SPILL THE BEANS VOL5

Please note: Selection to pitch does not guarantee that your brand's products will be contracted by retailers or that investment will be secured. It is the responsibility of the brand owner to present all relevant and accurate information regarding the product and business during the pitch. Should an investor make an offer, due diligence will be conducted post-event to ensure that the details provided during the pitch align with the actual business and product offering. If discrepancies are found, the investor reserves the right to withdraw from any potential agreement or investment in your brand or business.

NO REFUNDS

SPILL THE BEANS VOL5

Spill the Beans, the UK’s No1, event for Black/ethnic minority FMCG producers to get their products in front of supermarket buyers.

SPEAKERS

PAULINE COX (SOW & ARROW)

Pauline Cox MSc is a Functional Nutritionist, columnist, best-selling and award winning

author and co-founder of low-carb and supplement specialists, Sow & Arrow.

With a passion for integrating ancient wisdom with modern medicine, Pauline has extensive

knowledge in human science and alternative medicine. Having studied for her first Bachelor of Science in Anatomical Science at University of Bristol, Pauline went on to study

Physiotherapy at University of West of England.

Following a career in Physiotherapy, specialising in musculoskeletal pain and women’s health, Pauline went on to study for a Masters at University of Bristol in Nutrition, Physical Activity and Public Health.

Having studied for a Masters level in Integrative Medicine, Pauline is now a Fellow of the

Nation Centre for Integrative Medicine.

As a speaker, author and passionate advocate for integrative medicine, Pauline enjoys

translating complex science into easy to understand, practical information that empowers

individuals to take their health into their own hands.

“My belief is we have the potential to adapt to our ever-changing environment, in order to

thrive in our modern lifestyles by adopting strategic, nutritional and lifestyle habits by

tapping into the wealth of emerging information in this field.”

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 {Senior Lead Consultant for SME's, Lumina}

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.

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.

Rosie Collins, {MACKNADE}

Macknade is a renowned food and drink destination that brings communities together through a shared love of quality produce and exceptional dining experiences. With a rich heritage dating back over 170 years, Macknade has evolved into a thriving hub for food enthusiasts, offering a carefully curated selection of artisanal products, fresh local ingredients, and expertly crafted meals. Their farm shop and dining spaces celebrate the best of Kent’s agricultural landscape while fostering connections between producers and consumers.

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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:

Macknade:

Callum Melrose, Fundraising Manager, Crowdcube: As a senior member of the fundraising team at Crowdcube, Europe’s largest equity investment platform, Callum plays a key role in helping high-growth startups across the UK and Europe secure the funding they need to grow and scale. In the Food & Beverage sector, Callum has supported founders of innovative brands like Knoops, Yolk, Neurita Tequila, and Wild Atlantic Distillery, offering strategic guidance through each step of the crowdfunding journey. Crowdcube also has a proven track record in this space, having worked with household names such as BrewDog, Honest Burger, Serious Pig, When in Rome, and Grind

Pitch to x10 supermarket buyers including investors at Spill the Beans, UK’s only event for Black/ethnic FMCG producers to get in front of supermarket buyers.

➡️Macknade independent store in Kent, creates spaces and experiences that bring communities together around a shared love of food & drink.

➡️Waitrose & Partners, a premium supermarket chain, is renowned for its quality products, exceptional customer service, and dedication to sustainability

.➡️LNER LIMITED (London North Eastern Railway) provides seamless rail travel across the UK, combining comfort with efficiency for travelers.

➡️Ocado Retail revolutionises grocery shopping with its online-only model, delivering fresh and diverse products straight to customers’ doors.

➡️Holland & Barrett is a leading health and wellness retailer, offering a wide range of vitamins, supplements, natural beauty products, and healthy food options. Known for its focus on sustainable, eco-friendly products, the brand serves as a trusted source for those prioritizing holistic health and ethical consumerism.

➡️Crowdcube empowers entrepreneurs and investors through its equity crowdfunding platform, enabling businesses to raise capital while giving investors a chance to own a stake in innovative ventures.

➡️DELLI, online marketplace designed to connect independent food and drink makers with consumers looking for unique and small-batch products.

➡️Sow and Arrow, Passionate brands with ethical trading, sustainable sourcing and health at the heart of their brand. Low-carb products, grain-free and low in sugar, as well as high quality supplements that are unique to the market.

NO REFUNDS

Click here to apply to pitch

Applications close at 23:59 PM on 16th JUNE 2025.

WHAT TO EXPECT?

👉 Showcase your brand at the UK's only dedicated event for ethnic FMCG producers.

👉Connect with top supermarket buyers Waitrose & Partners Ocado Retail Macknade LNER LIMITED Holland & Barrett DELLI, Sow and Arrow Meta + more

👉Meet investors looking to back promising FMCG brands.

👉Live Q&A with buyers and experts

👉Hear from successful FMCG producers who have secured supermarket listings and scaled their brands

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

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

👉 Twitter

👉Instagram

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

The Institution of Structural Engineers, 47-58 Bastwick Street, London, United Kingdom