Dubai: The region’s 1st-ever Sugar & Calorie Reduction Knowledge Building Program recently held its final session at Tate & Lyle’s R&D lab in Dubai.
Apart from Emirati graduates and young F&B professionals, the session was also attended by Representatives from the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) and the UAE F&B Manufacturers Business Group.
A joint initiative by MoIAT and the UAE F&B Manufacturers Business Group, the 8-week program educated young professionals and supported F&B manufacturers in the region to cut calories and sugar from products and pivot to increased demand among consumers for healthier food.
In line with the UAE’s national industrial strategy to enhance the competitiveness of domestic manufacturers, the ministry is committed to supporting the WHO’s recommendations to cut sugar and calories in F&B products and support industrial companies in the UAE with the knowledge and capabilities to adapt to market trends and maintain international standards.
Ms. Farah Al Zarooni, Acting Assistant Under-Secretary for Standards and Regulations at MoIAT remarked about the Sugar Reduction Program.
Ms. Al Zarooni further added that, “This platform will raise awareness and provide expertise about the opportunities for F&B manufacturers around healthier products, provide the necessary technical and business expertise and direction to help companies capitalize on opportunities in the F&B sector. It also highlights the ministry’s efforts to update its rules and regulations to support the country’s sustainable development and improve the quality of F&B products.”
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Saleh Lootah, Chairman of UAE Food and Beverage Manufacturers Group, observed that, “UAE food manufacturing companies are investing in new product development innovations, and this program will help them access a faster route to market and maintain global standards. Tate & Lyle’s state-of-art R&D facilities are key to strengthening the sector in the region and crucial for nurturing local talent.”
THE PROGRAM
350+ delegates from the MENA region took part at the program’s 6 sessions, in-person and virtually. Representatives from the entire F&B manufacturing value chain attended, including legislative and food safety authorities such as Dubai Municipality, Saudi Food and Drug Authority, Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, and Sharjah City Municipality and Ministry of Health and Prevention.
Emirati students and young F&B professionals who took part in the program represented institutions such as the Zayed University, Canadian University Dubai, Al Ain University, United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), Manipal Academy of Higher Education, and others.
The Initiative strived to raise awareness of the latest in sugar and calorie reduction technologies, offering practical experience from demonstrations at Tate & Lyle’s new Customer Innovation and Collaboration Centre and providing ongoing support for F&B manufacturers.