• November 7 – 9, 2023

Gulfood Manufacturing - Foodtech

HealthyPath drove insightful sessions at GulFood Manufacturing on:

• Panel discussion on “Plant-based Produce - Potential, Progress, Pitfalls, and Profits”

  HealthyPath moderated a panel of luminaries, featuring Edward Hamod, Founder & CEO of Switch Foods; Olga Bezukladova, Regional Head of Innovation for SAMEA at Givaudan; and Reinier Weerman, General Manager for the Middle East, Israel & North Africa at Upfield, to discuss the expansive landscape of plant-based produce. Adapting food innovations in harmony with local social norms and cuisine is paramount for successful innovation. Key challenges to adopting plant-based food options remain texture, taste, tendency for overly processed food, cost parity with meat, and regulations. To Silverline, emerging local players are starting to address these concerns, localizing plant-based options based on local traditions and cuisine and making them more mainstream food. However, there is still an opportunity to raise awareness about plant-based food's health impacts and environmental benefits.

• Fireside Chat on “Performance and Functional Foods”

  In a fireside Chat on Performance and Functional Foods with Krishna Mohan Puvvada, VP Consumer Biosolutions & Regional President Middle East, India, Africa at Novozymes, and Laurent Simonpietri, Head MEA, Turkey & Central Asia at BASF Nutrition Ingredients, Mira El Ghaziri held a discussion around the pivotal role of the food and beverage industry in public health through functional foods and fortification. It emphasized the role of food fortification in addressing nutrient deficiencies and fostering nutritional equity, especially for economically disadvantaged populations. The fireside Chat underscored the necessity for collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors to establish a supportive ecosystem for innovative and sustainable food initiatives.

• Panel on “Shaking and Stirring the Food and Beverage Industry Through Investment”

  The dynamic discussion was help with a panel of industry trailblazers including Adam Adamek (Innovation Director, EIT), Shorooq Partners), Erich Sieber (Founder & General Partner, PeakBridge), and Ramzi Schumann (Venture Partner MENA, Lever VC). The conversation unraveled investment trends in the area of alternative proteins and agritech, access challenges, and the role of innovators in shaping the future of food security in the Middle East. The panel also addressed challenges such as regulatory hurdles and IP issues, offering insights on creating an enabling ecosystem for startups. Aspiring innovators learned how to access capital, particularly in alternative proteins and agri-food tech. The session concluded with reflections on the evolving F&B industry and actionable recommendations for investors and entrepreneurs, making it a compelling exploration of the transformative landscape of F&B investment.

• Fireside Chat: The future of food is LEAN and GREEN

  In a compelling chat with Mohamed Samir, Board Member of Al Safi Danone and Former CEO of Al Yasra Foods, the challenges and opportunities facing the food and beverage industry were addressed. The imperative for sustainability, ESG commitments, and navigating regulatory complexities were explored, shedding light on the industry's journey towards a LEAN and GREEN future. The conversation highlighted successful ESG journeys in various countries and concluded by emphasizing the crucial role of collaboration and innovation in shaping a transformative and sustainable F&B landscape.