The next edition of the Sustainable Foods Summit will take place in Amsterdam on 7-8th June 2012. Like the previous editions, it will bring together key stake-holders (food manufacturers & retailers, ingredient suppliers, industry organisations & certification agencies, investors, packaging companies, etc.) and create a forum to debate and discuss key issues in a high-level forum. To request more information on the upcoming summit, including detailed programme, please contact us
The North American edition of the Sustainable Foods Summit took place in San Francisco, 17-18th January 2012. View the summit pics here
The San Francisco summit comprised four key sessions...
The opening session featured some of the major sustainability
developments in the food industry. Following a keynote on the role
of co-operatives in encouraging sustainability, paper looked at
the various ways organisations are reducing their environmental
and social impacts.
The importance of sustainable agriculture - especially in relation
to food security and climate change - was highlighted. A pioneering
natural food company shared its experiences in measuring and
communicating its environmental footprint. Other papers discussed
emerging eco-labels, retailing perspectives, and food autheticity.
The morning session adjourned with a panel discussion on whether
sustainability metrics can work in conjunction with, or could
potentially replace, eco-labels.
This session highlighted the growing use of sustainable ingredients
in food and beverage products. What are the some of the
popular types of sustainable ingredients? How can companies de-commoditise
their ingredients by sustainable production? Papers
looked at how sustainable ingredients can provide traceability
and transparency, as well as create positive impacts.
The second part of the session honed in on sustainable proteins.
Livestock products have come under the spotlight because they
generate most agricultural greenhouse gases. However, what are the
alternatives to livestock proteins? What solutions are provided by
sustainable meats? Are major wholesale changes in diets required or
are plant-based proteins the way forward? Key speakers covered such
issues.
The role of marketing & distribution cannot be overstated since it
can mean the difference between the the success and failure of
products. This session looked at the major developments in relation
to sustainable food products. Case studies were given of
organisations / brands who are successfully riding the ecological
and ethical wave.
The opening keynote discussed the impact mobile technology is
having on consumer purchases of sustainable products. The growth of local
markets and regional food supply was explored, followed by a paper
on the distribution & logistic challenges. Mobile
technology applications to meet the informational needs of green consumers
was discussed in more detail by a featured speaker.
Other papers covered the potential of raw foods, market8ing claims
and ethical finance. Latest findings on consumer behavior towards eco-labels and sustainable
products were presented. Key speakers formed a panel to discuss green marketing
conundrums.
Packaging has the highest environmental footprint of food &
beverage products. Although there is growing pressure to reduce the
packaging footprint, few companies have made strides in this area.
This session reviewed the various sustainable packaging options
available, giving case studies of pioneers adopting such
packaging.
Topics covered recycled packaging innovations, developments
in novel packaging, the importance of eco-design, biopolymers in
packaging, and Cradle-to-Cradle design. Two leading green
brands shared their experiences in adopting sustainable
packaging solutions.
The conference proceedings are available for a small professional fee. Click here for further details.
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