Side Event 2: Food Supply Chains at Crossroad

The food industry is facing a challenging time. Global crises such as the Covid-19 pandemic, climate change, and the conflict in Ukraine have led to unprecedented disruptions in supply chains. The impact of these disruptions is palpable as the costs of food production rise due to inflation and uncertain access to agricultural inputs and energy. Consequently, this leads to higher prices for consumers. At the same time, the food industry is expected to make a significant contribution to achieving sustainability goals (SDGs).

Another complex issue is the new legal regulations that prescribe higher environmental and social standards, known as Higher Requirements for Environmental and Social Standards (HREDD). Companies that primarily source their raw materials from developing and emerging countries are particularly affected. The implementation of these new regulations carries potential unintended consequences that need to be carefully monitored.

To address these and other challenges and discuss possible solutions, the topic of supply chain disruption will be addressed at the UNIDO side event on 08 October.

Objective

The aim is to bring together various stakeholders, including representatives from the food industry and stakeholders involved in the development and implementation of HREDD regulations. The speakers will discuss the impact of the new regulations on the strategic supply chains of the food industry and present approaches to minimize negative effects. There is a particular focus on avoiding risks by shifting supply chains to less vulnerable markets.

The side event at Anuga promises valuable insights and discussions on the future of the food industry in the face of the complex challenges it faces. The industry must find innovative ways to maintain supply chains while also making its contribution to sustainability and improving global nutrition.

WELCOMING REMARKS

Mr. Oliver Frese, Chief Operating Officer, Kölnmesse

KEYNOTE SPEECH

‘‘The Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive: Challenge and opportunity for food industry’’

Mr. Carsten Stender, Head, Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS)

PANEL DICUSSION

Mr. Gunther Beger, Managing Director of SDG Innovation and Economic Transformation, UNIDO

Ms. Serenella Sala, Head, European Commission

Mr. Dieter Overath, Founding Director and former CEO, Fairtrade Germany, Former Member of the Fairtrade Executive Team, Fairtrade International, Former Board Member of Amnesty International (German Section)

Ms. Daniela Büchel, Member of the Executive Board, Divisional Director Human Resources

and Sustainability, REWE group (to be confirmed)

Ms. Susanne Schulze Bockeloh, Vice President, Deutscher Bauernverband e.V. (DBV)

Mr. Christian Schneider, Executive Director, UNICEF

moderated by Mr. Olaf Deutschbein, Senior Investment and Technology Expert, ITPO Berlin