Navigating the ultra-processed food debate

Ultra-processed foods were a major talking point in 2023 and are set to become an even bigger focus in 2024.

So, what are the implications for brands and retailers? How can they best navigate the shift away from ultra-processed foods? And how do consumers truly feel about the issue?

Drawing on exclusive new research, our latest Grocer Vision webinar will explore the fast-evolving debate about ultra-processed foods.

Our panel of retailers, manufacturers, health & nutrition experts and consumer behaviour specialists have analysed the latest consumer sentiment data, unpicked consumer understanding – and confusion – surrounding UPFs and pinpointed what brands and retailers can do to ensure they are in a strong position on the issue.

Hear as they identify the consumer groups most impacted by the UPF debate, explore how low-income households feel about it and find out practical steps brands and retailers can take to help consumers make healthier choices.

Missed the webinar or want to watch it again? Click here to login or Register now 

Meet the panel: 

Zoe Ellis
Head of nutrition & science at Danone
Zoë Ellis is a registered nutritionist and the head of nutrition & science communication at Danone UK & Ireland. In her role she is responsible for leading Danone’s team of Nutritionists in the development of nutritional products, as well as services for consumers and healthcare professionals.
Zoë has a BSc (Hons) in Human Nutrition from London Metropolitan University and an MSc in Clinical and Public Health Nutrition from University College London. She has over 15 years’ experience working both within industry and the NHS, and is a member of the Association for Nutrition.

Kate Halliwell
Chief scientific officer at Food and Drink Federation
Kate Halliwell is the chief scientific officer for the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) and works across a number of important portfolio areas for the industry, including food safety, food labelling and diet and health. Kate is in regular engagement with businesses and stakeholders across many different policy briefs representing food manufacturers views to Government. Kate has extensive experience across Government and the food industry and prior to joining FDF worked for the Department of Health and the Food Standards Agency on a range of nutrition and legislation policies. Kate is Chair of the Food Science and Nutrition Group at the Institute of Food Science and Technology and is a registered nutritionist.

Natalie Bond
Category technical manager at Waitrose & Partners
Natalie works as a Category Technical Manager for Waitrose, within this role she is responsible for ensuring the quality, safety and legality of a range of Waitrose Own Brand products. Having recently completed a Masters in Applied Human Nutrition with Oxford Brookes she works with the Waitrose Health Team to implement the business health strategy in to the product offer. This can range from product reformulation through to education and policy on ingredient selection. 
Natalie has worked in the retail sector for over a decade following her BSC in Nutrition and Food Science at the University of Reading. 

Ben Davies
Founder of Vypr
Ben is founder of Vypr, an innovation intelligence platform that gives clients real-time robust data on consumer purchase intent so they can get a deep understanding of the market. He began his career in the food & drink industry as a buyer for Sainsbury’s, buying various chilled food categories, before moving to a similar role at the Co-op. From there he began his entrepreneurial journey and has since founded five business in total across both the technology and FMCG sectors. He set up Vypr to drive better outcomes in the product innovation process through the use of predictive consumer insight, combining his experience in the FMCG sector with his love of technology.

Julia Glotz
Writer and editor – 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.