Dynamic international food and beverage commentator David Hughes will provide an insight into the latest global trends, opportunities and issues at three special events in March.
Dr Hughes is Emeritus Professor of food marketing at Imperial College London and an advisor on international food organisation boards, who travels world-wide consulting to businesses, trade associations and governments.
During his visit to WA, Dr Hughes will address events in Manjimup, Mandurah and South Perth, hosted by the Department of Agriculture and Food.
Department food industry innovation acting manager Phil May said Dr Hughes’ global insights would be valuable to the State’s many and varied agrifood businesses, as they seek to capture new market opportunities.
“World food trade is undergoing significant change and there is increasing demand from affluent Asian and Middle Eastern countries for safe, premium food products,” Mr May said.
“Dr Hughes will provide timely, relevant insights on food production, packaging and consumption, and on how global consumer and retail trends might affect local businesses and industry.”
The department is supporting WA agribusinesses throughout the State to capture new market opportunities via the Premium Food Centre in Manjimup and several projects, including Food Industry Innovation, Asian Market Success and the Agriculture Sciences R&D Fund.
Interested people are invited to hear Dr Hughes’ address at the department’s Manjimup Horticultural Research Facility on Wednesday, 8 March from 9.30am to 3.30pm.
He will also be the keynote speaker at a breakfast in Mandurah on Thursday, 9 March, hosted by the department in partnership with the Peel Development Commission, at the Mandurah Quay Resort from 7-10am.
This event will also feature guest speaker Associate Professor Christopher Vas, Murdoch University’s Singapore Centre for Research in Innovation, Productivity and Technology Director, who will discuss agrifood security trends.
During his WA visit, Dr Hughes will also address sheep and beef industry stakeholders about global red meat opportunities and issues on Thursday, 2 March from 3-5pm at the department’s South Perth office.
To book a place at the South Perth seminar contact research officer Rebecca Butcher on +61 (0)8 9651 0540 or email nbf@agric.wa.gov.au
For more information or to register for the Manjimup seminar contact development officer Yolandee Jones on +61(0)8 9777 0138 or foodindustryinnovation@agric.wa.gov.au
To register to attend the Mandurah breakfast visit peel.wa.gov.au and search for ‘events’.
Media contacts: Jodie Thomson/Megan Broad, media liaison +61 (0)8 9368 3937