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Mission-First, Market-Smart: Inside The Black Farmer’s Retail Playbook

09 Sept 2025
Food for Thought
Seminar Session

In this candid conversation, Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones MBE, Founder of The Black Farmer farm shop, and his son and Commercial Director Alex will share the story behind their growing retail venture rooted in purpose, provenance and community. From launching their first site in Brixton Village to expanding into unexpected urban locations, they’ll reflect on what drives their decisions, how they select products that align with their values, and why mission-led retail can thrive in the mainstream.

As both retailers and producers, they offer a rare dual perspective on trying to get products onto shelves, while also making space for others. They’ll discuss how small businesses can support emerging brands, the strategy behind the product curation in The Black Farmer, and how retailers of all sizes can be more intentional and commercially smart in today’s changing retail landscape.

Expect honest reflections, practical insight, and plenty of inspiration for anyone looking to build a standout food retail experience.

Moderator
Michael Lane, Editor - Fine Food Digest
View all 2025 Seminar Programme

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The Next Chapter for Speciality & Fine Food Fair

From 2027, Speciality & Fine Food Fair will take place 5 – 7 April at Excel London, as part of Food, Drink & Hospitality Week to be the UK’s largest food & drink trade event.

This exciting move will connect our incredible community of speciality producers and buyers with 25,000+ verified trade visitors, creating even more opportunities for products to be discovered, tasted and stocked by buyers across retail, hospitality, wholesale and foodservice.

To prepare for this exciting launch, the Fair will not be taking place in 2026, returning in its new format in 2027.

While the scale grows, the heart of the Fair stays the same - a curated showcase of exceptional producers and a spirit of discovery, now with even greater commercial reach.

We’re incredibly excited about this next chapter and can’t wait to build it with you.

Find out more