The fifth edition of the event is organised by the UAE Food and Beverage Manufacturers Group
UAE Food & Beverage Business Group (F&B Group), under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Economy and Dubai Chamber of Commerce, has announced the 5th edition of the Future Food Forum 2023.
The event is supported by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and will take place on 20 and 21 September 2023.
One of the largest platforms hosting top executives and policymakers, Future Food Forum 2023 will address evolving consumption patterns and analyse various aspects of growth in the F&B sector, which is expected to reach US$ 94.4bn this year. It will discuss trends and challenges in investments, innovation, food security, and retail to enable solutions that ensure end consumers’ holistic health and well-being, according to a press communique.
Growing populations
Against the backdrop of optimism generated by growing populations and higher per capita disposable income, the conference will address changing consumption paradigms. The Forum will underline the progress of the UAE F&B sector while discussing market access domestically and internationally, fostering investment opportunities and managing market risks, such as inflation, food security and climate change impact.
“The market has become highly dynamic, and as a result, all industry players have been significantly impacted in recent years. The industry has had to adapt to changing trends, shifting consumer preferences, evolving opinions on health and wellness and rising inflation.
Creating opportunities
The Forum is a platform for stakeholder interaction and creating partnership opportunities for various government and private sector players to drive the regional F&B sector forward,” commented Saleh Lootah, Chairman, UAE Food and Beverage Business Group.
While the UAE ranks on top in the Middle East and Africa for food security among the 56 countries with the lowest risk in terms of managing food security, most countries in the MEA rely heavily on food imports and face disruptions in food supply chains due to factors such as geopolitical conflicts, and drought or floods.
In light of these, various topics discussed at the event include Boosting Food Security and Driving Environmental Sustainability, Venture capital and funding trends in food tech startups, Impact investing and sustainable food initiatives, the Role of food systems in global climate dialogue, analysing the pros and cons of wellness trends and other issues.
Potential collaborations
“As a strategic partner of Future Food Forum, we look forward to meeting stakeholders and exploring potential collaborations. Food Tech Valley is on a mission to grow a sustainable food ecosystem for the UAE, aligning with the government’s strategy and directive,” asserted Ahmed Al Shaibani, Project Head, Food Tech Valley.
“Key partnerships between different stakeholders in the F&B sector are vital to build a resilient sustainable supply chain and empower our business environment,” he continued.
The event’s overarching theme of ‘Inspiring Sustainable Well-being’ will resonate with the F&B manufacturing landscape in the MENA region; discussions will focus on consumers looking for healthier alternatives to conventional fast food and ready meals.
Plant based foods
This has led to more manufacturers and grocery shops offering plant-based, vegetarian and gluten-free options. In fact, research shows that 88% of consumers in the region are willing to pay more for healthier food.
“This will be a great opportunity to put UAE food manufacturing on the map within the international healthy FMCG industry. The event presents a to be at the forefront of the healthy food movement in the Middle East and learn from global industry keynote speakers and our innovative international product showcase,” noted Ronald Holman, Event Director.
The two-day event is supported by a growing list of sponsors, including IFFCO, AGTHIA, Almarai, SGS and Hayatna as leading partners, and industry organisations such as IFPA. The Forum set the stage for several high-octane panel discussions and presentations assessing F&B sector trends and showcasing government engagement with the food and beverage sector.
