What will the food supply chain of tomorrow look like? Will it adapt more efficiently to evolving regulations, better support innovation and flexible manufacturing for small and medium enterprises, and ultimately deliver fresh, high-quality products safely to consumers? The 2025 NextGen Supply Chain Conference will place the food and beverage industry in the spotlight, bringing together industry leaders and associations to explore these critical questions.
A Gathering of Industry Leaders
Scheduled for October 22-24 at the W Hotel in Nashville, the food and beverage sector stands as one of four core focus areas at the 2025 NextGen Supply Chain Conference. The event will convene over 50 senior executives and thought leaders from various industries to discuss emerging trends in supply chain management. Alongside food and beverage, the conference agenda includes sessions on consumer goods, life sciences, and third-party logistics.
Food and Beverage Spotlight: Insights from Industry Pioneers
The conference's food and beverage track features prominent figures who will share their perspectives on shaping the industry's future:
- Diageo's Visionary Outlook: Lisa Drane will deliver an opening keynote address offering her perspective on future supply chain developments.
- Regulatory Expertise from IFMA: Phil Kafarakis of the International Food Manufacturers Association will analyze evolving regulatory frameworks to help businesses navigate compliance requirements.
- Our Home's Growth Strategies: Timothy Egan will participate in a fireside chat about scaling operations during rapid expansion.
- Walmart's Last-Mile Solutions: Representatives will present practical strategies for optimizing final delivery logistics to enhance efficiency and customer experience.
- Dole's Innovation Approach: Todd Stillbeck will discuss how innovation and operational efficiency can drive sustainability in the food and beverage sector.
Key Themes: Addressing Challenges and Opportunities
The food and beverage industry faces numerous challenges, including shifting consumer preferences, increasingly stringent regulations, and global supply chain volatility. The conference will explore these critical topics:
Navigating Regulatory Evolution
As food safety and sustainability gain prominence, regulatory landscapes continue to change. Businesses must stay informed about legislative updates and develop robust compliance strategies to maintain operational continuity.
Scaling for Small and Medium Enterprises
Small and medium businesses play a vital role in the food and beverage ecosystem. The conference will showcase successful case studies demonstrating how these enterprises can achieve growth through innovation and agile manufacturing.
Optimizing Last-Mile Delivery
The final delivery segment remains the most costly and least efficient part of the supply chain. Discussions will focus on improving distribution networks and implementing advanced technologies to reduce expenses while enhancing performance.
Driving Innovation and Efficiency
Innovation serves as the primary engine for industry progress. Companies must continually explore new products, technologies, and business models to meet evolving consumer demands while simultaneously improving operational efficiency to strengthen competitiveness.
Conference Highlights: Collaboration and Knowledge Exchange
Beyond serving as an educational forum, the 2025 NextGen Supply Chain Conference provides opportunities for meaningful dialogue and partnership development. Attendees will engage directly with industry leaders, academic experts, and corporate representatives to exchange insights and explore collaborative ventures.
Interactive sessions including panel discussions, case study analyses, and networking events will facilitate broader professional connections and potential business opportunities.
The Future of Food and Beverage Supply Chains
The conference's food and beverage programming will emphasize innovation, efficiency, and sustainability—examining how to build more resilient, productive, and environmentally responsible supply networks. Participants will gain exposure to cutting-edge industry trends, learn from proven methodologies, and establish valuable connections with sector leaders to collectively shape the future of food distribution systems.
In an era of regulatory complexity and global uncertainty, food and beverage companies must develop adaptable, robust supply chains capable of withstanding disruptions. The conference will explore strategies for diversified sourcing, risk management, and technological innovation to enhance operational resilience.