Future Food 2021 - Future Food 2024

19 – 20 October, Dubai exhibition centre expo 2020 Dubai, UAE

FUTURE FOOD FORUM 2021

A regional gathering for thought leaders to share best practice, review forecasts and address opportunities
the UAE’s food and beverage business

Hosted by:

The forum theme ‘Transforming the Future of Food and Beverage Manufacturing’ is more than a tagline; a promise to create a central gathering that is authentic to food and beverage manufacturers; our challenges, opportunities and future.

The Future Food Forum 2021 united great minds in the industry with F&B leadership as we looked back on innovations over two challenging years, and also to plan together for the future. We hope to welcome you all to an even better event next year in September 2022.

500+

attendees

50+

speakers

30+

industry partners

30+

countries

Speakers of Future Food Forum 2021

Over 50+ industry leaders as they delve deep into key strategies for core issues faced by the industry, and more at the 2-day Future Food 2021 Forum.

H.E. Mariam Bint M. Al Mheiri

MINISTER OF CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENVIRONMENT, UAE

H.E. Abdulla Al Shamsi

Assistant Undersecretary Industry Growth Sector, MINISTRY OF INDUSTRY & ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY, UAE

Prof. Hussein Mansour

Chairman, FOOD SAFETY AUTHORITY, EGYPT

H.E. Essa Abdulla Al Ghurair

Chairman, ESSA AL GHURAIR INVESTMENTS

Saleh Lootah

Chairman, UAE FOOD & BEVERAGE MANUFACTURERS GROUP

Alan Smith

CEO, AGTHIA

Ahmed Bayoumi

CEO, GLOBAL FOOD INDUSTRIES

Dr Sami Carouba

President and CEO, REACH MEA

Andrew Taylor

President Growth Markets, TATE & LYLE

Jehaina AlAli

Food Permits and Applied Nutrition Section Manager, Dubai Municipality

Miguel Machado Cruz

Sales Manager, NEOTRON SpA – PART OF COTECNA GROU

Ashutosh Srivastava

Segment Manager for Food & Beverage, ABB

Kate Goodman

Business Unit President, Middle East, North Africa & Pakistan, MONDELEZ INTERNATIONAL

Sumeet Mathur

Managing Director, FRIESLANDCAMPINA, MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA

Jessy El Murr

Senior Journalist & Media Consultant, FORMER BBC AND SKY NEWS ARABIA

Future Food Forum 2021 programme

Day 1
19 Oct 2021
Day 2
20 Oct 2021

8:00

REGISTRATION AND NETWORKING COFFEE

8:30

CEO NETWORKING WITH MINISTER OF CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENVIRONMENT WITH F&B CEOS

9:30

SPEED NETWORKING

We understand you are to learn but you are also here to network and we want to ensure you get the most effective networking throughout the event. This session is speed networking, grab your business, prepare your 30 second intro as you are going to have the opportunity to meet the leaders in the industry in the next 15 minutes.

9:50

WELCOME ADDRESS

Now in its eighth successful year, the UAE Food & Beverage Manufacturers Group provide an industry update on the most recent developments and criticial changes affecting the local and global market. Sharing insights into the progress made by the Group and predictions for the future in relation to local capabilities, stakeholder regulation and working towards a quality and collaborative future.

9:55

KEYNOTE - THE FUTURE OF FOOD & BEVERAGE BUSINESS - THE GOVERNMENT'S COMMITMENT TO MANUFACTURERS

This keynote will share insights and commitments on how the government are working towards a more collaborative and supportive framework for new and existing Food and Beverage manufacturers.

10:05

KEYNOTE - SUSTAINING AND SECURING FOOD CHAIN

10:20

KEYNOTE - F&B MANUFACTURING LEADERSHIP AMIDST A GLOBAL PANDEMIC

10:30

PANEL DISCUSSION - THRIVING IN A CHALLENGING TARIFF AND REGULATORY SITUATION

The growing uncertainty in regard to tariff and trade issues that continue to occupy the market, this panel will discuss the rising uncertainties related to trade tariffs, regulatory controls, unlevel playing fields and other factors effecting food manufacturers globally as they debate the most innovative solutions, to manage their costs and continue to grow.

11:10

KEYNOTE - ENSURING SUSTAINABLE LIVESTOCK ECOSYSTEM THROUGH THE MULTILATERAL UMBRELLA OF IOFS

11:20

NETWORKING COFFEE BREAK

11:40

PANEL DISCUSSION - STABILISING F&B MANUFACTURING EMERGING FROM A GLOBAL PANDEMIC

The COVID-19 pandemic challenges food and beverage leaders to stabilize their business amid these challenging times at the same time prepare their organisations for a newly uncertain future. The decisions F&B leaders make in the near term will most likely drive how their organization is sustained in the long term. In an interesting debate F&B share interesting facts about how they made decisive action to soften the shocks yet to come, and at the same time prepare for what may change in the months ahead.

12:20

KEYNOTE - WHY RESILIENT FOOD PRODUCTION IS CRITICAL FOR SECURING NATIONAL FOOD SUPPLY

The F&B industry, governments and regulators all realise the need for a resilient supply chain that can secure a nation’s food security. The session addresses key challenges faced by the F&B stakeholders with options to overcome them.

12:35

KEYNOTE ADDRESS - KEY TRENDS THAT WILL SHAPE THE FUTURE OF PACKAGING TO 2030

12:50

PANEL DISCUSSION - REDUCE PACKAGING = REDUCE WASTE

One of the biggest culprits of the food industry’s environmental footprint is packaging. Explore how manufacturers are finding new ways to innovate, in their attempt to move towards biodegradable or minimal packaging options.

13:30

LIGHTNING TALKS 1 - Investing in next generation food and beverage processing systems

In a short 15 minute address, Khaled will explore the challenges and opportunities faced by F&B manufacturers, owners and investors when it comes to investing in next generation food and beverage processing systems.

13:45

LIGHTNING TALKS 2 - CHALLENGES WHILE CHOOSING THE SITE FOR A NEW FOOD OR BEVERAGE PLANT

In an interesting keynote, Saud will address key concerns faced by F&B industry while choosing the site for their next food or beverage plant. There will be major factors such as location, utilities, workforce availability and constructability of the site; there will also be somewhat smaller but still important factors such as tax incentives and possible site cleanup or other environmental concerns.

14:00

LIGHTNING TALKS 3 - ENERGY INSIGHTS: HOW IT IS BECOMING THE SECRET INGREDIENT FOR SUCCESSFUL FOOD AND BEVERAGE MANUFACTURING

Learn how food and beverage manufacturers can use improve energy costs and balance profitability with sustainability.

14:15

NETWORKING LUNCH

15:00

KEYNOTE - SUSTAINABILITY AS THE DRIVING FORCE OF BUSINESS AND PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

There’s no better time than today for Sustainability to be the driving force of our business and product development into the future, we can begin our journey with the spirit of partnership responding to the challenges and trends imposed by the rise in demand for sustainable goods. Let’s come together and look from a consumers, retailers and governmental lens to fill the need for that growing demand

15:15

KEYNOTE - SUSTAINABLE FOOD & BEVERAGE BUSINESS - GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE

15:30

KEYNOTE - SUSTAINABLE FOOD & BEVERAGE BUSINESS - REGIONAL PERSPECTIVE

15:45

Panel discussion - SUSTAINABILITY ACROSS THE FOOD & BEVERAGE BUSINESS - A LOCAL REFLECTION

From food packaging to the production line, consumers are searching for a greener alternative to food solutions. Consumers are demanding more sustainability in the practices and process of the food industry but how is the industry responding. Hear from local manufacturers and industry experts on the truth behind sustainable food, the transparency across the industry and how companies need to reinvent themselves to balance customers, environment and profits.

16:00

CEO ROUND TABLE-2 UAE AGRITECH ROUND TABLE

17:00

END OF DAY ONE - CLOSING REMARKS FROM UAE FOOD & BEVERAGE MANUFACTURERS GROUP

8:00

REGISTRATION AND NETWORKING COFFEE

8:30

CEO NETWORKING WITH MINISTER OF CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENVIRONMENT WITH F&B CEOS

9:25

WELCOME ADDRESS

Saleh Lootah Chairman, UAE FOOD & BEVERAGE MANUFACTURERS GROUP

9:40

KEYNOTE - THE FUTURE OF FOOD & BEVERAGE - BUSINESS THE GOVERNMENTS COMMITMENT TO MANUFACTURERS

This keynote will share insights and commitments on how the government are working towards a more collaborative and supportive framework for new and existing Food and Beverage manufacturers.

9:50

CONFERENCE RECAP OF DAY 1

9:55

FIRESIDE CHAT WITH H.E. ESSA AL GHURAIR AND JESSY EL MURR

Join Essa Al Ghurair in a fireside chat with Forbes Middle East’s Jessy El Murr. Essa Al Ghurair will discuss his mission as a pioneering UAE Food and Beverage Manufacturer. He’ll share how they overcome and thrived in challenging business situations setting up a food and beverage business that had the greatest impact in an emerging country such as United Arab Emirates.

10:15

KEYNOTE - NEW CONSUMER TRENDS THAT FOOD AND BEVERAGE COMPANIES EXPECT POST COVID-19 PERIOD

This keynote provided an overview on how the F&B business value chain is taken a different direction. From the introduction of automated, contactless sales amidst the rising food safety concerns to safe online purchasing and offline food delivery involving ‘no touch’ technology, the industry seems to be dancing to a very different tune. As a result, food and beverage companies are rolling out new initiatives to meet the seismic shift in consumer purchasing behavior.

10:30

PANEL DISCUSSION - PREPARING FOR THE MARKET REBOOT

Predicting consumer behaviors in a rebooting market is like wishful thinking. In an interesting round table discussion discover the critical data, key trends expert insight on the products and positioning that are driving purchase decisions worldwide. Session Chair: Dr Sami Carouba President and CEO, REACH MEA

11:25

NETWORKING COFFEE BREAK

11:40

KEYNOTE ADDRESS - NEW DIRECTIONS IN FOOD AND DRINK INNOVATION

11:55

PANEL DISCUSSION - WHY INNOVATION IS THE ANSWER?

The demand for innovation continues to rise globally. Following the rise of health-conscious consumers, closely regulated food and beverage markets, manufacturers are shifting their strategy to drive business success by innovative practices. Session Chair: Sumeet Mathur Managing Director, FRIESLANDCAMPINA, MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA

12:00

CEO ROUND TABLE SESSION LED BY MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND PREVENTION WITH F&B CEOS ON NATIONAL NUTRITION STRATEGY

12:35

KEYNOTE ADDRESS - KEY TRENDS THAT WILL SHAPE THE FUTURE OF PACKAGING TO 2030

12:25

UNDERSTANDING FOOD AND BEVERAGE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS IN THE EMERGING MARKETS

12:40

Food Programs in Dubai - Current and Future Perspective

13:00

LIGHTNING TALKS 4 - CHALLENGES WHILE SERVING CONTAMINANT FREE AND SAFE FOOD AND BEVERAGES TO THE DEMANDING AND CONNECTED CONSUMERS OF TOMORROW

In an interesting talk, Miguel will share from his experience in serving International F&B players in helping them face the challenge of serving contaminant free and safe food and beverage products. His talk will also focus on recent safety demands placed on organic sector and traditional food companies as a consequence of consumers demand and new legal requirements while entering new markets.

13:30

LIGHTNING TALKS 5 - KEY CHALLENGES WHILE PLANNING FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN FOOD AND BEVERAGE PRODUCTION

Efficiency is at the heart of all challenges facing food manufacturers. Cutting costs and delivery times boost profits. In an interesting presentation, Ashutosh will throw more insights on the steps toward improving your plant and enhancing your energy efficiency and lowering CO2 foot print

13:45

KEYNOTE - WOMEN IN THE FOOD INDUSTRY

How manufacturers are reinventing their approach to attracting, retaining and developing women in the food & beverage manufacturing business.

14:00

PANEL DISCUSSION - WOMEN IN FOOD

This female only panel will explore the strides, challenges and opportunities for balancing the food and beverage industry and ensuring equal opportunity and representation.

14:40

NETWORKING LUNCH

15:20

KEYNOTE - HOW THE FUTURE OF FOOD BUSINESS WILL BE LOCALIZED AND SUPPORTED BY DIGITIZED FOOD QUALITY AND GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINS IN THE CLOUD

In an interesting keynote presentation, Henrik will explain how the future of food business is being redefined and rewired by localization, digitization and cloud. Citing interest case studies, he will take you through the current trends and help you understand what the future is unfolding for the food business and how to position your organisations to benefit from these mega trends or allow yourself not to be disrupted out of the market place.

15:35

PANEL DISCUSSION - DIGITAL DISRUPTION: PREPARING YOUR BUSINESS FOR THE E-COMMERCE REVOLUTION

Hear from different industry leaders and understand how e-commerce is changing the face of the entire food industry. Understand from leaders in manufacturing about how they are staying up-to-date with new information and transforming with the times. Session Chair: Shefa Alhalah, Senior Regional Manager, Middle East, NUTRICIA MIDDLE EAST DMCC

16:05

LIGHTNING TALKS 7 - HOW F&B MANUFACTURERS SHOULD ADDRESS CRITICAL RISKS WHILE TRANSITIONING TOWARDS A LOW CARBON ECONOMY

In an interesting keynote, Engie will highlight how F&B companies can reduce emissions cost-effectively and in line with the requirements of the Paris Climate Convention. Why and how climate change and the physical effects of global warming will affect your business? What are the opportunities that will arise for my company in the context of climate change?

16:35

LIGHTNING TALKS 8 - REDUCE WATER AND CHEMICAL USAGE IN THE FOOD AND BEVERAGE INDUSTRY

It is important for the food and beverage industry to guarantee safe production and at the same time deliver it in an efficient manner with minimum water and chemical usage.

16:50

INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION OF FOOD & BEVERAGE LEADERS

In an inspirational session listen to incubates, mentors, researchers and leaders sharing their experience from participating in the F&B Group’s much acclaimed Product Innovation Lab Programme where more than 5 participants successfully went through the process of F&B product development and are now close to commercializing their ideas.

17:15

END OF DAY TWO - CLOSING REMARKS FROM UAE FOOD & BEVERAGE MANUFACTURERS GROUP

17:25

Visit the Dubai Expo

Future Food Forum 2021 Supporters & Partners

The 5th Annual Future Food Forum 2023, organized by the UAE Food and Beverage Manufacturers Association under the auspices of Dubai Chamber of Commerce