Trends in Agrotechnology and Sustainability in UAE Represent a Great Opportunity for Spanish Companies

New trends are everywhere and the focus in Agrotechnology and Sustainability during the last edition of Gulfood fair trade (where ICEX organized the Spanish pavilion) represent a great opportunity for Spanish companies, as experience is a must and we own it.

The UAE Food Security Strategy: mission, target & investments

H.E. Mariam Almheiri
Minister of State for Food and Water Security UAE

The opening of the Gulfood Innovation Summit took place very close to the Spanish Pavilion, where we had the pleasure to listen to H.E. Mariam Almheiri, Minister of State for Food and Water Security in UAE. She highlighted the fundamental role of the UAE government in investing in Agrotechnology to promote the development and growth of the country. The focus on increasing the country's self-sufficiency, developing Know-How in the agrotechnology sector, and attracting new talent capable of carrying it out is the target in which the  government is putting all its efforts.
 

The evolution of consumer behavior

Belin Alev
Regional Comms Director  (Tetra Pak)
 
Maria Gedeon
Director of Sales and Marketing ( Majid Al Futtaim)
 

Among the Consumer Trends in UAE, it  was highlighted the importance of the impact on the environment. As a global trend, the population of the country is increasingly aware of the magnitude and relevance of its ecological footprint and this is also reflected on the demand. The focus was put in the PACKAGING. E. g. : Individual packaging,  where food waste is less, or larger packaging where plastic is saved, also reusable packaging  and the importance of waste management.

Adjusting food retail supply chain
 

Arda Cenk Tikbas
Managing Director (Pinar Arabia)

Willem Walt Meijer
CEO  (Al ain Farms)

Hani Weiss
CEO (Majid Al Futtaim retail)

Bhushant Gandhi
COO (Truebell)

After the pandemic, the primary sector needs to move forward. The discussion concentrates the global crisis, bringing out new requirements as the improvement of relationships with suppliers and customers, the agility to adapt to changes, the digitization of the work environment and the support of governments.

Text: Alicia Bernal Palazón (Economic and Commercial Office of Spain in Dubai)