Food safety is the top F&B trend to watch out for, with issues such as traceability and product labelling being of increasing importance.
That was the conclusion of a panel of experts speaking at Gulfood yesterday (21 February) in a seminar entitled ‘The top 10 trends: The industry debate’.
The panel, each of whom put forward their own trends before debating them with the audience, comprised: Del Monte Middle East marketing director Virginie De Beco; Crowne Plaza Dubai Sheikh Zayed Road F&B manager Alfred Abi Moussa; Convotherm director marine project business Paul Tucks; and Halal Industry Development Corporation’s Y Bhg Seri Jamil Bin Bidin.
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De Beco said that past scares in the F&B industry meant that product suppliers had to focus now on gaining consumers’ trust.
This was especially significant in the halal industry, said Bin Bidin, where traceability was very important.
“If at any point along the chain the integrity is compromised, then the product is not halal,” he said.
Convotherm’s Tucks agreed, adding that traceability would be necessary in proving food safety at all stages in all sectors, from delivery to cooking.
Abi Moussa concluded that food safety was the “number one trend” and most important aspect to focus on, with the vast majority of audience agreeing via a show of hands.
Panel chair Zenith International chairman Richard Hall highlighted the other main trends as being value for money and health and wellness.
However, he added that elsewhere in the world he would expect ‘environmental concerns’ to rate more highly and also ‘product benefit’.
As consumers become more savvy and aware, Hall said that with regard to food and beverage, they will be increasingly asking ‘what does it do for me’?
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