Future Food Forum event set to study the MENA sector
F&B sector projected to reach AED347.39 billion in 2023
The UAE Food & Beverage Business Group, under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Economy and Dubai Chamber of Commerce, will host the 5th edition of the Future Food Forum 2023 from September 20-21, 2023, in Dubai City.
The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism supports the event.
One of the largest platforms hosting top executives and policymakers, Future Food Forum 2023 will address evolving consumption patterns and analyse various aspects of growth in the F&B sector, which is expected to reach AED347.39 billion ($94.4 billion) this year.
It will discuss trends and challenges in investments, innovation, food security, and retail to enable solutions that ensure end consumers’ holistic health and well-being.
Consumption paradigms
Against the backdrop of optimism generated by growing populations and higher per capita disposable income, the conference will address changing consumption paradigms.
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 organisations, 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.
Saleh Lootah, Chair of the UAE Food and Beverage Business Group, said: “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.
Meeting platform
“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.”
While the UAE ranks on top in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region for food security among the 56 countries with the lowest risk in terms of managing food security, most countries in the MEA region rely heavily on food imports and face disruptions in food supply chains due to factors such as geopolitical conflicts, and drought or floods.
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% of consumers in the MENA region are willing to pay more for healthier food.
Future Food Forum 2023 is supported by sponsors, including IFFCO, AGTHIA, Almarai, SGS and Hayatna as leading partners, and industry organisations such as IFPA.
Featured image: Delegates attend a past edition of the Future Food Forum in Dubai City. Image: UAE Food & Beverage Business Group
