European Foodservice Summit 2025: Innovation and human engagement

On September 18 and 19, the European Foodservice Summit brought together over 250 executives from across the industry. The event featured a wide array of presentations and roundtable discussions, with many centering on two key themes: technology and people.

We were particularly struck by the advanced AI-enabled technologies already being applied in both strategic and operational management. The industry is already seeing significant innovation, with even greater advances expected in the near future.

At the same time, emotional connection and social engagement remain at the heart of foodservice. Several speakers shared powerful experiences that offered new perspectives and plenty of food for thought. Speakers highlighted that, despite rapid technological advances, the industry's real differentiator remains its people: Strong teams, authentic leadership, and meaningful customer experiences are what truly drive loyalty and long-term success.