On Thursday 11 June, industry leaders from across food, drink, retail, consumer insight and social impact came together at Atlante Connects 2026, hosted by Atlante at the OXO Tower, in the heart of London’s South Bank, to explore how businesses can thrive amid economic uncertainty while building stronger connections with consumers and communities. The summit provided a platform for a day of discussion focused on the forces shaping the future of the food and drink sector.
As businesses are operating in an environment where uncertainty has become the norm, speakers explored the challenges and opportunities facing organisations across the industry, from global trade dynamics and geopolitical pressures to shifting consumer priorities. Macroeconomic perspectives on the future direction of global markets, alongside a deeper dive into UK consumer behaviour and the impact of evolving attitudes on purchasing decisions, brand loyalty and business expectations, emerged as a primary area of focus.
The importance of human connection stood out as a second key theme. Speakers explored how communities are increasingly seeking meaningful real-world interactions, whether through changing social habits, the growth of alcohol-free lifestyles, stronger local networks or initiatives that connect surplus food with people who need it most.
Across diverse perspectives, the event highlighted how, in an increasingly digital and uncertain world, businesses that foster trust, collaboration and genuine human connection will be best positioned to create long-term value.
Speakers included Natasha Linhart, Atlante CEO, Philip Durham, UK Business Unit Director at Atlante, Matthew McNeill Love, Co-Founder of Thursday, Laura Willoughby MBE, Co-Founder of Club Soda, Judith Batchelar OBE, Director of Food Matters International, Jamie Dyck, Senior Food Sourcing Manager at City Harvest London, Anna Cole, Consumer Insight Director at Worldpanel UK, and Ed Conway, Economics and Data Editor at Sky News.
Atlante CEO Natasha Linhart said: “The brilliant dialogue at Atlante Connects yesterday reinforced the importance of staying connected to the stories behind our food. By understanding where products come from, how they’re made, and the complex network of ingredients, producers and partners involved, we can make better decisions as businesses and foster greater trust among consumers. In a world of increasing complexity, knowledge and connection have never been more valuable. Atlante Connects was a powerful reminder that when we bring this level of integrity to our operations, we don’t just secure our businesses against uncertainty, we build a more meaningful relationship with the communities we serve.”
Philip Durham, UK business unit director at Atlante, added: “What made this year’s discussions so compelling was the way seemingly different topics converged around a common theme. Whether we were talking about trade, consumer behaviour, food redistribution or changing social habits, the importance of connection kept coming through. As businesses navigate ongoing uncertainty, the ability to build stronger relationships with consumers, communities and partners will be increasingly important. Atlante Connects was created to bring together different perspectives from across and beyond the food industry. The conversations demonstrated that many of the challenges facing our sector cannot be solved in isolation, and that collaboration will be essential to driving sustainable growth in the years ahead.”
The event forms part of Atlante’s ongoing commitment to fostering industry dialogue, sharing knowledge and encouraging collaboration across the food and beverage sector.
