The Startup Summit by Bread & Jam

The Startup Summit by Bread & Jam

Have you got an incredible brand that's just launched or about to launch? Join 300+ emerging FMCG brands just like you at the Startup Summit by Bread & Jam on 20th May. This one day summit focuses on giving emerging brands the best kickstart on their entrepreneurial journey.

A full day of lively panel discussions & workshops specifically for startup brands. Find out:

• How to grow from the kitchen table into a scaling 7 figure business
• How to get your first retail listing - what margins do buyers expect? What do buyers want?
• Building your tribe - how can you do it on a shoestring budget?
• How to get your head around pricing, margins, MOQs & more?
• How to build your brand and catch the attention of shoppers?

What's happening?

🛒 Get listed at the Pitching Zone: Get your product in front of key speciality buyers and secure your first retail listing with private 1-1 meetings. Pitching applications will open on 21st April 2026.

✨ Pitch Perfect: Be one of 6 brands chosen to step into the spotlight and pitch your brand to a panel of specialiality buyers live on stage. Get your product in front of key speciality buyers and secure your first retail listing with private 1-1 meetings. Pitching applications will open on 28th April 2026.

👀 The Producers' Table: Showcase your product and get invaluable industry feedback

🤝Unrivalled Industry Networking: Rub shoulders with key industry players who can turbocharge your growth

🎤Absorb Wisdom From Industry Icons: Receive practical, actionable advice from the best in the business focused on working with startups.

🍻Complimentary Teas & Coffees and Lunch To Keep You Fuelled

Which retailers are going to be there?

We're putting together the retailer line up right now, so stay tuned! There'll be opportunities to apply to pitch to retailers in one to one meetings as well as a chance to pitch live on stage to an exciting panel of key speciality & fine food retail buyers that are actively searching for new brands.

I'm just starting out... Is this the event for me?

The Startup Summit is specifically for emerging brands who are just starting out. If you've never come to a Bread & Jam event before, this is the best place to start. As well as the great content, you'll also get to meet fellow first time entrepreneurs just like you.

I haven't launched yet... Is this the event for me?

Definitely! Save yourself ££ by getting ahead of the game, learning from the founders who have been there and done it so you don't make the same mistakes. You don't have to have a product yet or you could be at prototype stage.

Don't miss out on a day filled with opportunities, insights, and connections that could redefine your brand's trajectory. See you there! 🚀

About Bread & Jam

Bread & Jam are the organisers of the UK's biggest food and drink founders' festival. This annual, 2 day conference for emerging and scaling food and drink brands, brings together entrepreneurs, innovators, investors, buyers, media and industry leaders. There are also opportunities to pitch your product to buyers from delis, foodhalls, speciality retailers and supermarkets.

Bread & Jam also run a comprehensive programme of Summits throughout the year, covering a full range of topics within the industry.

Who are the founders?

Bread & Jam was founded by Jason Gibb and Tara Mei. Passionate about giving emerging brands the opportunities and network to succeed, they held the first food founders' festival in October 2016 at the Institute of Directors.