Why are millions of jobs going unfilled in one of the UK’s biggest industries, while so many young people are struggling to find work?

In this episode of all about business, James Reed speaks with Saran Bradbury, CEO of the Institute of Grocery Distribution, about the future of the UK food industry, the growing challenge of attracting young talent, and why the sector may offer far more opportunities than people realise.

Saran shares insights from her 25-year career across major retailers, before stepping into one of the most influential leadership roles in the UK food sector. She explains how IGD works across the entire food system and how they help competitors collaborate on the biggest long-term challenges facing the industry.

They explore the pressures reshaping food and retail, including changing consumer habits, climate change, AI, automation, workforce shortages, and the potential impact of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic, on the future of food consumption.

Together they also discuss leadership, collaboration between rival businesses, and why the UK food industry remains one of the country’s most important, and underestimated, economic forces.

Timestamps

02:00 What IGD does

08:43 Retail tech and AI trends

12:27 UK food system challenges

18:36 Land use and solar farms

23:47 Hidden food careers

31:29 Youth unemployment urgency

43:27 Closing reflections and CEO Forum

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Find out more about IGD and their impact HERE

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This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk