As consumer demands for food safety, sustainability, and personalization grow louder, the food and beverage industry's supply chains face unprecedented challenges and opportunities. How can businesses maintain agility in global competition, navigate regulatory changes, and leverage innovative technologies for cost reduction and efficiency? The 2025 NextGen Supply Chain Conference will focus on these critical issues, creating a platform for industry leaders to exchange ideas and collaborate.
Conference Overview: Spotlight on Food Industry Transformation
Scheduled for October 22-24 at the W Hotel in Nashville, the 2025 NextGen Supply Chain Conference will feature food and beverage as one of its four core focus areas. The event will bring together influential brands and trade associations to discuss evolving regulatory landscapes, innovative production models for mid-sized companies, and shaping the future of food supply chains over the next decade.
The agenda spans multiple sectors including consumer packaged goods (CPG), life sciences, and third-party logistics (3PL), with participation expected from over 50 senior executives and industry leaders sharing insights on supply chain management trends and best practices.
Food & Beverage Track: Leadership Insights and Practical Solutions
The dedicated food and beverage sessions will feature industry pioneers sharing actionable strategies and real-world case studies.
Visionary Keynote: Diageo's Supply Chain Transformation
Lisa Drane of Diageo will deliver the Visionary Award keynote, detailing the global beverage company's supply chain transformation journey. Her presentation will explore how Diageo leveraged digital technologies, optimized logistics networks, and strengthened supplier partnerships to enhance efficiency and resilience.
Regulatory Evolution: IFMA on Emerging Food Standards
Phil Kafarakis from the International Food Manufacturers Association (IFMA) will provide critical insights into changing food regulations worldwide. As safety and compliance requirements grow more stringent, his session will offer strategic guidance for businesses navigating this complex landscape.
Fireside Chat: Our Home's Rapid Growth Strategy
Timothy Egan of Our Home will share the emerging brand's formula for exponential growth, offering valuable lessons for companies seeking rapid market expansion through product innovation, operational efficiency, and targeted marketing.
Last-Mile Solutions: Walmart's Practical Approaches
Representatives from Walmart and other industry leaders will present real-world strategies for optimizing "last-mile" delivery logistics - a critical challenge as e-commerce reshapes consumer expectations and operational costs.
Forward-Looking Keynote: Dole's Innovation-Driven Approach
Todd Stillwell of Dole Packaged Foods will examine how innovation and efficiency can strengthen supply chain competitiveness, drawing on the company's century of experience in food production and distribution.
Emerging Trends in Supply Chain Management
The conference will explore several transformative trends shaping the future of food supply chains:
- Digital Transformation: IoT sensors for food safety monitoring, AI-powered inventory optimization, and blockchain for traceability are revolutionizing operations from production to retail.
- Sustainability Initiatives: Environmentally conscious consumers are driving demand for reduced waste, renewable energy use, sustainable packaging, and responsible agricultural practices.
- Personalization: Flexible supply chains capable of delivering customized products, packaging, and delivery options are becoming essential for customer retention and sales growth.
- Resilience Planning: With increasing global uncertainties, companies must develop diversified supplier networks, optimized inventory strategies, and robust risk management frameworks.
Additional Conference Focus Areas
The event will also feature discussions on:
- Applications of emerging technologies like AI, big data, and blockchain
- Risk management strategies for supply chain disruptions
- Workforce development for supply chain professionals
- Opportunities for international collaboration in addressing global challenges
The 2025 NextGen Supply Chain Conference represents a unique opportunity for food industry professionals to gain strategic insights, discover operational best practices, and build valuable connections to shape a more efficient, sustainable, and resilient future for food supply chains.