Mondelez International says food industry needs to do 'more with less' at Gulfood 2013

Speaking at the Global Food Leaders' Summit at Gulfood 2013 taking place at Dubai World Trade Centre this week, Vishal Tikku, Area Manager Middle East & Africa for Mondelēz International, discussed the importance for food organisations o ensure in sustenance in products and invest in commodities tofight shortages both now and in the near future. He highlighted some of the key ingredients shaping the future of the food industry and the role food companies can play to ensure sustainability and food security.

With the UAE importing 90% of its food and its position at the centre of a $9.4bn market serving the GCC and Africa, food security is a challenging issue.

Tikku said: "Globally, resources are being consumed more quickly than they can be replenished. Nearly 40% of the earth's land is already used for farming and approximately 70% of available freshwater is used in agriculture, but by 2050 it is estimated that the world will need 70% to 100% more food. This will be a challenge to achieve as the majority of farmers are smallholders with less than 1 hectare each, crop yields are declining due to a lack of technical knowledge and financing, and climate change will increase pressure on productivity through greater frequency of extreme weather. All of us in the cocoa sector are increasingly aware of the challenges we face in supplying this demand as increased output will have to come from improved yields rather than increased area. Cocoa is the main ingredient of chocolate and, as the world's largest producer of chocolate, we have a duty to make it sustainable. We are transforming and securing our agricultural supply through partnership programmes in key commodities."

"Our Cocoa Life programme empowers cocoa farmers, their families and communities to build better lives for themselves while making sure to maintain an adequate supply of cocoa for generations to come. Protecting subsistence farming and inspiring new generations of farming is key to ensure sustainability and instigate change in the long term. Our consumers play a role as well, so we are introducing products made with sustainably sourced ingredients or made with less packaging. In fact, more investment from both the public and private sector will help break the cycle of hunger and poverty in rural communities in the developing world. By addressing this broader vision we believe it is possible to achieve sustained changes in productivity, but this cannot be achieved without the co-operation, transparency and active participation of all stakeholders."

Cocoa Life is based on Mondelez International's successful Cadbury Cocoa partnerships around the world including India, where it has been working directly with cocoa farmers for 50 years.

Organised since 1987, Gulfood is the region's largest F&B industry event and a strategic platform for buyers and sellers to conduct direct business face to face. The exhibition is a showcase for manufacturers, distributors, and suppliers from around the world, representing all of the key sectors within the food and hospitality trade it is designed to look closely into crucial issues. It is taking place at Dubai World Trade Centre from 25th to 28th February 2013.