Julian Metcalfe OBE, founder of Asian-inspired, healthy food outlet itsu and co-founder of high street stalwart Pret A Manger, is confirmed for a headline Keynote interview at lunch! 2018 on 20 September at London ExCeL.
One of Britain's most successful food-to-go entrepreneurs, Metcalfe says he’s delighted to be speaking at the show for the first time. In his opening day Keynote, he’ll be sharing his specialist knowledge and insights drawn from over thirty years at the forefront of the industry – from the launch of Pret in 1986 to the continued expansion of the itsu brand across the UK (and, more recently, the US).
“I feel passionately about delicious, fresh, fast-food, so I’m delighted to be speaking at the only trade show devoted to the food-to-go sector. See you at ExCeL for lunch!” says Metcalfe.
Commenting on the announcement, lunch!’s group event director Chris Brazier, says: “lunch! has already well-established itself as the destination show for the food-to-go sector and having Julian Metcalfe part of this year’s line-up just makes it even more unmissable. This is really big news for the show and a huge opportunity for our visitors to hear insights from an industry legend.
“We are thrilled to be able to offer our visitors such an incredible free Keynote line-up for 2018 – and we’ve still got so many more great names to announce!” he says.
Metcalfe is the latest exclusive speaker addition for lunch! 2018, which – since its launch in 2008 – has become known for attracting the biggest names in food-to-go (many, notably, who rarely appear at other trade shows).
The 2018 line-up already includes directors and senior execs from Pret, Caffè Nero, LEON, EAT, Tortilla, and Tossed. Plus, 370 exhibitors showcasing a host of new products, equipment, packaging and services.