LSE Generate, the entrepreneur hub at the London School of Economics, is preparing to launch the ‘Food & Beverage Deepdive Programme’, a new initiative aimed at assisting entrepreneurs in validating, building, and scaling their businesses within the food and beverage industry. This program is intended to provide an alternative career path for students who may typically pursue roles in banking, management consultancy, or policymaking. Nisha Ramisetty, the home lead at LSE Generate, has expressed the institute’s desire to bridge the gap between academia and the UK’s thriving food and drink industry by leveraging its network of successful alumni to cultivate the next generation of entrepreneurs. The program will offer networking opportunities, expert mentorship, and the chance to establish connections within the F&B community.
Nisha Ramisetty has emphasized the inclusive nature of the course, welcoming individuals across the wider London F&B fraternity who aspire to build successful F&B brands, while also learning from those who have walked similar paths in the past. The program, scheduled to launch on 23rd November, is structured around three key pillars: ‘Natter’, which includes networking events, co-working space access, and panels; ‘Nourish’, a developmental program aimed at upskilling F&B entrepreneurs; and ‘Nurture’, which focuses on supporting business development by facilitating investor and buyer matchmaking opportunities.
Ramisetty has highlighted the significant contribution of LSE alumni to the food and drink sector, noting that over 200 F&B businesses have been launched by LSE alumni in the past decade. She has cited successful ventures such as Five Guys, Toast Ale, and Love Corn, demonstrating the institute’s commitment to uncovering more exceptional brands with strong LSE connections that are willing to contribute to the future generation of disruptors in the food and drink space.
The program also aims to address skill gaps and inexperience, identified as the main barriers to start-up success. Ramisetty has likened the incubator programme to ‘speed-dating for entrepreneurs’, framing it as a safe and supportive environment where entrepreneurs can freely exchange ideas, seek advice, and learn from industry best practices. The course is adaptable to the dynamic F&B marketplace and is aligned with the changing needs of future founders, focusing on various skills, from building brand awareness on a budget to establishing partnerships with support agencies, managing payment terms, and navigating buyer expectations.
The initiative’s launch coincides with a challenging period in the new product development sphere, as the share of brand-new food and drink products on retail shelves has seen a noticeable decline. Research from Mintel reveals that food and drink product launches in the UK and Europe have decreased significantly in recent years, with the focus shifting towards new packaging designs. This trend is attributed to the sector’s struggles with food inflation costs, energy and ingredient expenses, and labour shortages. However, signs of relief in food inflation costs are beginning to emerge.
The Food & Beverage Deepdive Programme positions itself as a valuable asset in nurturing entrepreneurs and fostering innovation in the ever-evolving food and drink industry. With its comprehensive approach to skill development, mentorship, and industry connections, it aims to empower aspiring entrepreneurs to navigate the challenges of the F&B sector and contribute to its vibrant landscape.
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