Investing in Our Plate: Solutions for the Future of Food

14 November 2024 Community

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The programme Make an Impact for Good, founded by EDHEC Alumni, has been bringing key experts and alumni together for the past 2 years to tackle the urgent challenge of climate change, through events, mentoring and bursaries. Now with the support of the French embassy, it’s being expanded to the wider France alumni community.

The event "Investing in Our Plate: Solutions for the Future of Food", held on October 22, 2024, in the prestigious library of the French Institute in London, was a remarkable gathering that brought together industry leaders, investors, and innovators to tackle pressing issues in sustainable food systems.

Check out the recording of the event: https://youtu.be/c1bTEpZ-rrc

Organized by EDHEC Alumni and supported and funded by the French Embassy in the United Kingdom, the conference featured a dynamic panel discussion focused on innovative solutions to global food challenges. Before the panel began, Camelia Ram, Research Affiliate of the EDHEC Chair for Foresight, Innovation and Transformation, presented FIT EDHEC’s scenario “Future of Food 2035”. Then, the panel brought together a diverse group of experts in food, sustainability, and innovation. Katherine Nathan, CEO of RATCHET and host of the Great Taste Podcast, chaired the discussion. Joining her were Antony Yousefian, Partner at The First Thirty Ventures, who specializes in sustainable investments and agri-food tech; Liz Genever, an independent sheep and beef consultant with expertise in regenerative farming practices; Charlotte Ward, Head of Financing & Operations for Unilever's Climate & Nature Fund, bringing over 20 years of experience in impact investment and sustainable growth strategies; and Benoit Jobard, Head Chef at the Company of Cooks, who brought a culinary perspective on sustainable sourcing and large-scale catering.

Topics ranged from food supply chains, soil health, policy changes, regenerative farming to the role of large corporations in driving sustainable change. These discussions illustrated how innovation could significantly enhance the future of food. Afterwards, networking opportunities allowed participants to connect with potential collaborators and investors around a drink.

The event not only facilitated important conversations around critical food-related topics but also put forward ways for Franco-British collaborations to be at the forefront of the agri-food sector, either by cooperating or by exchanging current good practices. The support of the French Embassy in the United Kingdom for this conference is part of the ‘Green Embassy’ plan and reflects our commitment to promoting sustainable development objectives in the food sector.

Looking ahead, initiatives such as Make an impact for good are essential to bring together and to engage the France Alumni UK community around crucial topics. The French Embassy is proud to support this programme. EDHEC Alumni is already cooking the next 2 events for 2025, so stay tuned!

Wish to get involved? Contact [email protected]!