Fi Asia 2018: Focus is on innovation

One of the key messages at Fi Asia 2018 is for members of the industry to increase their efforts in research and development and to create innovative products that are at par with changing consumer needs. These needs can be summarised as demand for nutritious, safe, new, and sustainable products.  

Enny Ratnaningtyas, Director of Food Industry, Marine Product, and Fisheries of Ministry of Industry of The Republic of Indonesia, inaugurated Fi Asia 2018 held from October 3-5 at the Jakarta International Expo – Kemayoran, Indonesia. Some 750 exhibitors are located in eight halls including Hall A1-A3 Hall B1-B2, and Hall D1-D2 – all 40% bigger than the 2016 edition, according to organiser UBM.

Solutions and concepts are on offer for bakery products, beverages, dairy foods, convenience foods, ready meals, confectionery, vegetarian foods, ice cream, cereal products, and supplements and vitamins. There are a variety of colorants, dairy products, flavourings, emulsifiers, sweeteners, protein options on showcase. The Innovation Zone gathers the latest products from Cargill, AAK, Tate & Lyle, and many others.

Innovation Zone: New from Cargill, a cold water swelling starch

Innovation Zone: Ascentra sodium-reducing flavour enhancer

Innovation Zone: Tate & Lyle's Claria instant starch

In his welcome speech, Ir. Adhi Lukman, chairman of the Indonesian Food and Beverage Association, said “Innovation is not only about introducing a new flavour or packaging, but being able to address changing consumer behaviour and expectations.”

He said, “Food ingredients play an important role for food and beverage industry. With proper research and development, food ingredients can inspire the professionals to improve their creativity and able to develop innovative products. Product innovation with substantial benefits for consumers is an opportunity for any leading company to strengthen their position in food and beverage industry. Hence, Fi Asia’s role is important for food and beverage industry especially in Indoensia as support to F&B companies implementing Industry 4.0.”

Ir. Adhi Lukman, chairman of the Indonesian Food and Beverage Association

Group Director ASEAN, UBM Asia (Thailand) Co. Ltd, Rungphech Chitanuwat said, “The food and beverage industry in ASEAN countries shows promising growth. Research and development play a major role to support the development for varieties of products and utilisation of agro-based resources. UBM through Fi Asia 2018 would like to be part of the industry to support the growth of emerging food market in ASEAN. UBM commitment is to showcase the best at Fi Asia 2018 by gathering leading manufacturers, suppliers, buyers, and other F&B industry professionals around the world.”

Fi Asia has reached many parts of the ASEAN market over the years, and with its many features, all-day technical seminars and conferences and tours, has become a place of knowledge and inspiration for the region’s manufacturers as well as aspiring food technologists. Organisers expect around 20,000 buyers from 60 countries to be at this three-day event.

What is the future of food?

As populations grow and food sources dwindle, the future sources of food seems bleak - but there are solutions. In a talk on the role of flavour in the future of food, R&D manager of Aromatech highlights that flavours will remain important in providing natural, acceptable tastes to future food. An example of future food is meat that is 3D printed, from the lab or from non-animal sources. Flavours and aromas have to be added to some of these foods for palatability. When one day there will be fewer fruits, cheese, or fish to consume, then food products will contain flavours and aromas to compensate for taste, indulgence, and palatability. 

New ideas and concepts abound at Fi Asia. Prof. Dr. Ir, Nuri Andarwulan, MSi, Director of the Southeast Asian Food and Agricultural Science and Technology-SEAFAST Center, IPN, explained, “We are highly supporting Fi Asia, because it is more than a trade fair, it offers great opportunity and gives more value both for exhibitors and visitors which will benefit the industry. Currently, we are aware that food is being commercially produced to meet varying needs of modern consumers who demand on better, safer, more nutritious and yet more delicious and convenience foods. The food ingredients industry is not only well established but is certain to flourish to meet the requirements of ever-expanding food industry and changing demand of more sophisticated consumers.”

Ms Chitanuwat of UBM added, “We are committed to growing the ASEAN F&B industry by featuring the latest ingredients and applications that can help industry professionals transform their products and process development. Our education program will provide opportunities to lean about the latest industry development, including products, market, and consumer trends to stay competitive.”

Since 2010, Fi Asia has been supported by GAPMMI, IAFT/PATPI) and Southeast Asian Food & Agricultural Science and Technology (SEAFAST) Center LPPM-IPB.

FoodPacific Manufacturing Journal covers the latest in Fi Asia. Visit the company at Hall B2 H10.

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