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.

KEYNOTE

SUSTAINING AND SECURING FOOD CHAIN

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.

Session Chair: Sumeet Mathur, Managing Director, Friesland Campina, Middle East and Africa

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.

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.

Session Chair: Priya Sarma, Head of Corporate Affairs & Sustainability, UNILEVER

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.

KEYNOTE

SUSTAINABLE FOOD & BEVERAGE BUSINESS - GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE

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.

Session Chair: Wael Ismail, Vice President, Corporate Affairs, PEPSICO