1. Overview of the Event

The Pakistan Baking Summit 2024, held at the Pearl Continental Hotel in Karachi, was a significant gathering of industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and experts from the baking industry. The summit centered on the theme of “Safe, Sustainable, Eco-Friendly & Affordable Baking,” focusing on promoting practices that ensure the safety, sustainability, and affordability of baked products. The event brought together key stakeholders to discuss global regulations, emerging technologies, marketing trends, and export potential in the baking industry. It also provided a platform for networking and showcasing innovative baking solutions.

2. Registration and Inaugural Session

• Registration of Participants (09:00-09:30 am):
  The summit began with the registration of participants, where attendees could visit stalls set up by sponsors, explore innovative baking startups, and view projects on display at the Innovation Pavilion and Networking Lounge.
• Arrival of Guests & Networking:
  After registration, guests arrived and engaged in networking, setting the stage for collaborative discussions throughout the day.
• Recitation of Holy Quran & National Anthem:
  The event commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by the National Anthem of Pakistan, creating a solemn and respectful atmosphere.

3. Key Speeches and Remarks

• Welcome Note & Words of Summit (09:30-10:20 am):
  • Speaker: Mr. Rana Awais Khan, Chairman, National Alliance for Safe Food
    Mr. Khan delivered the welcome note, emphasizing the importance of ensuring safe, sustainable, eco-friendly, and affordable baking practices within the industry.
• Remarks by Guest of Honors:
  Several esteemed guests provided their insights and support for the baking industry:
  • Mr. Sohail Aziz, President, Pakistan Business Forum
  • Sheikh Tesheen Ahmad, Chairman, Pakistan Bakers Association (KASAN)
  • Mr. Kaukab Iqbal, Chairman, Consumer Association of Pakistan
  • Mr. Iftikhar Ahmed Sheikh, President, Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industries
  • Mr. Mukesh Kumar, Provincial Chief, SMEDA
  • Mr. Agha Fakhur Hussain, Director General, Sindh Food Authority
    These speakers highlighted the critical role of the baking industry in Pakistan’s economy, focusing on sustainability, consumer protection, and industry growth.

4. Technical Sessions and Discussions

• Technical Session: Global Regulations, Innovations & Technologies in Baking Industry (10:20-11:30 am):
  • Session Chair: Mr. Noman Amjad Lutfi, Chief Supply Chain Officer, Ismail Industries
    This session provided an overview of global regulations and showcased innovative technologies transforming baking processes. The session featured talks by industry experts:
  • Speakers:
    • Mr. Ahsan Arif, Country General Manager, AB Mauri Pakistan
    • Mr. Shoaib Awan, Business Unit Head, Wiztec Food Solutions
    • Mr. Syed M. Umer, General Manager, Appie Farms & MA Flour Mills
    • Mr. Muhammad Munawwar Hussain, Manager Research and Development, EBM-English Biscuits Manufacturers
    • Mr. Navaid Aslam, CEO, NA Enterprises Distributor, Angel Yeast Pakistan (via video)
      The speakers discussed emerging trends, challenges, and the outlook for the baking industry, with a focus on sustainable and innovative solutions.
• Networking Break (11:30-12:00 am):
  Participants took a break to network and discuss the morning sessions, providing an opportunity for further engagement with industry peers.
• CEO’s Session: Success Stories of Baking Leaders/CEOs/Entrepreneurs (12:00-01:00 pm):
  This session featured insights from successful entrepreneurs who shared their strategies, challenges, and success stories in the baking industry:
  • Speakers:
    • Mr. Muhammad Adil Ali, Chief Executive Officer, Barkat Frisian Pasteurized Egg Company (Pvt) Ltd.
    • Mr. Faad Waheed, Director, Waheed Group of Companies (via video)
    • Mr. Saleem Yousif Akhtar, Director, Pak Ghiza (Pvt) Ltd. (via video)
    • Ms. Naila Naqvi, Chief Executive Officer, Pie in the Sky (Pvt) Ltd.
    • Mr. Shahzad Sama, Director, SAMA Engineering
      The session provided valuable insights into the entrepreneurial journey within the baking industry, focusing on innovation, sustainability, and market growth.

5. Lunch and Panel Discussion

• Networking, Namaz & Lunch Break (01:00-02:00 pm):
  Participants enjoyed lunch and had time for prayers, offering a moment to reflect on the discussions and presentations.
• Panel Discussion: Emerging Marketing Trends & Export Potential of Baked Products – Way Forward (02:00-04:00 pm):
  • Moderator: Mr. Asadullah Kohati, Director & CEO, Falcao EMC Pvt Ltd (Trade Advisory & Export Promotion)
    The panel discussion explored marketing trends and strategies for baked/confectionery products, with a focus on export opportunities and strategies to access international markets. The discussion also covered government support and trade policies.
  • Panelists:
    • Obaid Hassan (MD, Entrée Foods)
    • Salman Yousuf (CEO, SMY Enterprises)
    • Mr. Tahir Mahmood (Principal Consultant, Falcao Trade Advisory & Ex-Country Manager, Austrade)
    • Ahmer Arif (Director, Global Reach & Advocacy, Independent Consultant on Trade & Investment)
    • Taha Rauf (CEO, 1 Sol) Digital & AI Specialist
    • Samar Abidi (Regional Manager, Technical Sales – Cargill Food Solutions)
      The panelists provided insights into the latest marketing trends, digital strategies, and export potential, emphasizing the importance of innovation and government support in driving growth in the baking industry.

6. Closing and Acknowledgments

• Summary of Summit/Key Insights (04:00-04:30 pm):
  • Speaker: Dr. Hafiz Rehan Nadeem, President, National Alliance for Safe Food
    Dr. Nadeem summarized the key insights from the summit, highlighting the importance of the discussions and the need for continued collaboration within the industry.
• Vote of Thanks by Mr. Sohail Aziz, CEO, NASA International:
  Mr. Aziz expressed gratitude to all participants, speakers, and organizers for their contributions to the summit’s success.
• Group Photo:
  The event concluded with a group photo, marking the end of a productive and insightful day at the Pakistan Baking Summit 2024.

Overall Summary:
The Pakistan Baking Summit 2024 successfully brought together key stakeholders in the baking industry to discuss critical topics related to safe, sustainable, eco-friendly, and affordable baking. Through informative technical sessions, engaging panel discussions, and valuable networking opportunities, the summit provided a platform for sharing knowledge, exploring new opportunities, and addressing the challenges faced by the industry. The event emphasized the need for innovation, strategic marketing, and export development, setting the stage for future growth and collaboration in Pakistan’s baking sector.