Future Food Forum Highlights Emiratisation And Roadmap For UAE Food Cluster Strategy

The sixth Future Food Forum ended with a call for increased collaboration between public and private sectors. This collaboration aims to boost innovation and sustainability in the UAE's food industry, aligning with the Cluster Strategy's goal to enhance the sector's contribution by US$10 billion by 2030. The event was organised by the UAE F&B Business Group under the Ministry of Economy's patronage.

The forum emphasised investing in local talent to ensure innovation and leadership in the food sector. The F&B Group announced the Global Food Security Summit, set for November in Abu Dhabi. This summit will gather industry leaders, experts, and policymakers to tackle food scarcity challenges and build a resilient food system for future generations.

Dr. Eesa Al Bastaki, President of University of Dubai, awarded graduates of the Ishraq programme during the forum's award ceremony. He urged companies to prioritise developing proactive and strategic thinking among Emiratis for private sector success. "The Ishraq programme...has equipped candidates with the skills necessary to not only find their place in the workplace but to drive positive change," he stated.

Andrey Dvoychenkov from NielsenIQ shared insights on consumer trends, noting a shift towards health and wellness driving product development. "UAE consumers are increasingly prioritising health and convenience in their shopping habits," he explained. Smaller brands are seeing double sales growth compared to total FMCG, especially via e-commerce.

Key sessions at the forum explored automation and sustainable practices within the food supply chain. Dr. Darius Ngo from Yokogawa highlighted composable manufacturing execution systems' role in sustainable food production, offering flexibility and scalability. Digital platforms and AI solutions were discussed as tools to reduce food waste by connecting surplus food with communities in need.

Clean Label Movement and Industry Optimism

A panel on 'The Road to Zero Food Waste' discussed digital solutions for reducing waste. Another panel focused on the Clean Label Movement, highlighting growing demand for transparent food labelling. Panelists addressed challenges manufacturers face in meeting consumer expectations while adhering to regulations.

Saleh Lootah, Chairman of UAE F&B Business Group, expressed optimism about the industry's future: "As we conclude this Future Food Forum...we have explored innovative solutions...By fostering collaboration...we can build a more sustainable...food system." He believes insights from this event will drive meaningful change in the region's food sector.

The Ishraq programme offers young Emiratis comprehensive HR training focused on private sector Emiratisation efforts. Building on its success, F&B Group plans to launch an Innovation Challenge aimed at inspiring young Emiratis to contribute innovative ideas to drive regional growth in the F&B sector.

The forum also featured a presentation on digital platforms' potential to connect surplus food with those in need, aiming for zero waste. This aligns with broader discussions on automation's role in sustainable practices across supply chains, underscoring technology's importance in achieving sustainability goals.

The Future Food Forum highlighted key trends shaping consumer behaviour and industry practices. With a focus on health-conscious products and clean labels, it underscored transparency's importance in meeting evolving consumer demands while maintaining regulatory compliance across markets.

With inputs from WAM