LCF 2026 PREVIEW


FOOD FUTURIST JOINS ROSTER FOR LONDON CHOCOLATE FORUM 2026


Tony Hunter joins London Chocolate Forum 2026 to examine how Generation Alpha, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies will impact consumer behaviour and the future of the chocolate industry.


L


ondon Chocolate Forum 2026 is delighted to announce that Tony Hunter, internationally renowned Food Futurist,


author and strategic foresight consultant, will deliver a keynote titled “Gen Alpha Rising: The Born Digital, AI Powered Consumer of the Future.” As the chocolate industry looks beyond


today’s market pressures, understanding the next generation of consumers has become a strategic


priority. Tony’s


keynote will explore how Generation Alpha—the first generation to grow up entirely in a world of smartphones, artificial


intelligence


connectivity—will transform the way food is discovered, purchased and consumed. With an estimated two billion members worldwide, Generation Alpha is


influence is already shaping


and always-on


set


to become the largest generation in history. While many are still children, their


family purchasing decisions, digital commerce and food trends. As they grow into adulthood, their expectations around personalisation, sustainability, convenience and technology will redefine how brands engage with consumers across


every


WITH AN ESTIMATED TWO BILLION MEMBERS


category, including


chocolate and confectionery. Drawing on the latest consumer research


and emerging technology trends, Tony will examine the values and behaviours that distinguish Generation Alpha from previous generations, and why artificial intelligence is likely to become one of the biggest influences on purchasing decisions over the coming decade. From AI-powered shopping assistants and personalised nutrition to predictive recommendations and digital product discovery, the keynote will explore how intelligent technologies are changing the relationship between consumers and brands. Delegates will gain practical insight


into how manufacturers can prepare for a marketplace where AI increasingly


10 • KENNEDY’S CONFECTION • JULY 2026


WORLDWIDE, GENERATION ALPHA IS SET TO BECOME THE LARGEST GENERATION IN HISTORY


influences product recommendations, purchasing behaviour


and


KFC, venture capital firms, governments and leading consultancies on the future of food, agriculture, health and wellness. Having spoken on four continents and contributed regularly to international television, radio and industry publications, he has become one of the food sector’s leading voices on technological disruption and long-term consumer trends. Welcoming the announcement, Kiran


brand


loyalty. The session will also consider how evolving consumer expectations around sustainability, transparency and innovation will shape future product development and marketing strategies. Tony brings a unique perspective to these


discussions, combining scientific expertise with strategic foresight. As a Food Futurist, food scientist and consultant, he advises global organisations including PepsiCo,


Grewal, Editor of Kennedy’s Confection and organiser of London Chocolate Forum 2026, said: “One of the greatest opportunities for our industry is to look beyond the immediate challenges and understand what chocolate consumption will look like over the next decade. Tony has an exceptional ability to connect emerging technologies with real commercial opportunities, helping businesses prepare for trends before they become mainstream. As AI has more of an impact on our day-to-day lives, it will change how consumers discover,


choose and interact with


brands. This keynote will offer invaluable insight for everyone involved in the future of chocolate.”


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