Chris Seow, founder of Reflections of The Lord Mayor, a not-for-profit company that captures and celebrate the wisdom, experiences, and civic contributions of the City of London’s Lord Mayors, was a guest of the Cooks Company at the 2025 City Food and Drink Lecture.
Attending for the first time, here are Chris’s thoughts and reflections on the lecture…
(Rathbones is the premium sponsor, & Noble Foods is one of the Golden sponsors)
“The keynote speaker, John Shropshire OBE, Chairman of G’s Group, delivered an insightful and candid lecture, “Preparing to Farm for 2040, with Success.” His reflections on the evolving farming landscape – balancing technology, labour, and policy – were thought-provoking. His deep respect for the workforce, suppliers, and customers stood out, alongside a personal and heartfelt tribute to his father’s legacy and the next generation continuing the journey.
“Some suggest farming lacks career appeal, but perhaps it’s all about how it’s communicated. John’s lecture, with well-crafted video clips and thoughtful insights, highlighted the innovation, technology, and commitment to employee development that make it an exciting and rewarding path.
“Despite these advancements, he emphasised the human aspect – valuing those who work the land and those who consume its produce. His critique of some governmental policies was both candid and constructive, raising essential points on the future of sustainable and successful farming.
“A lively panel Q&A session further enriched the evening’s discourse, offering engaging discussions and insights from industry leaders. HRH The Princess Royal brought the lecture to a close with a balanced yet forthright response, demonstrating her characteristic grace and depth of knowledge in the field.
“At the buffet supper in the Old Library, several stalls showcased their provisions, offering fascinating industry insights. I had the opportunity to speak with representatives from Driscoll’s UK, reportedly a global market leader in fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries, as well as the UK Agri-Tech Centre, whose mission is to discover, develop, and deliver scientifically robust and commercially viable agri-innovation in collaboration with science communities, industry, and government.
“The event concluded with a buffet by The Clink Events, where I had the pleasure of meeting Jonny Whitfield, its MD. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow attendees, including my hosts from the Worshipful Company of Cooks – the Late Master Paul Galpin, Past Master Virginia Bond, and Liveryman Herbert Berger, an esteemed chef.
“A special mention to the dessert table, which presented an overwhelming dilemma of choice – surely an unfair test of willpower! It was a fantastic evening celebrating food, farming, and an insider’s view of its future. Grateful to be part of it.”
The City Food and Drink Lecture is an annual, invitation-only high profile fixture in the City of London and international food and drink industry calendars. The lecture is delivered every year by a leading figure in the British food business who is invited to speak about the issues they regard as most important in shaping the way food is produced, distributed, marketed, sold and consumed. It is organised by the eight City Livery Companies with roots in the food industry – namely the Worshipful Companies of Bakers, Butchers, Cooks, Distillers, Farmers, Fishmongers, Fruiterers, Poulters.
March 2025
