Introduction
The Food Asia Conference 2023, held from June 17-19, 2023, at the Expo Center in Karachi, was a comprehensive event focused on exploring the future of the food industry through the lenses of sustainability, technology, and innovation. The conference brought together experts, industry leaders, academics, and policymakers to discuss and share insights on the challenges and opportunities facing the food industry in Pakistan and globally. The event included a series of keynote talks, panel discussions, and technical sessions, each designed to address different aspects of the food industry, from halal certification and food safety to technological advancements and pest management.
Day 1: June 17, 2023
Inaugural Session
The conference began with an inaugural session moderated by Dr. Hafiz Rehan Nadeem, President of the National Alliance for Safe Food, and coordinated by Moiz Ahmed Khan. The session commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran, Naat, and the National Anthem, followed by a welcome note from Mr. Uzair Nizam, Director of E Commerce (PVT) Ltd.
Mr. Rana Awais Khan, Chairman of the National Alliance for Safe Food, provided the opening words for the conference, emphasizing the significance of sustainable practices and technological innovations in the food industry.
Several prominent figures delivered remarks during the inaugural session:
- Prof. Dr. Shaheena Naz, Chairperson of the Department of Food Science, University of Karachi
- Prof. Dr. Rafiq Khanani, President of the Infection Control Society of Pakistan
- Faizan Rawat, General Secretary of the All Karachi Restaurant Association (AKRA)
- Sheikh Tehseen Ahmad, CEO of United King Foods
- Mr. Faraz Ur Rehman, President of the Korangi Association of Trade & Industries
- Mr. Agha Fakhar Hussain, Director General of the Sindh Food Authority
- Mr. Kaukab Iqbal, Chairman of the Consumer Association of Pakistan
The session concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Kamran Saleem, Director of the National Alliance for Safe Food, who expressed gratitude to the speakers and participants for their contributions to the event.
Business Session: Future of Food Industry; Safe & Nutritious Food Availability to Masses
The first business session of the day focused on the future of the food industry, particularly the availability of safe and nutritious food for the masses. Chaired by Mr. Ghulam Farid, CEO of Rise AG Pakistan, and co-chaired by Dr. Feroz Alam, Dr. Arslan, and Dr. Tooba, the session featured presentations from industry leaders:
- Mr. Shoaib Awan, Business Unit Head at Wiztec Food Solution, discussed innovative solutions for ensuring food safety and quality.
- Mr. Asadullah Khan, Co-Founder of Falcao, spoke about the role of export management in expanding the reach of Pakistani food products.
- Mr. Imtiaz Sheikh, President of the Pakistan Agriculture & Horticulture Forum, emphasized the need for agricultural innovation to meet the growing demand for food.
- Miss Shazia Mateen, Director of Rishad Mateen & Co., and Mr. Omer Qasim Omerson, CEO of LQ Foods, shared insights on sustainable food production and distribution.
- Mr. Sarfraz Ahmad Khan, Country Head at Salman Cooperation Pvt Ltd, discussed the importance of public-private partnerships in the food sector.
Technology & Innovation Session: Food Technology, Innovation, and Sustainability
The afternoon session was dedicated to technology and innovation in the food industry. Chaired by Dr. Omer Mukhtar Tarar from PCSIR Karachi, the session included talks from leading experts in the field:
- Mr. Noman Amjad Lutfi, Chief Supply Chain Officer at Ismail Industries, delivered the keynote address on the role of supply chain management in food sustainability.
- Mr. Rizwan Buttar, Chief Innovation Officer at ZAUQ Group, discussed emerging technologies that are transforming the food industry.
- Mr. Irfan Falak, CEO of C Shine Rentokil Pakistan/GS PAK, provided insights into pest management technologies and their impact on food safety.
- Mr. Ejaz Hussin Bajwa, Director of Urban Pest Management, and Dr. Syeda Urooj Fatima, from the Department of Environmental Science at the University of Karachi, presented on the environmental aspects of food technology.
- Mr. Tanveer Shariq, Head of Production at Imtiaz Supermarket, highlighted the importance of innovation in food retail.
The session concluded with a break for prayers.
Day 2: June 18, 2023
National Halal Conference 2023: Halal Industry; A Gateway to International Trade, Economic Success & Reshaping Lifestyle
The second day of the conference focused on the halal industry, exploring its role as a gateway to international trade, economic success, and lifestyle reshaping. The session was moderated by Mufti Misbahullah Sabir, Shariah Advisor at Global Halal Services Pvt. Limited, with coordination by Mr. Sabeer.
The session opened with a welcome note from Mr. Uzair Nizam, followed by remarks from Dr. Hafiz Rehan Nadeem, CEO of Global Halal Services Pvt. Ltd., and representatives from the All Pakistan Meat Exporters Association.
The guest of honor, Mr. Agha Fakhar Hussain, Director General of Sindh Food Authority, addressed the audience on the importance of halal certification in enhancing Pakistan’s food exports. The session concluded with a vote of thanks by Neemi Siddiqui, former Secretary of NAFS Pakistan.
Panel Discussion: Halal Industry; A Gateway to International Trade, Economic Success & Reshaping Lifestyle
The panel discussion featured a distinguished panel of experts moderated by Dr. Hafiz Rehan Nadeem:
- Dr. Omer Mukhtar Tarar, PCSIR Karachi
- Mr. Akif Nadeem, Director of Foodex Pakistan
- Mr. Hafiz Abdullah, from Hafiz Sweets Real Food Empire
- Mufti Naeem Shahid, Director General of the International Islamic Institute of Halal, Cultural, Social and Spiritual Sciences
- Dr. Badruddin, NED University
- Dr. Mufti Arif Ali Shah, Certification Manager at ICCBS Karachi University
- Mufti Syed Owais Ali, Jamia Faizan Ghaziyan
The panelists discussed the challenges and opportunities in the halal industry, particularly in the context of international trade and economic growth.
Food & Hospitality Session
The afternoon session focused on food and hospitality, chaired by Miss. Fayyza Khan, President of the Pakistan Nutrition & Dietetics Council. Co-chaired by Mubeen Durrani, Chef Abdul Hadi, Miss. Asna Burny, Nawab Sajjad, and Chef Afzal, the session featured presentations from top chefs and hospitality experts:
- Miss. Faseeha from Movenpick Hotel Karachi
- Miss. Iqra Amjad from Avari Towers Karachi
- Miss. Areeba Danish from PC Hotel Karachi
- Chef Samia Osama Lari, CEBO Pakistan
- Chef Sumreen Junaid, Global Chefs Forum
- Chef Sumiya, National Foods
- Chef Kiran Noor Ul Ain, The FoodSTEAM
The session highlighted the latest trends and innovations in the hospitality industry, with a focus on quality, safety, and customer satisfaction.
Day 3: June 19, 2023
Food Science & Nutrition Session
The final day of the conference was dedicated to food science and nutrition, with a focus on sustainability and technological advancements. Chaired by Prof. Dr. Tariq Javaid from Hamdard University, the session included presentations from leading academics and industry professionals:
- Dr. Syeda Sadaf Akbar from Malir University
- Mr. Ammar from Unilever Pakistan
- Miss. Yusra Khalid
- Mr. Suhaib Rashid from KPDC
- Miss Uroosa Aslam from Ahmad Foods
- Mr. Shahzaib Naqvi, CEO of ChemSafe
- Miss. Samar Abdi, Manager Technical Sales at Cargill Pakistan
- Mr. Iqbal Burcha from SimulationsX
- Mr. Owais Nadeem from Unilever Pakistan
- Mr. Aurangzeb from Sohaira International
The session covered a range of topics, including the latest research in food science, the role of nutrition in public health, and the impact of technology on food production.
Session on IPM by Urban Pest Management: Entering the Digital Era of Pest Management
The afternoon session focused on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and its digital transformation. Chaired by Dr. Sagheer Ahmed Sheikh from Hamdard University, the session included presentations on the importance of pest management in food safety and the role of AI in pest management:
- Ms. Aqsa Fahim Taji opened the session, followed by Mr. Rana Awais, Chairman of the National Alliance for Safe Food, who discussed the “Importance of Pest Management in Food Facilities.”
- Mr. Kamran, Entomologist at UPM Pakistan, and Shoaib Tahir, QA Lead at KFC Pakistan, presented on the “Dynamics of IPM in Food Safety” and “IPM in the Food Industry.”
- Miss Aqsa, QA Head at FoodPanda & Panda Mart, discussed the intersection of pest management and food safety in the delivery sector.
- Dr. Amjad Sultan, Assistant Professor at UOK, gave a key talk on “Increased Pest Evolution with Respect to Climate Change and Pest Management.”
- Mr. Ejaz Hussain Bajwa, Managing Partner at UPM Pakistan, concluded the session with a talk on the “Impact of Artificial Intelligence in Pest Management.”
Conference Closing Session
The conference concluded with a closing session that included the presentation of the Food Innovation Award by the organizers, a summary of the conference proceedings and recommendations, and closing remarks by the guests of honor:
- Sheikh Tehseen Ahmad, CEO of United King Foods
- Ejaz Hussain Bajwa, Director of UPM
- Irfan Falak, CEO of C-Shine Rentokil/GS Pak
- Hafiz Naeem Ur Rehman, CEO of Alkhidmat Foundation
The event was officially closed with a vote of thanks, marking the end of a successful and impactful conference.
Conclusion
The Food Asia Conference 2023 was a resounding success, providing a platform for meaningful discussions on the future of the food industry. The event emphasized the importance of sustainability, technology, and innovation in shaping the food industry in Pakistan and beyond. The conference facilitated knowledge exchange and fostered collaborations among key stakeholders, setting the stage for future advancements in food safety, halal certification, nutrition, and pest management.