COVER POST-EVENTSTORYREPORT

his keynote address. He discussed several highlights of Food Code 2.0 in detail, which include:

1. New requirements for food safety management certification

2. Enhanced training programmes, and performance monitoring of training centres

3. New requirements for food transportation vehicles

4. More than 150 updated standards

5. Regulation on trans-fatty acids

Krishna began his speech by mentioning the introduction of the Food Code in 2013, which was a significant step towards establishing food safety regulations. Krishna then discussed in detail the new standards and requirements in Dubai Food Code 2.0 and emphasised their importance in the food industry and their role in driving its future. He highlighted the changes that have occurred between the two versions of the Food Code and highlighted the need to go beyond addressing current issues and to focus on preparing for the future.

Krishna also discussed the use of data in shaping the Food Code and said that the various data sets, namely food sample collection, testing, and reporting outbreaks and information on food imports are considered. Incorporating data from multiple sources is essential to have a comprehensive understanding of the industry, he said. There will be changes in licensing and processes, Krishna said, particularly with regard to the shift towards digitalisation and digital competency among the stakeholders in the food industry. He said data should not just be recorded but can be utilised to make better decisions to drive the food safety culture. In addition, Krishna underlined the importance of training and emphasised the need for ongoing education and the utilisation of e-learning modules, as they are important not just for demonstrating skills but also for putting data to the best use in decision-making processes.

Krishna also emphasised the importance of allergen management, considering the increasing number of people with allergies, particularly in relation to popular food items, such as sushi. He mentioned the existence of new guidelines for novel foods and processes, such as cellbased meat, and highlighted changes occurring in food processing methods, including smoking and hydroponics. Additionally, he discussed changes in inspection approaches, noting that businesses are expected to achieve higher levels of maturity in food safety management. Krishna concluded his address by emphasising the significance of utilising data in food safety management systems, enhancing competency, and embracing a food safety culture to ensure food quality and authenticity. In summary, his speech provided an overview of Food Code 2.0 and stressed the need for continuous improvement and the utilisation of data to forecast and predict future trends in the industry.

While Krishna touched on the significance of data in driving the future of the food industry, Brent Melvin, giving a Special Address, discussed the indispensability of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its role in logistics and supply chain management. In his detailed presentation, Melvin highlighted the benefits of AI and how it can improve various aspects of business operations. He also acknowledged that AI can be a sensitive topic and carries risks in its use and development. However, he emphasised the importance of focusing on the positive aspects and recognising the potential for AI to revolutionise industries.

Melvin emphasised the importance of AI in demand forecasting and inventory management, highlighting its ability to predict demand and optimise inventory levels accurately. Additionally, he discussed how AI can enhance warehouse operations by increasing accuracy and efficiency, reducing complexities, and minimising errors in receiving and stock management. In his address, Melvin also explored how AI can be leveraged in data analysis and decisionmaking, stating that visibility and real-time tracking are critical factors in logistics. He also discussed the significant role AI can play in providing better insights and data analysis to facilitate improved decision-making. Furthermore, Melvin mentioned the use of telematics and the Internet of Things in monitoring temperature, location and other conditions in supply chain operations, enabling proactive actions to prevent issues such as food waste.

Elaborating on the importance of AI in supply chain management, Melvin emphasised its potential impact on optimising routes, improving delivery efficiency and enhancing customer experience. He also mentioned how AI can be used to enhance lastmile delivery and communicate with customers through chatbots. Furthermore, Melvin highlighted that AI has the potential to extend its benefits to predictive maintenance, risk management, fraud detection and data-driven decision-making.

During his address, Melvin also encouraged businesses to embrace AI and leverage its potential benefits. He emphasised the importance of understanding the fundamentals of AI and of engaging with experts to implement AI strategies effectively. However, he also discussed the challenges and limitations associated with AI, including infrastructure costs, data quality concerns and privacy considerations.

Subsequent to Melvin’s address, Mohammed Qadri, Regional Sales Manager-IR/FR MENA, Danfoss FZCO, made a technical presentation, in which he discussed in detail Danfoss’ focus on sustainability and its efforts to reduce CO2 emissions by promoting energy-efficient solutions, utilising renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, and working with natural refrigerants to combat global warming. Furthermore, he said that Danfoss aims to contribute to a greener future by reducing energy consumption, minimising waste and providing sustainable solutions in the food supply chain.

Qadri’s presentation gave the audience an overview of Danfoss’s sustainability and energy efficiency efforts. He mentioned that Danfoss promotes the use of advanced technologies, such as inverter compressors and electronic expansion valves, to reduce power consumption in refrigeration systems. Additionally, he said that the company offers monitoring and management solutions through its System Manager device, which can analyse data from various components and optimise system performance. Qadri also highlighted how retrofitting existing systems with energy-efficient components can lead to significant energy savings. Furthermore, he discussed the durability of inverter compressors, which have a longer lifespan compared to traditional compressors. He said: “Inverter compressors operate at varying speeds based on the cooling requirements, resulting in less wear and tear. However, when retrofitting to inverter compressors, it is essential to consider other system components, such as expansion valves and condenser fans, to ensure compatibility and maximise efficiency.”

The latter half of the conference focused on end-user perspectives on food safety and what they expected out of cold chain technology providers. It featured presentations by Dr Suheel Ahmed, CEO, Arabian Farms (Al Saha eggs); Prapthi Rai, Head of Quality & Strategic Initiatives, Barakat Group; and Bjorn Ostbye, Project Development Manager, Lulu Group International.

Dr Ahmed, speaking first, shared insights about the poultry industry in the region and globally, along with the challenges it has witnessed over the years. He stated that the demand for food, including protein, a crucial diet component, has been growing rapidly due to the increasing global population, projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050. He said: “The poultry industry has undergone significant