How do we build food systems that are good for consumers, fair for producers, and sustainable for future generations?

These are some of the questions that will be explored during Panel 2 of the Ireland Portugal Business Network's Innovation Conference 2026, taking place on Thursday, 18 June at the Guinness Enterprise Centre in Dublin.

Entitled "From the Land to the Table – Bringing Quality Assured Food to Your Table While Making a Real Difference to Those Who Produce It," this conversation will bring together experts from Ireland and Portugal who are working at different points across the food ecosystem—from production and gastronomy to retail, hospitality, supply chains, and entrepreneurship.

The discussion will explore how food businesses can create value throughout the supply chain, strengthen connections between producers and consumers, and build more sustainable, transparent, and resilient food systems.

Celebrating Food Heritage and Innovation

Representing Portugal, Cláudia Silva Mataloto from the Cascais Food Lab brings a unique perspective that combines communication, gastronomy, food heritage, and sustainability.

With more than 25 years of experience in corporate communications and public sector leadership, Cláudia has dedicated much of her recent career to promoting Portuguese gastronomy and local food culture. As coordinator of gastronomy initiatives for Cascais Municipality and one of the driving forces behind the Cascais Food Lab, she works to showcase local ingredients, traditional knowledge, and innovative food experiences that connect people to place.

An author, researcher, and advocate for sustainable gastronomy, Cláudia has helped develop award-winning publications celebrating Portuguese food heritage and recently completed a Master's degree in Food Design, further exploring how food can create meaningful cultural and sensory experiences.

Building Community Through Food

Joining the panel from Ireland are Valerie McHugh & Nick Seymour from Nick's Coffee Co Ltd, a business that has become a much-loved part of the communities it serves.

What began as a small coffee shack in Ranelagh has grown into a thriving business with multiple cafés, a bakery operation and catering services across Dublin and Wicklow. Along the way, Nick's Coffee has demonstrated how local food businesses can create not only quality products but also meaningful social connections.

Their story highlights the important role that independent food businesses play in supporting local economies, fostering community engagement, and creating memorable customer experiences. Their perspective will bring a practical, entrepreneurial voice to the discussion around food, hospitality, and sustainable business growth.

Creating Fairer and More Transparent Supply Chains

Also joining the panel is Margaret Dineen, Founder of Blue Sky Food Consulting and the Irish Food Trade Connect Forum.

Raised on a dairy farm in West Cork, Margaret has spent more than 25 years working across the food supply chain, from farm inputs and manufacturing to logistics, procurement, and retail markets across Ireland, the UK and Europe.

Today, she advises food and drink businesses on creating more transparent, resilient, and equitable supply chains. Her work focuses on helping producers, manufacturers, and retailers collaborate more effectively while ensuring quality, traceability, and long-term sustainability.

As founder of the Irish Food Trade Connect Forum and a board member of Ireland's Agri-Food Regulator, Margaret brings extensive expertise in how food businesses can balance commercial success with responsible sourcing, sustainability and producer wellbeing.

Guided by Global Food Industry Experience

Moderating the discussion will be Gerald Lennon, entrepreneur, food industry advisor, and founder.

Gerald's career has taken him from Ireland to New Zealand and China through senior roles with Kerry Group, providing him with deep insight into international food systems, product development, and quality assurance.

As co-founder of the innovative Irish plant-based brand Boringly Good, Gerald has also experienced first-hand the realities of bringing a new food product to market. Today, he works closely with food and beverage businesses, helping entrepreneurs navigate the journey from concept to commercial success.

His experience across multinational food operations, entrepreneurship, and business advisory makes him ideally placed to guide a conversation focused on how food systems can evolve to better serve consumers, producers, and communities alike.

Join the Conversation

Food is one of the most powerful connections between Ireland and Portugal. Both countries share strong agricultural traditions, vibrant food cultures, and growing innovation ecosystems that are shaping the future of sustainable food production.

This panel promises valuable insights for food producers, entrepreneurs, hospitality professionals, policymakers, investors, and anyone interested in how quality food reaches our tables while supporting those who grow, produce, and deliver it.

Join us on 18 June at the Guinness Enterprise Centre in Dublin for a morning of discussion, networking, and collaboration as we explore the future of food, health, and wellness through an Ireland-Portugal lens.

Registration is now open for members and non-members.