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CIAA Congress renews focus on innovation to support EU
2020 growth strategy
(Brussels, 19 November 2010) The CIAA 2010 Congress brought together high-level participants
from the International and European policy-maker arena and civil society, together with senior
business representatives to discuss the vision for 2020 of Europe’s food and drink industry. The
discussions focused around the key themes of ‘People, Planet, Partnership’ and in all three areas,
innovation is seen as a vital element to stimulate the future competitiveness of Europe’s first
manufacturing industry to help meet the challenges of tomorrow.
Session 1 of the Congress focused on ‘Food for the Future’, addressing the challenges of a
growing population, together with opportunities for Europe’s food and drink industry to innovate
and compete more effectively, globally. Delegates were urged by speakers to embrace the promise
of new technologies, whilst ensuring that policy-making and regulation is based on sound science.
Panellists called for a ‘fresh look’ at biotechnology, and the role of GMOs, as well as ensuring that
new opportunities presented by emerging technologies, such as nanotechnology, are fully realised.
Speakers also underlined the importance of partnerships in building societal acceptance around
innovation and emerging technologies.
Session 2 was a lively debate on the key topic of ‘health and wellbeing’. Europe’s Health
Commissioner John Dalli, welcomed effective partnerships through the European Platform for
Action on Diet, Physical Activity and Health. He called for a renewal of commitments under the
Platform, and a scaling-up of those initiatives which are shown to be delivering results. Industry
and consumer organisations engaged in debate over different forms of nutrition labelling, with
panellists sharing the end objective of ensuring that consumers are empowered to make informed
choices, whilst avoiding an overload of on-pack information. Panellists also underlined the vital role
that consumer education plays in bringing about behavioural change.
Session 3 centered around the debate on the environment and sustainability. Greening
Europe’s economy is a key challenge for the future, and panellists from industry responded
positively to the call to play their part in moving this agenda forward. The preservation of raw
materials, water, and energy are “business critical” for Europe’s food and drink industry, and
innovation offers exciting opportunities to unlock new solutions, ways of working, and innovative
techniques to drive sustainability throughout the entire food supply chain, from both large and small
players alike.
Session 4 discussed the importance of trust and partnership, in helping to tackle the complex
challenges raised in previous sessions. There was a specific focus on the importance of
maintaining trust in scientific research, most notably with EFSA, and on building partnerships
between public authorities and industry to remove bottlenecks to innovation. Industry recognised
the considerable trust placed in its products and brands by consumers, and the need to continue to
build confidence through partnerships and relations with key stakeholders.
Closing the 2010 Congress, CIAA President, Mr Jesús Serafín Pérez commented:
“I am delighted that CIAA’s 2010 Congress has brought together such a distinguished range of
speakers, in a spirit of partnership, constructive engagement and debate. The conclusions of this
Congress, particularly around the importance of innovation, are invaluable as we work together to
realise our vision for the next decade and beyond: for smart, inclusive and sustainable growth of
Europe’s food and drink industry, and Europe’s economy as a whole.”
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Avenue des Arts 43 • B - 1040 Bruxelles
Tel : +32 2 514 11 11 • Fax : +32 2 511 29 05 • Email : ciaa@ciaa.eu • Web : http://www.ciaa.eu

For further information please contact:
Lisa McCooey, Director, Communications (CIAA), Tel.: +32. 476. 911. 300, l.mccooey@ciaa.eu
CIAA represents the European food and drink industry – the largest manufacturing sector, major employer and exporter
in the EU. CIAA’s mission is to represent the food and drink industries’ interests, at the level of European and
international institutions, in order to contribute to the development of a legislative and economic framework addressing
the competitiveness of industry, food quality and safety, consumer protection and respect for the environment. CIAA
membership is made up of 26 national federations, including 3 observers, 26 European sector associations and 20 major
food and drink companies.
For more information on CIAA and its activities, please visit: www.ciaa.eu
Avenue des Arts 43 • B - 1040 Bruxelles
Tel : +32 2 514 11 11 • Fax : +32 2 511 29 05 • Email : ciaa@ciaa.eu • Web : http://www.ciaa.eu