As I see it, food and health go hand in hand. Luckily, all the food and beverage (F&B) companies that I am in contact with see it the same way.
Most of you have probably already heard that the FDA is developing controls to reduce health risks in the food industry.
In fact, the FDA Food Safety and Modernization Act that was recently signed into law establishes the first major reform of the food and beverage industry since 1938. Now, there will be new approaches to food safety as food processors and producers must meet the law’s requirements.
This intensified focus on food safety makes it one of the Top 11 Priorities for Profitable Growth in 2011 for the F&B industry. Industry-wide trends toward global food safety certifications are gaining steam, and this will drive new technologies to improve visibility from the field to the store shelf.
With growing government regulation, food and beverage leaders will need to become even more proactive in understanding and addressing changes. It is critical to realize how to maximize hidden benefits of new regulations.
Accompanying food safety on the list of Top 11 Priorities is the consumer push for fresh and organic products. As sourcing and quality continues to test suppliers, distributors and retailers, the industry will need to place greater emphasis on achieving high volume growth while increasing margins in this lucrative market segment.
This year will prove to be one of the more dynamic, if not challenging, times for the food and beverage industry. Learn more about the top priorities for the food and beverage industry and see how your 2011 goals compare.
How do you see your operations performing in relation to these top priorities in the coming months? What would you add to this list?
P.S. If you are interested in Top 11 Priorities for other business sectors, you can see more here.
Go!Go!Go!
Jim
More Resources
Top 11 Priorities for Profitable Growth in 2011
Top 11 Priorities for Food and Beverage Companies in 2011
Global Trade Management and Supply Chain Visibility
Photo Credit: Leslie Seaton