From 15 to 17 June, Bilbao became the world capital of innovation in FoodTech with the first edition of Food 4 Future – Expo FoodTech 2021, held at the Bilbao Exhibition Centre-BEC. An international event, organised by AZTI and Nebext, designed by and for professionals in the food and beverage industry. The event sought answers to the major challenges facing the sector: how to optimise processes through technology, how to develop more sustainable and efficient business models, and what are the trends in the production of new foods and ingredients.
Here are the key findings and main conclusions reached at the event Food 4 Future 2021:
Food has shaped the world and human development throughout history and will continue to do so in the future.
Demographic challenge, the great transformer of future food.
Safe and healthy food supply for all people.
Integral food based on values: origin, animal welfare, protection of natural resources.
Education, training of people is a priority and social commitment of the brands.
Sustainability, the great challenge of food
Reduction of CO2 emissions
Efficiency in processes, less water and energy consumption
Reduction of food waste
Valorisation of by-products
New protein sources: insects, biotechnology, mushrooms, algae, meat/dairy substitutes
Sustainable packaging and containers
Digitalisation as a lever for sustainability, health and connecting with the consumer:
How they are produced/ Transparency
Information / Trust
Availability / Convenience
Channel shift to multi-channel
All consumer sales channels are mixed.
E-commerce will grow but not equally in all categories: significant growth in dry goods, moderate growth in grocery.
Priority on fresh produce, back to the origins and local.
Ecosystems emerge in distribution: physical and digital shopping experience.
Health from a more natural diet, simpler recipes, new ingredients as the basis of a healthier diet for more aware consumers.
