The In Conversation With… podcast series by The Food People ( a global trends & ideas agency) features people, businesses, brands and entrepreneurs from across the food & drink world – finding out more about why they do what they do, their purpose, how they see the future and how, in their way, they are championing change and shifting the future of food & drink. Our co-founder Mecca Ibrahim (Mex) was delighted to feature this month to speak to Charles Banks about addressing equality within the industry and how our organisation trailblazes women in food.

The Guild of Food Writers announced the shortlists for its annual Awards for 2024, one of the longest running awards in food writing and broadcasting. The shortlists highlight emerging talents from women writers including Su Scott and Felicity Souter. Also some of the industry’s best-known food writers and broadcasters, including Xanthe Clay and Bee Wilson. Our co-founder Mecca Ibrahim is a member of The Guild of Food Writers and highlights the women finalists ahead of the awards ceremony which will take place on Wednesday 12th June 2024.

The Fortnum & Mason Food and Drink Awards are one of the most eagerly awaited dates in the culinary calendar.  Recognising excellence in food and drink writing, broadcasting and photography, for thirteen years, Fortnum and Mason are continually championing those who help others to enjoy, explore, experiment, and discover more about food and drink, through their writing, photography, and commentary.  It’s an area that women do very well in and this year was no exception.  Our co-founder Mecca Ibrahim was at The Royal Exchange for a star-studded awards ceremony on May 2nd 2024 to see the winners.

The FoodTech 500, powered by Forward Fooding, is the world’s first definitive list of the global entrepreneurial talent at the intersection between food, technology and sustainability. It is also dedicated to celebrating diversity and inclusivity. Forward Fooding recently revealed that out of the 500 finalists, 138 have been founded by women. Their recent feature on The FoodTech 500 threw the spotlight on these remarkable founders and gained insights from Women in the Food Industry co-founder – Mex Ibrahim. Discover what she said and why she believes diversity is vital for the future of agrifoodtech.

Having worked at Le Gavroche in 1990 under Albert Roux, Louise Monaghan returned last year to be part of the closing team. She has reflected on her time there and has written a piece for us at Women In The Food Industry about the contrast between her experiences in her 20’s and 50’s and the vital role that ‘seasoned individuals’, like herself, still have to play in the hospitality industry. Louise is now starting a new venture to encourage over 50’s to work in the hospitality industry. 

WIFI Chats is a series of podcasts hosted by Mex Ibrahim, co-founder of ⁠Women in The Food Industry. In this episode Mex talks to the first ladies of UK BBQ – ⁠Sam & Shauna⁠ of the BBC’s Food & Farming Award winning ⁠Hang Fire BBQ⁠ & three BBC hit series ⁠Sam & Shauna’s Big Cook Out⁠ & authors of best selling cookbook – ⁠The Hang Fire Cookbook Recipes & Adventures in American BBQ⁠.

Plant Feasts – Frankie Paz’s debut cookbook (published by Nourish Books / Watkins 9th April 2024) is reviewed by Ambassador of Women In the Food Industry and TV Producer, Antonia Lloyd, who talks candidly with Frankie about her overcoming drug addiction and then appearing on Jamie Oliver’s Cookbook Challenge for Channel 4.

The Black Bull, Sedbergh, is gearing up to host its first ever spring chef dinner series, with top female chefs set to take to the Black Bull’s stoves to create three one-off small plates tasting menus alongside chef-owner Nina Matsunaga who was recently seen on Great British Menu.

The shortlist for the Claire Aho Award for Women Photographers 2024 was announced on April 4th 2024. Part of the global Pink Lady Food Photographer of the Year Awards, this award aims to encourage and celebrate women photographers. We are delighted to share the photos of the UK Finalists in this category.

Easy Wins is the new cookbook by award-winning author Anna Jones, the preeminent voice of modern vegetarian cooking in the UK. It’s already creating a stir and has hit no 1 in The Times Bestseller list in its second week, a coup for author Anna but above all a win for us all. Ambassador of Women In the Food Industry, Antonia Lloyd, reviews Anna’s book.

UPDATE – 20th March 2024 – Kate Austen made history & became the first woman in Great British Menu’s 19 year history to have her main course reach the banquet. Congratulations Kate – we look forward to watching you prepare your stunning Olympian dish for the banquet at the British ambassador’s residence in Paris to celebrate the Olympics and Paralympics – BBC2 22nd March 7pm.

Queena Wong, founder of Curious Vines, the supportive community that connects women in wine, has commented on the article that appeared in The Times T2 on, March 14th 2024.  With a headline: Is the wine industry about to have its own MeToo moment? journalist Kate Spicer shared experiences of women who work in the wine trade. Queena Wong had conducted a recent survey of women who work in the wine trade, where one in three described experiencing harassment.