In this exclusive video, speaking after the event, hosted and sponsored by law firm Stephenson Harwood at its London offices, Wilkinson said: “The delegates felt that the government had switched onto to issues surrounding the industry including genetic modifcation, food security and the way the markets work.”
Wilkinson – who will take over as the chairman of Thorntons’ board of directors on February 1 – also picked out a drive to improve consumer labelling and the growing trend towards foreign ownership of UK food and drink manufacturing businesses as the other two key themes.
Organic market
Meanwhile, forum delegates discussed the view that the UK organic market was suffering from “weak marketing” and the harsh economic climate.
The event was also sponsored by business improvement specialist Applied Acumen and recruitment expert Goldteam.
Watch out for more news – in text articles and videos – from the Business Leaders’ Forum next week.