Page 791 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT

Page 791 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - OCTOBER 2024

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10/16/24, 11:39 AM H.E. Abdullah Bin Touq Al Marri Opens Future Food Forum 2024, Says Food Security Is National Priority With Aim To Reduce Fo…
The meeting also reviewed key trends and highlighted the F&B sector's strong performance and future potential. In the previous year,
the UAE saw a total volume of food imports amounting to US$23 billion, while food exports reached US$6.6 billion. During the first
half of the year, the sector experienced a 20% growth in total trade. Food imports increased by 23%, and exports saw a 19% rise,
showcasing the UAE's commitment to bolstering its food security and expanding its role in the global food trade industry.

UAE Foodverse Launches: A Virtual Ecosystem for Data and Partnerships

One of the key announcements as F&B Group Chairman Saleh Abdullah Lootah opened the event was the launch of the UAE Foodverse
by the F&B Group. This innovative virtual platform aims to transform the nation's food ecosystem by offering real-time data, fostering
collaborations, and creating partnerships within the industry. The Foodverse will bridge the gap between industry stakeholders, enabling
seamless information sharing and more strategic decision-making in the food sector.

"UAE Foodverse is a revolutionary metaverse platform designed to connect the global F&B industry virtually. As part of the UAE's
Food Cluster Strategy, the Foodverse will foster collaboration, innovation, and trade within a virtual environment," said Saleh Lootah.
Some of the key features of the platform include educational modules to understand food security regulations and supply chain
management, VR-based interactive workshops for training and product demonstrations, gamified experiences targeting the Gen-Z and
future consumers, as well as a virtual marketplace for showcasing products, linking directly to e-commerce platforms, and streamlining
operations from farm to fork.

Agenda Highlight:
The Future Food Forum 2024 features a dynamic agenda addressing critical topics in the food and beverage industry, tackling the GCC's
response to the global food crisis, with insights from industry leaders.

Further highlights include discussions on food security and climate change, with panels delving into innovative technologies and
partnerships shaping the future of food production. The agenda also features sessions on empowering SMEs in the UAE's F&B
manufacturing industry, sustainability in value chains through packaging and circular economy practices, and the role of e-commerce
innovations in transforming supply chains. These sessions bring together experts and leaders from across the GCC, offering insights and
strategies to drive resilience, innovation, and collaboration in the evolving F&B landscape.

The event is supported by some of the biggest brands, including Agthia, Al Ghurair Foods, Al Ain Farms, IFFCO, Almarai, BRF, and
Tetra Pak, as well as industry organisations such as IFPA.

Besides being a platform for sharing market insights and evolving themes, Future Food Forum once again features the 'Free From Food
Dubai' exhibition, which returns this year, showcasing innovation in the free from, organic, vegan, functional and healthy ingredient
food industries, and will be co-located under Forum.
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