The inaugural Healthy Innovation Conference (HiConf) opened its doors in Dubai recently, bringing together over 500 attendees from diverse fields to delve into the future of the sustainable food industry.

This first-of-its-kind summit in the MENA region focuses on innovative food solutions that prioritize both human health and environmental well-being. The one-day event explored emerging trends in the food market, shifting consumer preferences, advancements in alternative proteins, sustainable production methods, and evolving ethical considerations that are reshaping the industry.

HiConf arrives amidst a global surge in demand for alternative protein options. A report by Credit Suisse predicts the market for alternative meat and dairy products to reach a staggering $1.4 trillion by 2050. Additionally, the global market for alternative sugars is also experiencing rapid growth, exceeding the traditional sugar market's growth rate by four percentage points annually.

The conference convened a diverse group of participants, including government leaders, investors, academics, and entrepreneurs, from countries like the UAE, Germany, China, Korea, and beyond. High-profile speakers included former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder, Sergey Ivanov (Board Member, EFKO Group), and Tao Zhang (Managing Partner, Dao Foods International), among others.

"From alternative and healthy proteins to cutting-edge advancements in food sustainability and cellular nutrition, we are taking responsibility for human and planetary health," stated Alaa Al Ali, Board Member of Novel Foods Group. "HiConf aims to accelerate the global transition towards healthy and environmentally conscious diets."

Dr. Manon Littek, Founding Partner of Green Generation Fund, added, "We are committed to leveraging the knowledge shared at HiConf to address growing concerns surrounding the environmental impact of traditional agriculture."

Organized by WP Human Capital Group, with Novel Foods Group as the main sponsor, HiConf is held in collaboration with dfv Conference Group, PwC, and other esteemed organizations. The event serves as a valuable platform for stakeholders across the food industry to come together, explore innovative solutions, and contribute to a more sustainable future.