About this Event
NO REFUNDS
SPILL THE BEANS VOL4
Spill the Beans, the UK’s No1, event for Black/ethnic minority FMCG producers to get their products in front of supermarket buyers.
HOST
Indie Gordon, Host, Early stage angel investor & international motivational speaker
Indie Love Gordon is a multi-award-winning entrepreneur, government consultant, UN delegate, global speaker, and angel investor. As the founder of several brands, including the safety app Halo launching in 2024, she is dedicated to empowering women, students, and solitary workers while fostering innovation for rising stars in business.
SPEAKERS
MIKE WILLIAMS { Co-founder of Flake Bake LTD}
helped grow London’s largest producer of handmade Jamaican patties. After studying at Warwick University, he and his father established their Peckham bakery, supplying 20,000 patties weekly. Flake Bake won Aldi’s Next Big Thing 2024, selling 100,000 patties in 10 days.
Mike Williams, Co-founder of Flake Bake LTD, helped grow London’s largest producer of handmade Jamaican patties. After studying at Warwick University, he and his father established their Peckham bakery, supplying 20,000 patties weekly. Flake Bake won Aldi’s Next Big Thing 2024, selling 100,000 patties in 10 days.
CHARMAINE TROTMAN Ocado, Free From buyer}
Charmaine Trotman works for Ocado on the free from department. Over ten years buying experience with clothing, beauty and food. One of a few buying managers within the food industry from a minority background; a keen advocate for minority brands getting their foot in the door within retailers.
CLAIRE ROPER {founder, LaunchPad}
Claire is a seasoned food marketer with 20+ years in the industry, from ready meals to leading Glorious Soup and Quorn. She excels in preparing brands for retail and foodservice, crafting pitch decks, marketing plans, and exploring non-traditional routes to market. Food is her passion and storytelling.
PATRICK WRIGHT {Director, Conbella}
With 35+ years in brand design, packaging, marketing, and retail for food, beverage, and hospitality, Patrick helped build brands for giants like Sainsbury’s and M&S. Starting in Soho’s creative scene, mentored by Clive McBain, learning to stay humble and strive for perfection.
RESHMA SHEIKH { Managing Director of MSDUK}
Managing Director of MSDUK}, champions supplier diversity and supports ethnic minority businesses in accessing corporate supply chains. A former corporate lawyer, she’s an award-winning business leader recognized among the 'Top 100 Asian Stars in UK Tech,’ advocating for diversity and inclusion globally.
Reshma Sheikh, Managing Director of MSDUK, champions supplier diversity and supports ethnic minority businesses in accessing corporate supply chains. A former corporate lawyer, she’s an award-winning business leader recognized among the 'Top 100 Asian Stars in UK Tech,’ advocating for diversity and inclusion globally.
NISHA RAMISETTY {co-founder of Naksha}
Nisha is an entrepreneur and co-founder of Naksha}an award-winning recipe kit brand that helps people cook adventurous and diverse food at home through chef-designed recipes, storytelling and carefully crafted ingredients with minimal waste. The range retails at Whole Foods, Harrods, Selfridges, Waitrose UAE, Spinneys UAE, Harvey Nichols, John Lewis, Zapp and many wonderful independent stores
ADRIAN BOSWELL {Selfridges, Buyer}
Adrian Boswell, a seasoned retail professional with 20+ years in premium food and hospitality, has driven success at a world-renowned department store. From fishmonger to Senior Buyer, his leadership and strategic vision have elevated his categories, integrating data-driven insights and fostering excellence in the luxury retail sector.
MANON GALIZZI {founder, Epicsi}
Manon, founder of EPICSI, 10+ years in the industry. She has enhanced product ranges at Pladis Global and supported UK product launches. EPICSI specializes in F&B product development, offering consultancy, flavour expertise, and start-up support.
STEFANO CUOMO,CEO,MACKNADE
Stefano Cuomo is the 6th generation of his family business at Macknade. For 13 years, he has been leading this award-winning food & drink brand, taking it from a partnership to a limited company back in 2014.
Stefano's family once farmed the land upon which Macknade’s Faversham Food Hall now stands. He spent his childhood surrounded by hops, fruit, and livestock, enjoying everything the Garden of England has to offer.
Today, Stefano leads the business, inspiring a team of over 80 people to deliver emotive spaces and experiences for everyone to enjoy. His ultimate focus is on identifying opportunities for Macknade to grow and touch a wider portion of society, with social and environmental harmony at its core.
PITCH N CHILL
Need to secure a supermarket listing?
Not sure what to do?
Apply to be one of five producers chosen to pitch live on stage to a panel of retailers at Spill the Beans.
Whether you're new to the market or already trading, shoot your shot!
On our pitching panel:
Adrian Boswell: A seasoned retail professional with over two decades in the premium food and hospitality sector. Starting as a fishmonger, Adrian rose to become a Senior Buyer at a renowned department store. Known for his forward-thinking mindset, he blends data-driven insights with tradition, positioning himself as a driving force in luxury retail.
Stefano Cuomo: The 6th generation leader of Macknade, an award-winning food & drink brand. With over 13 years at the helm, Stefano has transformed the business, inspiring a team of 80+ to deliver unique experiences. He focuses on growth opportunities with social and environmental harmony at Macknade's core.
Co-op: Part of the Apiary programme, seeking purpose-led brands such as cooperatives, social enterprises, and those with strong social missions.
NO REFUNDS
**You must have a ticket + ticket to pitch at Spill the Beans!!**
Click here to apply to pitch
Applications close at 23:59 PM on 11th December 2024.
WHAT TO EXPECT?
⏰2+ hours of innovative, industry content full of gems
🎤 Live pitching to panel of buyers i.e. Co-op, Selfridges, Macknade & Ocado
🧑🏿💼Get your products in front of supermarket buyers
📚Hear inspiring and motivational stories from our panel
🤝Meet industry experts and networking with exciting new brands
🔗Unmissable connections
🙏🏽Event offers support + access for underserved entrepreneurs
📈Discuss supply chain management, sourcing ingredients, and other practical aspects of running a food business.
What's Popping?
Product review : Experts will be providing invaluable product feedback at the event, including insights from top buyers, food service consultants, packaging specialists, and copywriters. Producers will have the unique opportunity to receive professional evaluations on their product’s quality, packaging, and market positioning, offering direct guidance on how to refine their offerings and better meet industry demands.
Book your space.
Live pitching: Live pitching and present your product directly to supermarket buyers, with the opportunity to secure a spot on their shelves. This is your chance to showcase your brand.
Click here to apply to pitch
Retail Talks: Retail Talks panel will feature a TED Talk-esque talk from industry expert sharing valuable insights and actionable strategies on breaking into the retail market.
This will cover key trends, buyer expectations, and practical advice for producers looking to secure retail listings.
Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the retail landscape and leave with the knowledge needed to enhance their approach to supermarket buyers.
YOU MUST APPLY, HAVE EVENT TICKET & TICKET TO PITCH AT SPILL THE BEANS!
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
• Black & ethnic minority foodie founders of new food and drink brands interested in hearing from inspirational foodie startups
• Early-stage foodie entrepreneurs, looking to understand opportunities within the food and drink industry
• Team members of fast growing foodie brands looking to improve and gain industry knowledge
• Industry experts keen to give back to the industry, inspire and educate the next generation of black & ethnic minority entrepreneurs
• Scaling food and drink brands looking to network and secure their next BIG supermarket stockist
INTERESTED IN GETTING YOUR PRODUCT ON OUR PRODUCERS PANTRY?
Email us: [email protected]
** ALL TICKET INCLUDES**
- Refreshments
- Goodie bag of delicious treats
🎉GOODIE BAG TREATS- SPONSORS
YOU MUST APPLY, HAVE EVENT TICKET & TICKET TO PITCH AT SPILL THE BEANS!
NO REFUNDS
___________________________________________________________________
**TICKET PRICE INCLUDES EVENTBRITE BOOKING FEE**
Are you an industry whizz, how can I exhibit or sponsor?
If you're an industry whizz or service provider that loves working with up and coming foodie brands. We would LOVE to hear from you. Let us know: [email protected]. We will be happy to assist you through our sponsorship opportunities for Spill the beans and how you can get involved.
ABOUT FOOD SAUCE MEDIA
Food Sauce Media, formerly The Food Sauce, is a fast-growing online platform that uses social media to showcase great products and support independent brands and start-ups.
WHO IS THE FOUNDER?
Spill the beans (Food Sauce Media) is founded by Colin Mordi an enthusiastic marketer for foodie brands LOVES networking.
Annoyed by the lack of diversity and inclusion within the foodie industry decided to start a foodie networking event ‘Spill the beans.’
Don't miss out on the opportunity to network with like-minded foodie entrepreneurs.
#SPILLTHEBEANS
For more details about the event
👉 Website
☎️ or Whatsapp for further details 07716202076
PITCHING APPLICATIONS OPEN
** ALL TICKETS INCLUDES**
- Refreshments
- Goodie bag of delicious treats
**TICKET PRICE INCLUDES EVENTBRITE BOOKING FEE**
YOU MUST APPLY, HAVE EVENT TICKET & TICKET TO PITCH AT SPILL THE BEANS!
*Line-up may change due to circumstances beyond organisers control
NO REFUNDS
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Goldsmiths, University of London, 8 Lewisham Way, London, United Kingdom
GBP 22.37 to GBP 216.30
