UAE Food & Beverage Business Group (F&B Group), under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Economy and Dubai Chamber of Commerce, has announced that the 5th edition of the Future Food Forum 2023 will take place on 20 and 21 September 2023.
Future Food Forum 2023, supported by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, continues to drive the progress of the F&B sector and symbolizes the relentless efforts of key stakeholders in the field to promote sustainable well-being.
According to the statement, “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. This has led to more manufacturers and grocery shops offering plant-based, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. Research shows that 88 percent of consumers in the region are willing to pay more for healthier food.”
One of the largest platforms hosting top executives and policymakers, Future Food Forum 2023 will address evolving consumption patterns and analyze various aspects of growth in the F&B sector, which is expected to reach $94.4 billion this year. It will discuss trends and challenges in investments, innovation, food security, and retail.
Mr. Saleh Lootah, Chairman of the UAE Food and Beverage Business Group, said that, “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. 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.”
“The Forum is taking place a few weeks before COP28, and we hope to discuss the key challenges and opportunities in the F&B sector and its contribution to the UAE’s net zero targets and global food security and create a roadmap for industry leadership. At the core of future food innovation lies the promotion of robust collaboration and alliances to build a resilient and sustainable food ecosystem,” Mr. Lootah added.
As per the statement, 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. With participation from leading business councils worldwide and organizations, such as the International Islamic Food Processors Association (IFPA), the Forum will lay the roadmap for enabling the food sector’s trade ecosystem to achieve economic and climate sustainability goals in the UAE.
