Gamechangerz in Food on Tour: Chain of the Future
On September 25, 2024, we organized the event “Gamechangerz in Food on Tour: Chain of the Future,” a unique bus tour of some of the leading companies in the food sector.
During this tour, participants had the opportunity to take a look behind the scenes at innovative organizations and share their insights on the future of the food chain.
The goal was to discover together with experts and innovators how technology, sustainability and collaboration can transform the chain.
Gwynt: Making impact shoulder to shoulder
The tour started with a presentation by Pim Pilon, Senior Business Associate at Gwynt, an organization that helps companies in Food & Agri, Retail and Manufacturing to future-proof their businesses.
Pim outlined the trends that will define the food chain of the future, such as sustainability, the impact of new regulations, digitalization and scarcity of resources.
He emphasized that cooperation and smart investment are essential to meet these challenges.
Lely: The smart farm
At Lely we were given an impressive tour of their high-tech farm.
Here we saw the latest technologies in action, such as milking robots and feeding robots, which have almost doubled milk production in just four years.
These innovations not only help farmers work more efficiently, but also contribute to sustainability and animal welfare.
Next Tech Food Factories: automation and robotization for a more sustainable food system
Next Tech Food Factories took us through their mission to create the food processors of the future.
Working with food processing companies and technology partners, they are developing advanced robotics and AI solutions that not only increase productivity, but also contribute to more sustainable operations.
GS1: Efficient and transparent exchange of (chain) data
In a world where data is the key to success, the presentation by GS1 played an important role.
GS1 provides standards that help companies increase transparency and efficiency in the supply chain.
Their new generation of QR codes, for example, will be able to provide more information to consumers, such as expiration dates and origins, which will make the food chain even more sustainable.
Delphy: Optimizing cultivation in horticulture and arable farming
At Delphy we gained insight into the future of horticulture and arable farming.
With innovative techniques such as LED lighting and vertical farming, Delphy helps growers increase yields while using less energy.
Their data-driven approach and in-depth knowledge of crop optimization make them a key player in making the agricultural sector more sustainable.
Rabobank Netherlands: The chain starts at the fork
Sebastiaan Schreijen, Food & Agri analyst at Rabobank, presented his vision of the chain of the future.
He emphasized that consumers increasingly value convenience, which has a major impact on the food chain.
Here, technology plays a key role in providing fast, efficient and customized food solutions, affecting the entire chain from producer to consumer.
Van Gelder Fruit & Vegetables: state-of-the-art AGF supplier
During the lunch stop at Van Gelder Groente & Fruit in Ridderkerk, not only were we treated to fresh, healthy meals, but we also got a look at their state-of-the-art factory.
With only 15 order pickers instead of the 250 previously required, this is a textbook example of how technology and innovation can increase efficiency in the food chain.
QING Forward Engineering: from innovation ambition to reality
Will Uijting, Commercial Director of QING Forward Engineering, showed how his company helps companies integrate technological innovations into their production processes.
Through their expertise in production automation and project management, QING ensures that companies get the maximum return from both new and existing production lines.
Innocent: The Blender – an energy-neutral smoothie factory
The event concluded with a presentation by Lennard van Santen on Innocent’s newest pride: the Blender, an energy-neutral factory for the production of smoothies.
Running entirely on solar and soon-to-be wind energy, the factory is a perfect example of how the food sector can contribute to a sustainable future.
Conclusion
Gamechangerz in Food on Tour not only showed how innovations in technology, sustainability and collaboration can shape the food chain of the future, but also provided valuable insights for all participants.
We look back on a successful and inspiring day, and look forward to the next edition.
Would you like to know more about the content of the presentations, or would you like to exchange views on the chain of the future? If so, please contact us.