Informa Markets Strengthens Food Security with Launch of “FoodGuard” Summit in Egypt, in Collaboration with UNIDO
Cairo – The inaugural “FoodGuard” Summit is set to take place in Egypt from June 2 to 4, 2026, as part of the 14th edition of Fi Africa and ProPak MENA 2026. Organized by Informa Markets in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), this summit aims to address critical issues surrounding food security and the food manufacturing sector in the Middle East and Africa.
Government Support and Strategic Importance
The summit will receive substantial backing from the Egyptian government, with the patronage of four key ministries: the Ministry of Supply and Internal Trade, the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, the Ministry of Industry, and the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade. This collaboration signifies a commitment to enhancing the food security ecosystem and improving supply chain efficiency through innovative and sustainable solutions. Such initiatives are crucial for reinforcing Egypt’s status as a regional hub for food manufacturing and export.
High-profile speakers, including Dr. Sharif Farouk, Minister of Supply and Internal Trade, and H.E. Khaled Hashem, Minister of Industry, are expected to deliver keynote addresses. Their involvement highlights the government’s dedication to advancing food security and the development of the food manufacturing sector in Egypt and the broader region.
A Platform for Collaboration
The FoodGuard Summit aims to create a strategic dialogue platform that unites decision-makers, manufacturers, investors, and food industry experts. By addressing pressing challenges, the summit seeks to transform food security issues into viable investment opportunities. More than 250 leaders and specialists in food security will participate, discussing themes such as reducing food waste, promoting innovation in supply chains, and the role of the private sector in financing food industry development.
International partnerships will play a pivotal role in the summit’s success. Collaborating organizations include UNIDO, the World Packaging Organisation (WPO), and the International Fruit and Vegetable Juice Association (IFU), among others. These partnerships are expected to enrich discussions and support the comprehensive development of the food industries sector.
Technological Innovations and Sustainable Practices
The summit will also focus on the latest technological advancements in packaging and processing. Discussions will include the development of cold chains linked to the food industry, which are essential for maintaining quality and safety standards. Gunther Beger, Managing Director of the Directorate for SDG Innovation and Economic Transformation, emphasized the importance of cooperation among countries and stakeholders to create efficient, sustainable food systems. This collaborative effort is vital for enhancing food quality and safety, ensuring access to healthy food for all.
Regional Impact and Future Growth
Fi Africa and ProPak MENA 2026 are among the largest specialized events in Africa and the Middle East, dedicated to food and beverage ingredients, manufacturing, processing, and packaging. The exhibitions are expected to attract over 400 exhibitors and more than 16,000 industry specialists, thereby serving as a significant platform for driving growth in the food manufacturing sector.
The event’s strategic location in Egypt, which connects Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, positions it as an ideal venue for discussions on innovation and competitiveness in the food industry. This is particularly relevant given the rapid growth of the food sector and the increasing need for enhanced supply chains in regional and global markets.
Informa Markets is committed to facilitating the exchange of expertise and knowledge among specialists across various sectors. Mostafa Khalil, Group Director at Informa Markets, stated that the organization aims to foster productive partnerships between public and private sectors and international organizations. This commitment supports sustainable outcomes that advance comprehensive development efforts in the long term.
For further details on the FoodGuard Summit and its implications for food security in the region, visit the official announcement here.
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