PROFEL, the European Association of Fruit and Vegetable Processors, is gearing up for the 9th Conference dedicated to the frozen and canned sector in the EU, slated for April 23 at “The Hotel” in Brussels, Belgium. The theme of the biennial gathering is “Preserved Vegetables: The Ultimate Solution to Food Waste,” and the deadline for registering to attend is April 6.
The half-day event will tackle questions including food waste challenges at the global level, the situation in the European Union, and the role that the processed vegetables sector plays in avoiding and reducing food waste. The conference will present a number of experts on food waste, as well as spotlight research conducted by the University of Wageningen into food waste and food loss in the processed vegetable sector. It will close with a panel discussion and Q&A session, followed by a networking cocktail reception.
Among confirmed speakers and topics are:
- UK Member of Parliament (MP) Baroness Scott of Needham Market, “Counting the Cost of Food Waste: EU Food Waste Prevention”
- Anne-Laure Gassin , policy officer of DG Sante European Commission, Innovation and Sustainability, “Working Together to Tackle Food Waste in the EU”
- Mella Frewen, director general, FoodDrinkEurope, “Waste Not, Want Not”
- Dr. Hilke Bow-Browers, sustainability project leader, Wageningen UR, “Research Project on Processed Vegetables”
- Peter Hajipieris, director for corporate social responsibility, Iglo Foods Group Limited, “How a Food Manufacturing Brand is Tackling the Food Waste Issue”
- Dr. Wayne Martindale, Hallam University visiting lecturer, “Hallam University Study on Fresh vs. Frozen Consumer Research”
- Neil Barret, group vice president for sustainable development, Sodexo, “Building a Future without Food Waste”
Over the years, the PROFEL Conference has established a reputation as a valuable forum in which to make new business contacts and renew existing links among vegetable and fruit processors, as well as equipment and service suppliers to the industry. Coffee breaks and cocktail occasions always provide opportunities for informal discussions and networking.
Complete registration information and inquiries about the event may be obtained from Brussels-based PROEFL by phoning +32 (0) 2 761.16 or visiting the organization’s website at www.profel-europe.org.
