Global food fundis will head to Cape Town from the 20 to 21 May 2015 when the inaugural Food for Thought Conference running alongside Food Hospitality World Africa takes place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC)
The conference is a collaborative new initiative of MCI South Africa and international exhibition organisers Fiera Milano Exhibitions Africa and will see South Africa’s leading food gurus, scientists, specialists, chefs and activists serve up a fascinating feast of debate around the most fundamental issues affecting the food industry today.
According to MCI South Africa’s Managing Director Rashid Toefy, the conference will delve into the social issues of food production and supply as well as the impact of climate change on these supply chains.
“Topical issues that will come under the spotlight include food sustainability, food security in Africa, catering to religious beliefs in the supply and demand of foodstuff, food procurement—in fact, everything from “farm to fork” and sustainable living,” says Toefy.
A stellar line-up of experts such as the highly acclaimed Professor Tim Noakes and food activist Jason Drew, described by Leadership Magazine as one of Africa’s most inspiring green leaders, will share their motivational and business focused approach to fixing food sustainability problems.
Other leading panelists will include the likes of Quinton Naidoo, a science writer and journalist specialising in environmental change, energy issues and policy development and Leonie Joubert, who will tackle food security in Africa.
Sylvie Hurford will also explore the links between junk food, sugar, unhealthy processed foods and the rapid increase of people living with obesity, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease and the rising rate of food allergies.
“Food trends are continually evolving and in order to survive and be successful in this competitive industry it is essential to keep ahead of the curve,” adds Toefy.
The conference will provide a platform for consumers, industry thought leaders, entrepreneurs, policy makers, and innovators to explore challenges and share best practices and innovation.
According to the General Counsel of Fiera Milano Group, Ilaria Cicero, the Food for Thought Conference would be beneficial to anyone who contributes to the value chain in the food, beverage and hospitality industries.
“It is for this reason that we co-located the event alongside the Food Hospitality World Africa exhibition. This is the first time that we launching this exhibition conference model in South Africa and our aim is to eventually replicate this model throughout Africa and internationally in counties such as China, Brazil and India,” she says.
“We are excited to partner with Fiera Milano Exhibitions Africa for this annual event, which speaks directly to our core mandate of bringing people together through innovative meetings, events, and conferences,” concludes Toefy.
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