DuPont calls for science, collaboration to address food challenges at Gulfood 2012

At the Gulfood 2012 Conference, Heike van de Kerkhof, Director Packaging & Industrial Polymers, Europe, Middle East and Africa [EMEA] and Food Growth Director, EMEA, delivered a keynote speech sharing opportunities and challenges which the global food industry is facing.

“At DuPont, we believe that science and innovation is the key to solving the world’s biggest challenges. However, no one company or organization can possibly solve these issues alone. That’s why we need the help of local academic institutions, governments, NGOS, our customers and others to collaborate to develop innovative solutions. Although science provides universal answers, solutions must be local due to variations in climate, soils, cultural traditions, and other factors,” said Heike van de Kerkhof.

Responding to the challenge of global hunger, DuPont recently announced goals for its contribution to help improve food security around the world. DuPont’s food security goals – which address innovation, education and rural community development – will be tracked along with DuPont sustainability goals.  DuPont was one of the first companies to establish sustainability goals in the 1990s and has consistently surpassed its commitments.

DuPont has committed to invest US$10 billion in research and development dedicated to the food, agriculture and nutrition sectors and to advance 4,000 new products by the end of 2020.

Ms. Van de Kerkhof provided several examples of how DuPont is committed to helping feed a growing world including:  

Developing sustainable food solutions that reduce waste and protect the ecosystem.

Increasing agricultural output – higher food productivity.

Developing healthier and more nutritious food.

Ensuring the availability, accessibility, affordability and safety of food.

“Middle East consumers want safe, nutritious food and DuPont is committed to ensuring food security at local level. With our crop protection products, Pioneer seed business, packaging, food protection and a strong provider of nutritional soy ingredients by Solae, DuPont offers technology throughout the food value chain. Last year’s acquisition of Danisco has further strengthened this portfolio as well,” she added.

Gulfood 2012 is one of the world's largest annual food and hospitality show in the Middle East with a record of 62,000 visitors from more than 150 countries and 3,800 exhibitors.