Food brands need to work out what consumers will be eating in future, but how do they go about it, and what happens if they get it wrong?

In this edition of the Table Talk podcast, we look at the business of predicting people's eating habits.

How do companies work out what we'll all be reaching for in the supermarket in five years' time? What is the cost to them if they get it wrong? And how often do they get it right?

Stefan Gates is joined by Sophie Davies, Senior Buyer at Planet Organic, and Mike Hughes, Head of Insight and Research at FMCG Gurus to try to answer those questions.

They offer their insights into how the industry works, as well as setting out their predictions for 2022.

Sophie Davies, Senior Buyer, Planet Organic

Sophie has been at Planet Organic since March 2015 and is the Senior Buyer for the Fresh Food & Drink department, spanning across Grab&Go, Fresh Groceries including Fruit&Veg, Bakery and Chilled take home. Planet Organic has 14 stores in Central London and an online store, which distributes fresh products nationwide. 

Planet Organic prides itself on being at the forefront of innovation and leading on product trends within natural food and wellness. Sophie and her team are always on the hunt for exciting, innovative and delicious products to revolutionise the food and wellness scene.

Mike Hughes, Head of Insight and Research, FMCG Gurus


Mike Hughes has more than 13 years’ experience analysing consumer trends, attitudes and behaviours, and currently heads up the research and insight division at FMCG Gurus. 

Mike has a particular interest in highlighting how consumer attitudes and behaviours can often differ and what the true meaning of trends are for the industry.