Organisers of the Middle East Organic & Natural Products Expo 2021 announced, 20 September, the show's first Steering Committee. It includes leaders and businesses who have aimed to implement sustainability across consumer categories in the region and organisers say they formed it to address best practices and the need for education towards the business of organic, natural, bio and eco products. The committee will meet quarterly to discuss the development of the sector focusing on the top consumer categories - food & beverage, beauty, health and environment.
The committee will aim to influence the content and predominant themes in the organic industry, examining the key challenges, as well as to plan the potential outcomes of Organic Expo Dubai. Shinu Pillai, the exhibitions director, said: “Given the heightened market demand for organics and the trade challenges importers are facing in the region, it only makes sense to have key people from the industry to advise on strategies that will drive the organics sector.”
New member, Miguel Angel Povedano (pictured), chief commercial officer of Majid Al Futtaim Retail, added: “Fast-changing consumer habits are transforming the retail industry and many fundamental aspects of its operations. As retailers, we must ensure we not only keep up but stay one step ahead – anticipating new needs and delivering on customer expectations.”
Halima Jumani, director of finance and operations at Kibsons International LLC, said: “Sustainability is at the heart of all we do at Kibsons and we are looking forward to sharing our practices, educating on the importance of sustainability here in the region and working alongside a dedicated and like-minded group to further enhance efforts of sustainability in the UAE”.
The organisers have established an online community since the pandemic and utilised the hybrid concept. The September edition of the Organic Digital Trade Expo will go live from 28–29 September 2021. Register to attend, here.
Who’s on the Steering Committee?
Dr Ashraf Mahate - chief economist at Dubai Exports
Sanjeev Dutta - executive director of commodities and financial services at DMCC
Miguel Angel Povedano - chief commercial officer at Majid Al Futtaim Retail
Mette Haxthausen - managing director of Sisters Beauty Lounge, The Grooming Company
Yazen Al Kodmani - operations director of Emirates Bio Farm
Dr Shyam Pillai - chief executive officer at Burjeel Day Surgery Center and medical director at Dr Shyam's Ayurveda Center
Halima Jumani - director of finance and operations at Kibsons International LLC
You can meet the steering committee members this December at the in-person event at the Dubai World Trade Centre 6-8 December, 2021.
