The European edition of the Sustainable Foods Summit will be hosted in Amsterdam on 1-2nd June 2017. The summit comprises four dedicated sessions...
Although sustainability is en vogue in the food industry, questions remain about the current focus and long-term developments. Most food and beverage firms are preoccupied with reducing their environmental footprints. However, maybe the way forward is to look beyond incremental reductions and create positive impacts? The summit begins with an environmental visionary making the case for an overhaul of sustainability thinking.
A pioneering firm shares its experiences in setting up vertical farms for organic fresh produce. What are the benefits of such farms to retailers and consumers? The latest life-cycle analysis of food and beverages is presented, followed by a paper on the circular economy. Insights are given into the true costs of food and beverage products, whilst a leading smoothie brand shares its experiences in tackling the sustainability challenge. The session ends with panelists debating the role of sustainability metrics.
A growing number of food and beverage companies are re-formulating their products for sustainability. Companies are replacing contentious raw materials and / or adding new ingredients that have environmental / social benefits. This session covers such developments, placing emphasis on popular ingredient classes.
With food safety and authenticity a major concern for many operators, an update is given on traceability and analytical tools. An update is given on natural flavourings, plant-based proteins and vegetable oils. An international ingredients firm shares its experiences with sustainability schemes. What are the challenges when adopting several such schemes, and how much added value does it give to food ingredients? The subject is further explored in the panel discussion: adoption rates of certification schemes are rising, however what actual value is provided?
This session highlights marketing best-practices with reference to sustainable foods and beverages. An international retailer gives some insights into the growing complexity of sustainability. How is it prioritising its environmental and social objectives? Another paper looks at the advent of climate-friendly foods, whilst another retailer shares its experiences in building an ethical private label: how is it communicating the green features to consumers? A lawyer gives an update on regulations and labels for sustainable foods, whilst an industry expert highlights the role of smart packaging.
The session adjourns with featured speakers discussing the challenges when marketing sustainable products to consumers. What are some of the pitfalls when reaching out to the ethical consumer? What can be done to make green marketing more effective?
This session covers developments in social and customer impacts. How can brands enhance the social value of their products? What are the social risks of ingredient supply chains? How is fair trade creating social benefits for growers in developing countries? What are the possibilities for creating such positive value for European growers? Such questions will be addressed in the opening seminars.
The second part of the session examines customer behaviour. Some fresh research on sustainable product purchases will be presented, followed by case studies on how positive change can be instigated in consumers. Insights will be given on how consumers can be encouraged to make sustainable purchases and consume products responsibly. To conclude, the panel will discuss the major barriers to changing consumer behaviour.
Please contact us to get the detailed summit agenda.
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