Consumers are embracing the functional health trend with gusto. But is all this focus on function translating into better eating habits and lasting health benefits for consumers? Join experts from Tesco, Danone and NIQ to discover how to leverage interest in functional products, drive meaningful improvements in the nation’s health, and unlock new growth opportunities.
From high-protein sausages and breakfast cereals with added vitamins to fibre-enhanced sodas, the functional health trend is everywhere.
In fact, 61.2% of Brits say that, compared to a year ago, they are now more interested in food and drink products that offer additional health benefits such as protein, fibre, gut health or hydration support.
But is all this focus on function translating into better eating habits and lasting health benefits?
Our latest Grocer Vision webinar brings together experts from Danone, Tesco and NIQ to explore how retailers and suppliers can leverage interest in functional products, drive meaningful improvements in the nation’s health, and unlock new growth opportunities.
We’ll look beyond the latest trends to ask how functional food and drink can make a lasting contribution to consumers’ health and wellbeing.
They’ll also share best practice examples and tangible actions that retailers and suppliers can apply within their own category reviews and growth plans, and they’ll reveal why smarter retail approaches to category planning, fixtures, shopper navigation, merchandising and occasions can help make the healthy choice easy for consumers.
Plus, you’ll get the chance to put your own questions to our panel.
Register now to join the Grocer Vision webinar on 25th November at 11am
Meet the panel:
Matthew Thomas, director of category and commercial strategy UK & Ireland at Danone
With 20 years of experience in sales and commercial strategy in the retail and fmcg sectors, Matthew has led multi- market performance via the development and delivery of innovative commercial projects across a broad range of countries and product categories.
Matthew has spent the past 20 years with health-focused food and beverage company Danone, holding commercial roles across several international markets, including Australia, China, Asia Pacific, the UK, Ireland and France. His global experience has equipped him with a strong understanding of market dynamics, consumer behaviour, and cross-cultural business environments. In July 2024, he was appointed Director of Category & Commercial Strategy for the UK & Ireland, where he leads a large cross‑market team across a broad portfolio that includes waters, infant nutrition, dairy and plant-based products.
Claire Hughes, head of health innovation at Tesco
Claire Hughes is a senior executive with over 20 years’ experience in leading product innovation, health and sustainability strategies within retail, and has joined Tesco to lead on Health Innovation R&D. Prior to Tesco, she held leadership roles across Sainsbury’s and Marks & Spencer, with accountability for multi billion-pound own label portfolios, large-scale transformation programmes, and complex governance and regulatory environments.
Claire is recognised for her ability to integrate trends, science, health and sustainability into commercially successful business models. She has acted as a trusted board-level advisor, led enterprise-wide health reformulation and packaging strategies, and represented businesses externally with government, NGOs and the media. Alongside her executive career, Claire is Chair of INCPEN, the (industry body for packaging and the environment), and a Trustee of the British Nutrition Foundation. Claire holds an MSc in Human Nutrition & Metabolism from the University of Aberdeen and is a graduate of the University of Cambridge Business & Climate Change programme.
Tom Patton, commercial leader at NIQ
Tom Patton leads product insights at NIQ, bringing an analytical perspective to trends across the fmcg industry. His work connects product content with market measurement data to reveal how claims, certifications, ingredients and formulations are changing, and what those changes mean for brands and consumers.
Julia Glotz, moderator
Julia is a writer, editor and consultant specialising in food and drink, with more than 15 years’ experience working in trade media. She was on staff at The Grocer for nine years, including five years as managing editor.
