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Future Food Forum 2024: Advancing Innovation and Emiratisation in the UAE Food Sector

Future Food Forum Charts Ambitious Path for Food Cluster Strategy and Emiratisation in the F&B Sector

Dubai, United Arab Emirates; 04 October 2024: The sixth edition of the Future Food Forum has successfully concluded, underscoring a powerful call for enhanced collaboration between public and private sectors to propel innovation and sustainability within the UAE’s food industry. This initiative aims to escalate the food sector’s contribution by an impressive US$10 billion by the year 2030, aligning with the strategic goals outlined in the Cluster Strategy.

Organized by the UAE F&B Business Group (F&B Group) under the esteemed patronage of the UAE Ministry of Economy, the forum centered on the theme “Future Consumer, Future Government, and Future Food,” in strategic partnership with the Dubai Chamber. FoodTech Valley acted as an organizing partner, emphasizing the necessity of investing in local talent development to foster innovation and leadership in the sector.

The second day of the forum witnessed the F&B Group announcing the upcoming Global Food Security Summit, which will take place in Abu Dhabi this November. This summit aims to convene industry leaders, experts, and policymakers to tackle the pressing challenges of food scarcity and ensure a resilient food system for future generations.

During the event, the Future Food Forum hosted a significant award ceremony for the F&B Group’s Emiratisation initiative, Ishraq. Dr. Eesa Al Bastaki, President of the University of Dubai, presented the Ishraq graduates with their certificates and remarked, “To effectively prepare Emiratis for the private sector, companies must focus on nurturing proactive, adaptable, and strategic thinking. The Ishraq program, a cornerstone of Emiratisation efforts, has equipped candidates with essential skills to not only find their place in the workforce but to also drive positive change. Building on this success, we are excited to introduce the F&B Innovation Challenge in collaboration with the F&B Group, aimed at inspiring and empowering young Emiratis to contribute innovative ideas and solutions to the F&B sector, thereby driving growth and development in the region.”

The Ishraq program, initiated by the F&B Group, is designed to train young Emiratis, providing them with a comprehensive understanding of the HR function in the UAE, particularly within the private sector and its Emiratisation drive. An insightful presentation delivered by Andrey Dvoychenkov, General Manager of Arabian Peninsula and Pakistan at NielsenIQ, highlighted how the increasing consumer focus on health and wellness is influencing product development across various industries. He stated, “UAE consumers are prioritizing health and convenience in their shopping habits. Notably, smaller brands are outpacing larger ones with double the sales growth in total FMCG, especially through e-commerce. Furthermore, over 30% of consumers are now willing to spend more on products that provide health and wellness benefits and are ready to pay a premium for convenience, often switching retailers to access such products.”

Key sessions at the forum delved into automation and sustainable practices throughout the food supply chain. Dr. Darius Ngo from Yokogawa emphasized the significance of composable manufacturing execution systems (MES) in achieving sustainable food production, which allows for enhanced flexibility and scalability. A panel discussion on “The Road to Zero Food Waste” highlighted the potential of digital platforms and AI solutions to minimize food waste by connecting surplus food from businesses to communities in need.

Additionally, another panel discussion focused on the Clean Label Movement, shedding light on the surging demand for clean-label products and the critical importance of transparency in food labeling. Panelists discussed the challenges and opportunities manufacturers face in meeting consumer expectations while adhering to regulatory requirements.

Saleh Lootah, Chairman of the UAE F&B Business Group, expressed his optimism as the forum concluded, stating, “As we wrap up this Future Food Forum, I am filled with hope for the future of the food industry. Together, we have examined innovative solutions, discussed emerging trends, and celebrated the accomplishments of our industry leaders. By promoting collaboration, embracing technology, and investing in local talent, we can cultivate a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable food system for future generations. I am confident that the insights gained from this event will spur meaningful changes and contribute to a thriving and sustainable food sector in the region. Let us continue our efforts to create a future where food is abundant, accessible, and nourishing for everyone.”

He concluded by thanking the strategic partners and sponsors for their invaluable support. The event was backed by some of the leading brands in the industry, including Agthia, Al Ghurair Foods, Al Ain Farms, IFFCO, AlIslami Foods, Almarai, BRF, and Tetra Pak, as well as industry organizations like IFPA.

About Future Food Forum 2024: The Future Food Forum 2024 is hosted by the UAE Food & Beverage Business Group. It aims to connect and develop the food and beverage manufacturing industry and empower industry growth. This event is the largest gathering of top executives and policymakers, discussing evolving consumption patterns and fostering holistic health and well-being. The Forum will address trends and challenges within the region’s F&B sector. Through interactive panel sessions, CEO roundtables, and other activities, the Future Food Forum 2024 strives to become a comprehensive platform for learning best practices.

For more information, visit: futurefoodseries.com

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