Speaker Spotlight: Annie Dunne
Translating Food Trends into Commercial Reality
Understanding where hospitality is heading next — and how to respond in ways that actually drive growth — is at the heart of Annie Dunne’s work.
At Hospitality Expo 2026, Annie brings deep strategic insight into food trends, consumer behaviour and innovation as part of one of the show’s key future-focused panels.
About Annie Dunne
Annie Dunne is the founder of The Art of GRATE Food, a food innovation and insights consultancy helping businesses anticipate change, harness emerging trends and turn consumer insight into commercial success.
With more than 25 years’ experience across food manufacturing and retail in the UK and Ireland, Annie is widely recognised as a trusted authority on food and drink trends, product innovation and strategic growth.
Her career highlights include leading the revitalisation of the Harrods Food Halls in London and spearheading the development and international rollout of Harrods’ own-label food ranges.
This hands-on experience at the sharp end of premium retail gives Annie a rare perspective on how global trends, consumer expectations and brand strategy intersect in real-world hospitality and food businesses.
Through The Art of GRATE Food, Annie works with organisations navigating the complexity of future-focused product development, trend-led innovation and brand positioning, helping them move from insight to action with clarity and confidence.
A Leading Voice on Food, Hospitality & Consumer Change
Annie is a highly experienced speaker, moderator and industry contributor, regularly shaping conversations around:
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Emerging food and drink trends
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Sustainability and responsible innovation
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Changing consumer behaviour
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The future of hospitality and food-led experiences
Known for her practical, grounded insights, Annie cuts through trend noise to help hospitality professionals focus on the changes that truly matter — and ignore short-term hype.
Annie Dunne at Hospitality Expo 2026
Annie will join a leading panel exploring the key trends shaping hospitality in the year ahead and beyond.
🔹 Panel Session
Tuesday 10 February | 10:30
The Future of Hospitality Stage
The Future Trends Shaping Hospitality
Guest Panellist: Annie Dunne, Founder, The Art of GRATE Food
This session will explore:
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The trends shaping hospitality and food in 2026
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Why understanding trends matters for commercial decision-making
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Which consumer shifts are worth responding to — and which aren’t
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How operators can translate insight into action
Designed for operators, suppliers and industry leaders, the panel offers a clear-eyed look at what’s coming next and how to prepare for it.
Why This Session Matters
As margins tighten and guest expectations evolve, hospitality businesses need more than inspiration — they need insight that leads to action.
Annie Dunne’s contribution brings a strategic, commercially grounded lens to future trends, helping attendees understand what will genuinely shape success in the years ahead.
📍 See Annie Dunne Live at Hospitality Expo 2026
RDS Dublin | 10–11 February 2026
Free to attend for hospitality professionals.