Fast-growing food and drink brands to gather for major industry event this summer

A major food and drink industry event is set to return to the North West this summer, bringing together some of the UK’s fastest-growing challenger brands for an afternoon of insight, networking and practical growth advice.Designed for ambitious founders, marketers and commercial leaders, the event will feature talks, workshops and discussions focused on scaling food and drink businesses sustainably in today’s competitive market. Attendees will hear directly from successful brand founders and industry experts, with sessions covering everything from customer retention and profitability to marketing strategy and direct-to-consumer growth.Yorkshire food and drink businesses looking to connect with like-minded innovators and gain valuable industry insight can now access full event details and ticket information through the member area.On 24th June 2026, the city of Manchester will host FUEL LIVE, a half-day event that promises to be a significant gathering for some of the UK’s fastest-growing food and drink brands. The event will feature founders from notable companies like Spice Kitchen, ManiLife, and The Biskery, who will share their inspiring growth stories and insights into building successful brands in a competitive market.Exciting Line-Up of SpeakersThe line-up for FUEL LIVE includes some of the most exciting names in the food and drink industry. Among the speakers are:Sanjay Aggarwal - Co-founder of Spice KitchenStu Macdonald - Founder of ManiLifeSaskia Roskam - Founder of The BiskeryThese founders will not only share their personal journeys but also engage in workshops focusing on crucial topics such as customer retention, profitability, and email-led growth. This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone involved in the food and drink sector to learn from leaders who have successfully navigated the challenges of building a brand.What to Expect at FUEL LIVEFUEL LIVE is designed for ambitious founders, marketers, and commercial leaders who are looking to scale their businesses sustainably. Hosted by KW Marketing, the event aims to foster honest conversations about the realities of growth in the food and drink industry. Kate Williams, the founder of KW Marketing, emphasised the importance of clarity and strategy, stating, “Food and drink founders don’t need more noise right now. They need clarity, better strategy and honest conversations from people who are actually building brands.”This event is especially relevant for those in the food and drink sector as it addresses the need for practical insights and strategies that can be implemented without the unnecessary fluff often found in business discussions. Williams also noted that FUEL LIVE is an essential platform for founders to discuss crucial aspects such as retail, direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales, margins, and effective marketing strategies.Insights from Industry LeadersOne of the highlights of the event will be Sanjay Aggarwal's session, where he will discuss his journey from Manchester markets to creating an award-winning food brand. He remarked, “Building a food brand today takes more than a great product - it takes consistency, resilience and understanding how to genuinely connect with people.” This insight reflects the changing landscape of the food industry, where connection and authenticity are becoming increasingly important.Hayley Reynolds, the founder and director of RAW Food and Drink PR, which sponsors the event, also shared her excitement about Manchester's growing reputation as a hub for challenger food and drink brands. She stated, “FUEL LIVE brings together some of the sector’s most interesting founders and growth experts. Having been to the three previous events in Exeter, I can strongly recommend this as a must-attend for anyone in the food and drink industry.”Networking OpportunitiesThe event is expected to attract around 50 participants, including founders, marketers, and decision-makers from across the UK food and drink sector. Tickets for FUEL LIVE are priced at £47, which includes networking opportunities, refreshments, and a curated goody bag. This is not just a chance to learn but also to connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for food and drink innovation.How to Get InvolvedFor those interested in attending, tickets can be purchased through the FUEL LIVE Manchester sign-up page on the KW Marketing website. This event is an excellent opportunity for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the food and drink industry while gaining valuable insights from successful founders.FUEL LIVE Manchester promises to be an inspiring and informative event, showcasing the vibrant food and drink scene in the North West. For anyone involved in this dynamic industry, it offers a unique chance to engage with leading figures and gain practical knowledge that can help drive future success.

Fast-growing food and drink brands to gather for major industry event this summer

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