The EMCC (Euroopa Elu- ja Töötingimuste Parandamise Fondi Euroopa Struktuurimuutuste Jälgimise Keskus) wishes to inform you that the next EMCC Anticipation Workshop on the Food and Drink Sector:

Feeding Europe: The future of the European food and beverage industry

will be held at the Foundation, Dublin, Ireland on 23-24 October 2006.

The 'Feeding Europe' workshop, to be held in Dublin on 23-24 October, will present the research findings of an EU-wide study of the European food and beverage industry, commissioned by the EMCC. The aim of the study was to analyse the main trends and key drivers of change. It also examined the impact of these drivers on the structure and performance of the sector, and their political, economical and social consequences. The event will bring together European companies, social partners, policy makers and sectoral experts to reflect upon the issues raised and to share experience. Through the use of scenario techniques and group work, participants will also be encouraged to identify actions for further development, innovation and growth within the sector.

Workshop focus

The European food and beverage industry is experiencing a series of challenges, including increased competition, food scares and new consumer trends. The aim of the workshop is to anticipate change in the sector, by analysing the key trends and drivers of change: the adoption of productivity-boosting initiatives; political and regulatory developments in such areas as the CAP, food safety and the elimination of trade barriers; the uses of technological change; and globalisation and international competition. The food and beverage industry is also witnessing profound market developments, including concentration and consolidation, the shift of power from producers to retailers, price wars, new consumer trends and social changes.

The workshop will also examine the political, economic and social consequences of these developments: restructuring processes and the corresponding human resource strategies; gender and labour market issues; the effects on employment levels; and the skill gaps and the training initiatives required by the industry.

The workshop is designed to encourage social partners, companies and regional policymakers to together examine the key aspects of change in the sector, through the use of scenarios (to be presented at the event) developed as part of the EMCC's research. The use of scenarios is an established and powerful technique used in policy and strategic analysis to describe a plausible hypothesis about the future. A scenario is a coherent description of drivers, trends and events that may influence and change the subject of analysis over a given period of time; it is not a prediction but rather a tool that enables the anticipation of possible future strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.

The mixed audience of company representatives, social partners, sector analysts, researchers in the food and beverage sector and scenario experts will offer a rich mix for productive conversation and action.

Outcomes of the workshop

The intended outcomes of the workshop include:

a greater understanding of the management of change at company level in the food and beverage sector;
the gaining of practical tools for anticipation in the day-to-day management of change within companies and organisations;
greater knowledge of the main issues and challenges facing the principal sectoral players;
a workshop report, highlighting key issues, which will be made available to participants shortly after the event and disseminated more widely through the EMCC portal.

Programme

For further details on the format and topics of this workshop, please download the provisional programme. Simultaneous interpreting, in both English and French, will be provided.

There is no charge for this EMCC workshop. Accommodation will be provided in an hotel (group booking) with a special price. This will be paid directly by participants to the hotel but will be refunded together with a small daily allowance (with deduction for meals). Flight will be reimbursed also (economic fare). All refunds will be made by direct credit within a month after the event.

What to do if you are interested?

Deadline for registering is 21 September 2006. Limited spaces are available and candidates will be notified about their participation at the latest by 29 September.

If you are interested in participating in this workshop, please contact Kristi-Jette Remi, or download the reply form and send a completed copy to Kristi-Jette Remi by e-mail kristi@ettk.ee or by fax (+372 699 9310).