Food Ingredients Europe places sustainability at its heart

Preparations for this year’s Food Ingredients Europe are gathering pace, with the event next month in Paris set to feature a new sustainability hub, forming a key focus for the show, writes Neill Barston.

Last year’s dates proceeded despite ongoing pandemic conditions, with major businesses across the sector including Beneo, Bunge, Cargill, Kerry, Paradise Fruits, Rousselot and Symrise all set to participate.

The trade fair is being staged as a dual format, taking place online between 28 November- 23 December, and 6-8 December at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, attracting a broad audience from around the world.

As its organisers promise, this year’s show is set to be ‘the most environmentally friendly ever’ and will offer a showcase of some of the major innovations that are making an impact in the sector – including the continuing plant-based revolution that has taken hold across the food and drink industry, including within confectionery and snacks segments.

According to FIE, with issues such as climate change and supply chain disruption to human rights and food waste, it’s critical to get the right information to drive smarter business decisions. Consequently, its new Sustainability Hub offers two days of robust conference programming – open to all attendees – looking at topics including food waste, regenerative agriculture, the circular economy and more.

Dorothy Shaver, global food sustainability director, Unilever, will engage in a fireside chat on the importance and urgency of involving the consumer in the journey towards more sustainable consumption and lifestyle choices.

Leaders from the market research firms Innova Market Insights and Mintel will each present on different topics around sustainability. Mintel’s Emma Schofield will explore key sustainable ingredients of the future, including those produced by precision fermentation. And Nicole Jansen from Innova will explore the topic of upcycling, including new initiatives and how this aligns with consumer values.

Supply chain disruption is also centre stage, with sessions including the founder of Fresh.Land discussing how to create more sustainable supply chain models, tips from Blendhub on developing a collaborative network of food production hubs with robust stakeholder engagement, and a talk by Solidaridad on how to reclaim sustainability and transparency with tech solutions that maximize return.

In addition, Fi Europe remains committed to sustainability, exploring new ways to reduce the carbon footprint. The show is powered by 100% renewable energy, with all materials made from recycled material where possible. As show organisers, Informa Markets encourage the purchase of carbon offsets and work with local suppliers to ensure a positive impact on the local economy.

Fi Europe is also committed to diversity and inclusion efforts, looking to create a community where everyone is welcome, as reflected by a diverse range of speakers. During the event, attendees can register to attend the Women’s Networking Breakfast, a special event focused on addressing topics on gender equity in the food and beverage space, or attend an open networking reception developed in partnership with Women In Nutraceuticals, a global nonprofit focused on gender equity in the nutraceutical space.

“Food ingredients Europe has, for years, been committed to bringing the food and beverage industry the latest information on sustainability initiatives,” said Heather Granato, vice president of partnerships and sustainability. “At the same time, we work in partnership with the other events across Informa Markets to incrementally accelerate positive change by the events industry. Together, we can all take steps to ensure a more robust, inclusive and climate positive industry.” Tickets can be booked at  online: https://bit.ly/3UNfQ1B