Event: Emerging Local Food Networks: A Basis for Sustainable Consumption?
Date: Friday, August 30
Location: Ulster University Belfast Campus, 25-51 York Street Belfast BT15 1ED
Over recent years there has been an increasing consumer interest in local and sustainable foods and a growth in ‘alternative’ food networks and marketplaces, such as digital platforms, meal box schemes, farmers’ markets and other forms of purchasing directly from farmers and producers. The benefits to consumers include greater food choice, convenience, and access to quality and healthy produce.
This event, hosted by the Food and Drink Research Centre at Ulster University Business School, will look at how consumers engage with new and emerging networks and markets for local food, and the implications for food consumption and sustainable food practices currently and into the future.
Participants will have the opportunity to hear from a range of speakers in relation to trends in food buying behaviour, research insights into digital food platforms and consumer behaviour, and case examples of recent, successful local food initiatives. The event is aimed any anyone with an interest in local food trends and initiatives including, but not limited to, representatives from public agencies, trade bodies, NGOs and research institutions.
Agenda:
09.30-09.50: Registration and Refreshments
09.50-10.00: Welcome: Professor Barry Quinn, Food and Drink Research Centre, Ulster University Business School
10.00-10.20: The Local Food Sector in Northern Ireland: Michele Shirlow, CEO Food NI
10.20-10.40: Food Consumer Trends and Buying Behaviours: Brian O’Connor, Mintel
10.40-11.00: Consuming Local Food through Digital Platforms – Findings from the ELFC Project: Dr Raj Banerjee (Nottingham Trent University) and Professor Barry Quinn (Ulster University)
11.00-11.20: Coffee Break
11.20-11.40: The Belfast NeighbourFood EastSide Market: Joanne McErlain
11.40-12.15: Panel Discussion and Q&A
12.15-12.25: Closing Remarks: Dr Lynsey Hollywood, Manager, Food and Drink Research Centre, Ulster University Business School
12.25-1.00: Lunch and close
For queries, contact Professor Barry Quinn at b.quinn@ulster.ac.uk
To register: Emerging Local Food Networks: A Basis for Sustainable Consumption? Tickets, Fri, Aug 30, 2024 at 9:30 AM | Eventbrite