Pret: the next chapter of growth

Pano Christou, chief executive, Pret A Manger

Pret is continuing to evolve its offer in the face of changing consumer demand and economic challenges as it embarks on its next chapter of growth. In this fireside chat, chief executive Pano Christou will share how the brand plans to grow in 2026 – with an eye on expanding into more UK cities and transport hubs, and driving menu innovation and value-led initiatives that will shape the brand’s future.

Leaders’ panel: strategies for success in turbulent times

Panellists:

• Nick Ayerst MD, Gail’s
• Thomas Nørøxe CEO, Joe & The Juice
• Ian Cranna GM Europe, Taco Bell

The food to go sector may be growing ahead of the wider eating out drink market, but business leaders are not immune to the cost of labour, weak consumer demand and increased competition, and must adapt and innovate at pace. In this high-level panel, senior executives from across the sector will share insights, strategies, and perspectives on how they are navigating these challenges while positioning their brands for long-term growth.

Panel: driving growth in a competitive market

Panellists:

• Tony Rowson, property director, Greggs
• Isobel Childs, EMEA growth director and chief of staff, Black Sheep Coffee
• Tom Byng, chief development officer, Popeyes

Stand-out operators are continuing to grow their estates at pace, despite wider challenges in the sector. In this panel we discuss how food-to-go businesses are maintaining ambitious opening targets, flexing their property strategies and formats to meet changing consumer needs and capitalising on opportunities in the market.

Panel: British invasion – the brands pushing international expansion

Panellists:

• Jonathan Recanati, CEO and founder, Farmer J
• Caroline Ottoy, managing director, WatchHouse
• Nick Kleiner, founder, Sandwich Sandwich

With the cost of doing business in the UK on the up, many food to go businesses are exploring opportunities for growth overseas. During this panel session we discuss the merits of international expansion, how operators are preparing for global growth, and strategies for maintaining quality, brand values and culture in a new market.

Tortilla: strong growth, international ambition, strategy in motion

Andy Naylor, CEO, Tortilla

Since setting out a new strategic vision almost two years ago, Tortilla has been addressing every aspect of the business, from tech and teams to its food menu, as it looks to boost the profitability of its UK estate and develop internationally. In this Q&A CEO Andy Naylor shares the progress to date, the challenges it has faced with its French franchise business, and where he sees opportunities for further growth.

Chaiiwala: bringing Indian street food to the masses

Sohail Ali, co-founder, Chaiiwala

UK’s leading Indian street food café Chaiiwala operates from more than 110 stores, recently opening its first drive-thru and motorway service station locations as it looks to grow to 500 sites over the next 10 years. In this Q&A, co-founder Sohail Ali, shares how the business is looking to the global leader in chaii through new franchise partnerships, new formats and a focus on innovation.

Menu innovation panel: refreshing the offering, to win

Panellists:

• Eleanor Warder, co-founder, atis
• Everett Fieldgate, CEO, Creams
• Kateline Porritt, director of insights and innovation, Egg Soldiers

Gone are the days when operators can rely on the same staple menu of sandwiches, salads, drinks and sweet treats – NPD is key to staying ahead and remaining relevant in this fast paced and growing sector. In this panel session we uncover which trends are driving innovation, how cost pressures are impacting menu development, and how brands are using brand collaborations and limited-time offers to drive sales.

Lumina Intelligence: exclusive market and consumer insights and menu trends

Andy Crossan, head of insight, Lumina Intelligence

Andy will exclusively preview Lumina’s brand-new Food to Go Market Report, presenting the latest consumer insights, including how the current economic landscape is impacting food to go spend and purchasing behaviours, and which trends are making waves in the sector.