Mitch is a passionate vegan and champion of all things free-from. In 2018 he launched a ready meal range 'Mitch's Kitchen' focusing on whole food plant based ingredients, free from nuts, gluten, palm oil & refined sugars. Over the past few years he has worked for meat successor brand Heura, and now Purezza & La Fauxmagerie - pioneers of plant based cheese. He is a keen member of the FMCG community known for his knowledge and views on the industry. For the past 2 years he has been a Free From & Great Taste Award Judge so his taste-buds are well versed. He is excited to be on the panel to help judge the 2024 Plant-Based Taste Awards now too!

Vegan Culinary expert Sushma Raval hails from Bromley, Kent, offering a range of nutritious vegetarian and vegan products and cook-a-long experiences focusing on best practices and mindful eating habits. Naani Maa’s is a family-run business, with her husband and sous chef, Chetan, who shares her passion about the healing properties of food. Sushma creates magic by adding her modern twist to a secret family recipe. Her famous Artisan Spices and cashew nuts are her pride and joy. Her mission is to Create gourmet Indian food for the mind, body, and soul.

Her Indian heritage and spirituality are central to her life. When she is not cooking or crafting new and delightful recipes in her super secret lab, she spends her time reading, meditating, dancing, and observing mindful practices. Reiki anyone?

Steph is passionate about food and drink through and through. Her current role is Business Development Manager at HRA Global, a food and drink consultancy based in Devon.

Her experience includes working for Riverford Organic Farmers and a Swedish energy drink company, focusing on event management and trade show activations. As a keen foodie and vegetarian, Steph thrives on organising both in-person and virtual events that engage customers.

In her spare time, she competes in CrossFit or seeks out local independent restaurants, blending her love for fitness and exploring culinary delights. Her enthusiasm and connection skills make her an asset in food and beverage consultancy.

Melissa Bradshaw is the editor of The Plant Base, FoodBev Media’s publication dedicated to the dissemination of news and insights on the plant-based food and beverage sector.

As a passionate advocate for all things plant-based, Melissa is keenly interested in delving into the developments of a forward-thinking and dynamic industry, exploring the latest innovations on offer and how the market is evolving.

She is interested in learning more about companies working to create meaningful change and pave the way for a greener, healthier planet.

In her role, Melissa reports on new product innovations, groundbreaking new technologies, sustainability initiatives and more. She also helps with the output of news for the FoodBev website, alongside the rest of the editorial team, sharing news and analysis from across the broader food and beverage industry worldwide.