farm Shop
Butchery Panel: Making Ends Meet with End Meats
Charnwood Food Safety | National Craft Butchers
How to Build a Dream Team
Employment Law Solutions
How to Develop a Brand
Chilli
How to Increase Revenue through Events
Farmer Copleys | Over Farm
How to Run a Farmers’ Market
David Isgrove, Moseley Farmers Market | 1x TB
Marketing Workshop
Surge Marketing
Maximising Profits with Retail Flow and Merchandising
Andrew Burton, Pleydell Smithyman | Judy Roberts, Right Product Right Place
Planning a New, or Extending Your Existing, Farm Shop
Chris Primett, Malcolm Scott | Edward Berry, The Flying Fork
Profit Driving Through Tech
The EPOS Bureau
What is a Real Farmers’ Market?
WFMC
bus
tours.
Inspirational Foodie Tour of Birmingham, led by Slow Food Birmingham
Join us on a walking tour (no bus!) to discover the vibrant food scene of Birmingham, a city renowned for its diverse culinary heritage.
Explore bustling markets, artisan food halls, and independent eateries, sampling local delicacies and learning about the latest trends in sustainable food production and retail. Connect with local producers and suppliers, gaining valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the industry today. This tour offers a unique opportunity to network with fellow professionals and gain inspiration for your own business.
Butchery Deep Dive at Essington Farm
An in depth, all day visit to the award winning butchery and deli at Essington Farm. The day includes a welcome and introduction to Essington Farm, its history and why the butchery is such an integral part of the business. This will be followed by a guided tour of
1. The farm shop, butchery and deli,
2. The “butchers barn” where all the meat cutting, maturing and curing takes place
3. A farm tour to see how we rear our free range pigs and cattle and how our production methods are crucial to the success of our butchery department.
Following this there will be a talk / butchery new product demonstration from an industry expert. (sorry haven’t finalised the detail yet. I am thinking of inviting the Dalziel new product development demonstrator to attend) I am happy to take questions following this and am happy to discuss butchery figures, bench marking, operations, meat trends and anything that anyone wants to talk about. The day will include a meat based buffet lunch and will conclude with an informal chat / social.
Bus tour to Battlefield 1403 and Canalside Farm
Embark on a bus tour to visit two exceptional farm shops, Canalside Farm and Battlefield 1403. Discover the unique offerings and innovative approaches of these successful businesses.
At Canalside Farm, explore their extensive range of farm-fresh produce, artisan goods, and delightful café. Learn about their commitment to sustainable farming practices and community engagement.
At Battlefield 1403, immerse yourself in the historic setting as you browse their curated selection of local products and enjoy a delicious meal. This tour provides an opportunity to gain valuable insights into the operations of different farm shops and network with fellow industry professionals.
Inspirational Foodie Tour of Birmingham, led by Slow Food Birmingham
Join us on a walking tour (no bus!) to discover the vibrant food scene of Birmingham, a city renowned for its diverse culinary heritage.
Explore bustling markets, artisan food halls, and independent eateries, sampling local delicacies and learning about the latest trends in sustainable food production and retail. Connect with local producers and suppliers, gaining valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the industry today. This tour offers a unique opportunity to network with fellow professionals and gain inspiration for your own business.
Butchery Deep Dive at Essington Farm
An in depth, all day visit to the award winning butchery and deli at Essington Farm. The day includes a welcome and introduction to Essington Farm, its history and why the butchery is such an integral part of the business. This will be followed by a guided tour of
1. The farm shop, butchery and deli,
2. The “butchers barn” where all the meat cutting, maturing and curing takes place
3. A farm tour to see how we rear our free range pigs and cattle and how our production methods are crucial to the success of our butchery department.
Following this there will be a talk / butchery new product demonstration from an industry expert. (sorry haven’t finalised the detail yet. I am thinking of inviting the Dalziel new product development demonstrator to attend) I am happy to take questions following this and am happy to discuss butchery figures, bench marking, operations, meat trends and anything that anyone wants to talk about. The day will include a meat based buffet lunch and will conclude with an informal chat / social.
Bus tour to Battlefield 1403 and Canalside Farm
Embark on a bus tour to visit two exceptional farm shops, Canalside Farm and Battlefield 1403. Discover the unique offerings and innovative approaches of these successful businesses.
At Canalside Farm, explore their extensive range of farm-fresh produce, artisan goods, and delightful café. Learn about their commitment to sustainable farming practices and community engagement.
At Battlefield 1403, immerse yourself in the historic setting as you browse their curated selection of local products and enjoy a delicious meal. This tour provides an opportunity to gain valuable insights into the operations of different farm shops and network with fellow industry professionals.
Growing
Partnerships.
Discover fresh opportunities at our upcoming trade show, connecting farm shops and markets with top suppliers and expert insights.
Join us and meet our trusted associate members, explore new partnerships, and book exclusive sessions with leaders in the farm retail sector. Elevate your business and stay ahead of the curve with the best in the industry—all in one place.
Field of
Opportunites.
Peaky
Blinders.
TICKETS NOW
ON SALE.
Join us and inspirational speakers such as Guy Singh Watson, visionary founder of Riverford in Birmingham next March for our incredible networking and learning experience.
Location: Eastside Rooms, Birmingham
Dates: 11th—13th March 2025
- Best savingsBundleAll elements of the event
Ticket£533.61+ VAT
- Conference & Trade ExhibitionBecome a member and save£220.22+ VAT
- Farm Retail TourBecome a member and save£211.75+ VAT
- Welcome EveningBecome a member and save£59.29+ VAT
- Awards Gala DinnerBecome a member and save£101.64+ VAT