UPCOMING EVENT
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UPCOMING EVENT
The IESE Food & Beverage Meeting, the industry’s major meeting point, is back with an edition inspired by the slogan “Field of Dreams: From Farm and Sea to Consumer.” The program is for everyone who wants to anticipate challenges and lead with vision. At the meeting, we’ll discuss geopolitical, economic and regulatory challenges in an ever-changing world. We’ll dive deep into reinventing the primary sector and understanding that sustainability starts at the source.
We’ll reflect on the future of food, agriculture and the role of innovation and artificial intelligence. We’ll also explore how leadership is focused by learning to communicate better in business and social media. We’ll hear success stories in terms of diversification, global expansion and strategic alliances that make a difference. And we’ll address the challenge of the changing talent landscape and the future of work. This must-attend meeting is for sharing, inspiration, debate and transformation. The future of food begins here.
Co-organizer:
Collaborating companies:
| 09:30-09:45 | Apertura
• Prof. Miquel Lladó, Academic Director of the Meeting, IESE Business School |
| 09:45-10:30 | Geopolitics and Economics in a Changing World
Where is global trade heading and what are the implications for the food industry? The future of global trade is being shaped by increasing geopolitical fragmentation that is redefining the rules of the game: friend-shoring, regional blocs, tariffs, and agreements like Mercosur are transforming supply chains and posing new challenges to ensure food sovereignty. In this polarized landscape, it is crucial to analyze how global changes are impacting the food sector and what local decisions are needed to adapt to this new era. • Ana Aguilar, Chief Economist, Deloitte Moderator: Prof. Miquel Lladó, IESE Business School |
| 10:30-11:15 | Challenges of the Spanish Food Industry
Is the industry prepared to meet ambitious targets in record time? In 2023, Spain recycled only 41.3% of single-use plastic bottles—well below the 70% required by law. This shortfall makes it necessary to implement a deposit return system (DRS) before November 2026. Similar to traditional glass bottle return schemes, this system will cover plastic bottles, cans, and cartons, aiming to improve packaging recovery through financial incentives. The implementation faces challenges such as resistance from certain industries and the need for proper infrastructure. However, the DRS is expected to significantly boost recycling rates and encourage greater environmental responsibility among both consumers and businesses. • Jose Miguel Herrero, Director General of Food, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Moderator: Enrique Domínguez, Partner responsible for the Consumer Goods and Distribution sector, Deloitte Spain |
| 11:15-11:45 | Coffee-Break |
| 11:45-12:30 | Driving Growth Through Innovation, Diversification, Global Expansion and Strategic Partnerships
To drive business growth, five key areas stand out: innovation, which is essential to maintain competitiveness through new technologies and products; diversification, which helps mitigate risks and tap into new markets; global expansion, which provides access to new customers and economies of scale; strategic partnerships, which facilitate access to shared resources and knowledge; and sustainability, which not only responds to social demands but also opens up new business opportunities. Integrating these strategies with a coherent vision is essential to achieving sustained and competitive growth. • Mar Doñate, Vice President of Transformation, Bimbo EMEA and GM of the North Africa Region, Grupo Bimbo Moderator: Manuel Barberá, Managing Director, Head of F&B, Corporate and Investment Banking, CaixaBank |
| 12:30-13:15 | The Talent Equation in the Future of Work
The roundtable will address the challenges of attracting and retaining talent in companies located outside major cities, highlighting innovative solutions such as remote work, which helps overcome geographical barriers and provides access to a broader workforce. Strategies to create attractive work environments will be explored, including the implementation of digital tools that support collaboration and professional development, as well as the promotion of a corporate culture that values well-being and flexibility. Additionally, initiatives that combine practical training and career guidance to improve employability in less urbanized regions will be discussed. • Gonzalo Iturmendi, GLOBAL Director PEOPLE Centers of Excellence, Cosentino Moderator: Rocio Abella, Partner, Deloitte |
| 13:15-14:00 | A Focus on Leaders: Improving Personalized Communication
Beyond the Product: Communicating with Humanity in a Message-Saturated World In an environment where attention is the most scarce resource, true differentiation lies not only in what we sell, but in how we tell the story. This panel will explore how brands in the Food & Beverage sector can build more authentic, emotional, and lasting relationships with their customers through communication that is more personalized, transparent, and human. We will discuss leadership, empathy, and strategic storytelling—key elements to truly connect at every touchpoint. • Paula Babiano, Founder and CEO, Balbisiana Moderator: Guillermo Blázquez, Bühler Group |
| 14:00-15:30 | Lunch |
| 15:30-16:55 | Reinventing the Primary Sector: Sustainability Starts at the Beginning
15:30-15:45 Global Vision, Local Action: Rethinking the Food System from the Ground Up • Randy Jagt, Partner, Future of Food Leader for Deloitte Global 15:45-16:55 This panel focuses on how the primary sector can reinvent itself to face the major challenges of today and tomorrow. From adopting new technologies to developing governance models that attract young talent, we will explore how to make agricultural work a modern, strategic, and purpose-driven choice. We’ll bring together case studies and perspectives that show how innovation, sustainability, and leadership can come together to revitalize agriculture and secure its key role in the transition of the food system. • Rocio Hervella, CEO & Founder, Productos Solubles PROSOL Moderator: Prof. Miquel Lladó, IESE Business School |
| 16:55-17:45 | AI in Action: Practical Solutions
The roundtable will delve into the practical application of artificial intelligence (AI) in the food industry, presenting real cases of successful implementation. It will explore how AI optimizes operations, enhances decision-making, and boosts sustainability in food production and distribution. Additionally, the discussion will analyze AI’s impact on creating value for both companies and consumers, highlighting concrete examples of its integration within the sector. • Luis González Gugel, Partner, Deloitte Moderator: Prof. Sandra Sieber, IESE Business School |
| 17:45-18:00 | Wrap-up and Closing
• Enrique Domínguez, Partner responsible for the Consumer Goods and Distribution sector, Deloitte Spain |
| 18:00 | Networking Drinks |
Note: In case of international speakers, we provide simultaneous translation during the event.
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The 28 IESE Food & Beverage Meeting will be held on IESE Barcelona
The fees for this meeting:
On Campus: € 1,000
On Campus: € 900
On Campus: € 700
PAYMENT MUST BE MADE PRIOR TO PROGRAM ATTENDANCE
MAURICIO GARCÍA DE QUEVEDO
RAIMON RIPOLL
MAURICIO GARCÍA DE QUEVEDO
2024 · In search of value creation: Innovate. Elevate. Inspire
2023 · The new paradox: finding certainty in an uncertain business environment
2022 · The future of the sector. Towards new balances
2021 · Post-COVID strategy and perspectives · Session June 1, 2021
2021 · Post-COVID strategy and perspectives · Session April 14, 2021
2020 · Post-COVID strategy and perspectives · Session March 8, 2021
2019 · Feeding the Future
2018 · State of Play and Future Scenarios
2017 · Sustainable Growth Strategies: Challenges and Opportunities
2016 · A Global, Creative Look at Growth, New Markets and Change
2015 · The Road to 2025 and Beyond
2014 · The Four I-Engines of the Industry
2013 · Selling Across Continents
2012 · Growth in the recession. Examples for industry and retail
2011 · In search of added value: how to get consumers, margins and competitiveness back
2010 · Food wars: counterattack brands. Rebuilding the industry’s future
