THE BRIEF

The objective of the proposal should be to:

• Establish the problem or opportunity that the idea is going to solve

• Introduce the solution that the idea involves

• Introduce the benefit/value that the idea will bring to the future of food, the food industry, society and communities

This Future of Food competition is considered to be a first of its kind, food industry event. It has an important agenda to encourage action or increase awareness of key (and in some cases, seismic) megatrends coming fast down the line where issues and opportunities need addressing.

The idea should address any megatrend we are facing.
Here are a few examples (but by no means exhaustive):

• By 2050, in the UK alone, 10 million more people than today will be over the age of 65 – this will have a significant impact on how we need to adjust in the food industry.

• By then, the world’s population will near 10bn and 68% of them will live in cities (up from 55% today).

• Huge shifts in emerging technologies will disrupt whole industries. For example, renewable energy sources will become commonplace.

• The Arctic will completely melt for the first time in 11 years – thereafter global shipping will look for commercially better ways to avoid the Suez canal.

• Farming techniques will change and a greater focus on sustainability will gain pace as we near the net zero goal by 2050.

• Climate change will frustrate food production and tourism and wildlife will need to adapt to new norms.

• There will be more frequent and severe natural disasters to cope with and coastal areas will experience the effects of sea levels rising.

• AI and AR are already disrupting whole industries. AI’s impact on social media may lead to a ‘cesspool’ of synthetic content.

• Retail will become more and more convenient and products more personalised as alternative sources of vitamins and proteins become a new opportunity. Increased connectivity will help the third world enjoy middle class information availability.

• Demand on resources, logistics and food will reach breaking points without careful preparation.

• Space tourism is close to becoming reality - what will they eat?

THE IDEA

It must be food-related but it can be a product, an ingredient, a packaging format, a manufacturing process or a digital solution. It can be unique or mainstream.

It can be something already underway or something completely new. This is for entrepreneurial minds so entrants don’t need to already be an entrepreneur to enter.

ROUND 1

Prepare and submit a 500-word summary (deadline: 26th September 2025). It should include the issue or opportunity the idea is tackling, the proposed solution, why it should work, how it is scalable and who will benefit from it. You can be a brand already established or a start-up. Ensure that it is viable and commercially possible but creativity is fine too where assumptions or citations are used. Ideas are uploaded for Round 1 judging - it’s free to enter, there is nothing to lose.

ROUND 2

12 finalists will then be selected to attend the Grand Final on the 27th November 2025. Before the event, the 12 entries will be offered mentoring to perfect ideas and pitches. On the day, a 5ft table is provided and space (in the Map Room and Education Centre at the RGS) for visual media, product, posters or samples. Judges and attendees will circulate as the 12 pitches are presented, questions are answered and topics discussed.

ELEVATOR PITCH

Each of the 12 finalists will have prepared a 1-minute elevator pitch explaining their plan on the main stage in the theatre. No powerpoint is required for this - this is your moment to tell the audience why your brand represents the Future of Food.

The ultimate winner will be crowned - leaving the day with a £10,000 grant, a Future of Food gong, a certificate, a variety of industry prizes and much applause by key industry figures.