The long-term success, sustainability and profitability of food processing firms across the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (Measa) will be determined by the innovative approaches companies adopt in maximising food technology investment, according to experts.

They were speaking at the Food and Beverage Industry Investment Summit at this week’s inaugural Gulfood Manufacturing, a sector-specific food processing trade event at the Dubai World Trade Centre which concluded today (November 11)

The two-day summit was spilt into daily themes of ‘Economic and Investment Outlook for the Food Manufacturing Industry’ and ‘Operation and Best Practices in Food Manufacturing.’

It brought together a high-profile panel of powerhouse speakers from regional and international public and private sectors.

With the need for innovation resonating throughout, the global experts debated issues ranging from food security, food safety, halal agro food and franchising opportunities, to adoption of best industry practices and the role of Free Zones as investment conduits to spur growth.

Dennis Jonsson, president and CEO, Tetra Pak, who delivered a keynote presentation on ‘Powering Innovation in Food Processing and Packaging’ to more than 400 delegates, said: “The Middle East and the wider region represent one of the world’s most dynamic markets.

“The food and beverage industry is facing a new era, an era that will bring us incredible opportunities as well as an array of challenges. It is up to us all to recognise the emerging trends, and to stay ahead of them, developing the innovative products and the packages that meet the changing needs of future consumers. We need to embrace new ideas, new technologies, new solutions and new ways of partnering with each other.”

With the GCC currently importing between 80 to 90 per cent of its food requirements and demand expected to grow by 50 per cent over the next 20 years, the importance of innovative investment in regional food processing and manufacturing companies was highlighted as a key enabler in combating food security issues across the Arabian Gulf and beyond.

Vishal Tikku, vice president and area director, Middle East, Mondelez International, said: “Food security in the Middle East is becoming increasingly challenging, as globally more resources are being consumed.

“By 2050, it is estimated that the world will need 70 to 100 per cent more food, so it is essential that food companies invest in innovative solutions in sustainable farming, microenterprises and nutrition education to improve food security and provide economic opportunities in developing food producing nations. Consumers can play a role as well by choosing products made with sustainably sourced ingredients or less packaging. By addressing these issues now, we can start to protect supply for generations to come.”

Talking about the importance of strategic public and private sector partnerships to tackle food security issues, Dr Saad A Khalil Esa, director, Office of King Abdullah Initiative for the Agricultural Investment Abroad, Ministry of Agriculture of Saudi Arabia said that public and private sector partnership are very important to achieve the required food security across the GCC region and high-profile events like the Food & Beverage Industrial Investment Summit at Gulfood Manufacturing help brings delegates together to further progressive dialogues and identify equipment and technology solutions which can aide the region’s food processing industry.

Trixie LohMirmand, senior vice president, Exhibitions and Events Management, DWTC, said: “By enabling large multinational food producers to explore Meassa expansion avenues and providing a platform for regional food manufacturers to source the latest ingredients, processing machinery, packaging equipment and logistics, warehousing and cold chain solutions to replace and upgrade production line equipment and enable faster, cheaper and cost-effective production of safer and more reliable products, Gulfood Manufacturing is building an innovative legacy which will shape the region’s food processing landscape for years to come.”

Running alongside the summit, the two-day Bakery Innovations Summit - presented by Knowledge Partner, Bakery Initiatives of the Netherlands – also concluded on the second day of Gulfood Manufacturing.

It was a specialist platform for investors and industrial bakeries to meet regional and global bakery sector experts. The summit featured 12 thought-provoking, knowledge-sharing sessions designed to encourage regional development strategies amid increasing market demand for innovative offerings.

The topics included everything from the volatility of the world grain market and the functional principles of vacuum cooling, to best practicing in labelling, future of sourdough and the frozen bakery segment. - TradeArabia News Service