Fascinating topics that will shape the future of the food industry await you at HORIZON Summit:
Food of the Future:
This realm delves into the development of novel foods and nutritional concepts that meet future challenges. This includes innovative products that, for instance, reduce resource needs like water and land while facilitating sustainable nutrition. Examples could range from cultivated meat (meat from cell cultures), insects as protein sources, algae-based foods, or artificially synthesized nutrients.
Alternative Proteins and Ingredients:
Exploration and promotion of alternatives to traditional proteins and ingredients used in food production are the focus here. This encompasses plant-based proteins (such as soy, peas, lentils), mushrooms as meat substitutes, insect protein, as well as protein-rich sources from the laboratory. These alternative proteins not only offer a more sustainable production approach but could also hold potential health benefits.
Food Waste and Circular Economy:
The spotlight is on reducing food waste. A pivotal approach involves establishing a circular economy where food waste is avoided, reduced, reused, or recycled. Innovative solutions include intelligent packaging that monitors food condition and extends shelf life, along with initiatives to repurpose surplus food.
Health and Nutrition
Under this theme, promoting healthy dietary habits and linking nutrition with health come into play. Personalized nutritional approaches could be developed here using data and technology to better cater to individual needs. The use of dietary supplements and functional foods to enhance health forms a relevant research field.
Investment and Ecosystem:
This point pertains to the financial aspects of the future food industry. Investments could target supporting innovative startups and companies engaged with the aforementioned themes. It's also about creating a sustainable ecosystem where governments, companies, and consumers collaborate to ensure food security and tackle ecological challenges.
Big Data and AI:
The application of Big Data and AI holds immense significance in the food industry. Analyzing vast amounts of data can uncover trends, enhance understanding of consumer preferences, and enable predictions. AI technologies can also be employed in food production to improve efficiency and quality, such as in automated harvesting or quality control.
Consumer-Centric Technologies and Innovations:
Innovative technologies play a vital role in offering consumers transparent information about food and aiding their purchasing decisions. Apps, IoT devices, and other technologies could assist in tracking the origin of foods, verifying their ingredients, and accessing information about their sustainability.
