BÜHLER Innovation Day, held September 12 in Makati, served as a pivotal platform for industry leaders, innovators and stakeholders in the food and beverage (F&B) sector to discuss the future of sustainable food production. The event highlighted the pressing need for innovation in food processing and the exploration of alternative proteins, reflecting the global shift toward sustainability and health-conscious consumption.
As the world grapples with challenges such as climate change, population growth and food security, the food industry is under increasing pressure to adapt and innovate. Bühler Innovation Day aimed to address these challenges by showcasing the Swiss company’s advancements in food technology and processing, particularly in alternative proteins. The event featured a series of presentations from experts in the field, providing insights into current trends, future opportunities and the importance of sustainability in food production.
Bühler Philippines managing director Markus Vontobel’s welcome address focused on collaboration and innovation in tackling challenges in the food industry.
Innova Market Insights account manager Vivi Veronica provided a snapshot of the F&B market in Asia, underscoring the rapid evolution of consumer preferences and the need for companies to stay ahead of the curve.
Alternative proteins
Paro Institute cofounder Pierce Manlangit delivered a compelling presentation titled “Unlocking the Potential of Alternative Proteins in the Philippines.” He discussed the growing demand for plant-based proteins and the potential for local production to meet this demand. Manlangit emphasized that alternative proteins not only offer health benefits but also contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing the carbon footprint associated with traditional livestock farming.
Edyloid Chavez from the Department of Agriculture gave insights on the Philippine food safety system, emphasizing the importance of regulatory frameworks in ensuring the safety and quality of food products to protect consumers and foster trust in the food supply chain.
Aparna Venkatesh, a regional innovation lead at Bühler Southeast Asia, discussed the advancements in processing technologies that enhance the efficiency and sustainability of food production. She highlighted Bühler’s commitment to developing innovative solutions that minimize waste and optimize resource use, aligning with the global push for sustainable practices.
Philipp Fritschi, regional manager for value nutrition at Bühler Southeast Asia, gave an overview of extrusion technology, a key process in the production of plant-based meat alternatives. His presentation illustrated how extrusion can be leveraged to create high-quality, nutritious products that cater to the growing demand for meat substitutes.
Environmental footprint of food products
A significant focus of Bühler Innovation Day was the quantification of sustainability and environmental impact in food production. Venkatesh stressed the importance of measuring the environmental footprint of food products and understanding the sustainability metrics of food production processes that is essential for making informed decisions that benefit the environment and consumers.
Venkatesh’s presentation demonstrated Bühler’s commitment to sustainability, with various initiatives aimed at reducing waste, conserving resources and promoting responsible sourcing. The discussions on sustainability were particularly relevant in the Philippine setting, where agriculture plays a vital role in the economy and the livelihood of many communities.
The event also provided opportunities for networking and collaboration among attendees.
Bühler Innovation Day was a resounding success. The event showed the importance of alternative proteins, technological advancements and sustainability in addressing the challenges faced by the food industry.
The author is the founder and CEO of Hungry Workhorse, a digital, culture and customer experience transformation consulting firm. He is a fellow at the US-based Institute for Digital Transformation. He teaches strategic management and digital transformation in the MBA Program of De La Salle University. You may reach him via email: [email protected].
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