The digital transformation imperative

Unlocking data & AI: Boosting competitive edge and resilience in the UK's food & drink sector via improved productivity and sustainability.

About this Event

The digital transformation imperative event at AMRC Cymru on 11 March 2026 is a strategic summit designed to help the UK food and drink sector turn intense pressure into a competitive advantage. In an era of thin margins and tightening regulations, digital strategy must move beyond "speed" toward "Safe Velocity"—the ability to innovate rapidly without compromising compliance or safety.

The event centers on achieving "One Version of the Truth." By breaking down data silos, organisations eliminate the "trust tax" caused by conflicting data . This unified foundation enables Data-Driven Food Security: integrating AI and master data across manufacturing to safeguard the UK food system by stabilising prices, reducing resource dependency, and ensuring supply continuity.

Attendees will explore how "Leaner Prototypes" and digital twins reduce R&D risk and optimise resource efficiency. From DEFRA’s national data vision to sustainability leadership, this event provides the roadmap for a resilient, transparent, and productive food system.

Join us to transform your data into a "Trust Dividend" and safeguard UK food security through digital excellence.

Agenda


🕑: 09:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Welcome and registration
Host: Andy Richardson, Chair EFFP and Food and Drink Wales

Info: Networking with food and drink innovators and data leaders.

🕑: 10:00 AM - 10:15 AM
Opening Keynote: The Data dividend

Info: Topic: Turning Better Data into Better Business

🕑: 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
Panel discussion: Breaking down data silos

Info: Theme: One Version of the Truth
- Unify data through standardized governance and master records to ensure a single, trusted strategic reality.

🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM
Tech Showcase: Smart tech for smarter food

Info: Format: Rapid-fire case studies
showing technology real time uses that can be applied to food and drink sector

🕑: 12:15 PM - 01:15 PM
Lunch: Networking lunch

🕑: 01:15 PM - 02:00 PM
Keynote: Lessons from heavily regulated industries

Info: Theme: Digital Strategies Under Pressure - digital strategy is not about speed alone; it is about "Safe Velocity".

🕑: 02:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Panel discussion: How can the F&D sector leverage AI to build learner prototyp

Info: "Leaner prototypes" represent the ability to pivot the national food system at speed, reducing the R&D risk for UK manufacturers.

🕑: 03:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Fireside chat: The competitive leap

Info: Theme: The role of Data & AI in UK food security and supply chain resilience


Data-Driven Food Security AI and data integration in manufacturing safeguard UK food security by stabilising prices, reducing resource dependency, and ensuring supply continuity.

🕑: 04:00 PM - 04:30 PM
Closing remarks: The roadmap forward

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