Enterprise Ireland Hosts Food Evolution: A Forum on the Future of Food Tomorrow

DUBLIN — Enterprise Ireland, the government organization responsible for the development and growth of Irish enterprises in world markets, will host a virtual event, Food Evolution: A Forum on the Future of Food, May 27, 2021.

 

The event will bring together global thought leaders, international food development agencies and speakers from food and beverage multinationals. They will highlight the growing importance of consumer-centric innovation, food security, the regulatory landscape and the need for a commitment to sustainability across the sector. Speakers include representatives from The Kraft Heinz Company, Kellogg’s, Danone, Kerry, Mintel, Dairygold and the EU Commission. The event will be officially opened by Leo Varadkar, Ireland’s Tánaiste (Deputy Prime Minister) and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

 

The forum will provide a global platform for the food and beverage sector to engage and interact with industry peers and discuss the benefits that Ireland and Europe have to offer companies looking to evolve and scale their global footprint.

 

Enterprise Ireland said the global food and beverage industry is highly consumer-driven and has witnessed phenomenal growth due to factors like increasing population, technological advancements, streamlined manufacturing processes and improved cold chain facilities.

 

However, the organization continued, the events of 2020 have caused a fundamental reset in human behavior, resulting in a significant shift in consumer purchases and attitudes across this industry. This shift has increased the need for food and beverage companies to constantly innovate and transform how they do business to attain a competitive edge.

 

In Europe, Ireland has been at the heart of this transformative sector, according to Enterprise Ireland, employing more than 60,000 people, generating international sales of over $50 billion, and playing host to some of the largest players in the industry such as Abbott, Danone, Pernod Ricard and Diageo.

 

“Ireland is developing advanced products and ingredients for global markets, with the use of world-leading, sustainable food systems," said Julie Sinnamon, CEO of Enterprise Ireland. "Ireland has built an innovation-driven culture and is now firmly on the global map in terms of excellence in food research."