How the Future Food Movement Accelerator Programmes Inspire Growth, Collaboration and Purpose
How the Future Food Movement Accelerator Programmes Inspire Growth, Collaboration and Purpose
The food industry stands at the crossroads of some of the world’s most pressing challenges - climate change, health crises and the shift to sustainable food systems. To meet these challenges, leaders must connect their daily work to meaningful change, creating impact that spans climate, health, nature and society.
Through the Future Food Movement Accelerator Programmes, professionals from across the industry are finding purpose in their roles, equipping themselves with the tools to lead and innovate. These programmes provide not only knowledge and skills but also a collaborative network that turns ambition into action.
Rachel Smith, Head of Innovation at Greencore describes how the Healthy Sustainable Diets Accelerator reshaped her strategic thinking. “Using a systems thinking approach, I now focus on the levers we can pull to help customers make healthier, more sustainable choices. The programme gave me the confidence to engage with our executive team and lead impactful conversations with partner retailers.” Find out more from Rachel.
For Ellen van Domselaar, Sustainability Specialist at Hilton Foods, the programme solidified her commitment to systems thinking. “This approach has become central to how I develop strategies for a more sustainable future. What was once a concept is now the key driver in shaping impactful change for the planet and our business.”
Similarly, Julia Jones, Head of B2B Marketing & Sustainability at Nestlé, gained a deeper understanding of the food system’s role in addressing the climate crisis. “The Accelerator gave me clarity on the dual aspects of climate impact and climate risk. Joining a Farmer Advisory Board after the programme added fresh perspectives, helping me bring new ideas to Nestlé’s regenerative agriculture work and stakeholder conversations.”
The Healthy Sustainable Diets Accelerator has inspired leaders like Sue Couter, Healthy Sustainable Diets Lead at Tesco, to connect health and planetary agendas. “We must align strategies, educate teams, and make sustainable, healthy choices accessible for everyone,” she says, reflecting the shared responsibility to drive systemic change.
For others, the Accelerator has revealed how sustainability can become a competitive advantage. Max Willis, Assistant Brand Manager at Premier Foods, sees it as integral to growth: “This programme taught me that sustainability and health aren’t just hygiene factors—they’re transformative opportunities that must be embedded in our portfolios, supply chains, and systems sooner rather than later.”
Those working in deeply operational roles, like Alex Watson, Head of Supply Chain at The Billington Group, found the programme’s dynamic coaching inspiring. “The passionate coaches helped me pinpoint areas where I can drive meaningful change,” she says. Similarly, Matt Lawton, General Manager of Dairy UK & Europe at Dairygold, highlighted how the network opened through the Accelerator has empowered him to take action. “As a farmer-owned business, we’re on the front line of sustainability. This programme helped me connect the dots and tell our powerful story to influence systemic change.”
These stories illustrate the transformative power of the Future Food Movement Accelerators, creating leaders who embrace sustainability as both a responsibility and an opportunity for growth.
Are You Ready to Lead the Change?
Join the next Accelerator cohort and equip yourself or your team with the tools to embed sustainability into everyday work and drive real impact.
Sustainability Accelerator: Starts February 5, 2025. [Click here to learn more.]
Healthy Sustainable Diets Accelerator: Starts March 4, 2025. [Click here to learn more.]