BRUSSELS — Fedima, the European trade association representing bakery, patisseries and confectionery ingredient manufacturers, revealed its roadmap for the 2024-2029 European Union (EU) policy cycle. The document outlines seven key recommendations for EU legislators to follow to ensure the European bakery sector is supported in its sustainable growth, innovation and competitiveness.
The association’s priorities are:
– The need for a regulatory framework that fosters innovation and sustainable economic growth in the food industry to ensure safe, innovative and sustainable technologies and products can be introduced onto the food market in a timelier manner
– The need to recognize the essential nutritional and emotional role of bread and pastry in European diets and traditions while encouraging product enhancement to meet evolving consumer needs
– The need to provide clearer guidance on how B2C policies apply to the unique characteristics of the B2B sector for greater legal certainty and smoother supply chain collaboration
– The need to ensure science is at the heart of any regulatory framework affecting the food industry
– The need to address regulatory disparities and inconsistencies across the EU that undermine the functionality of the internal food market for the benefit of businesses and consumers
– The need to facilitate harmonized sustainability regulations that are innovation-driven, without excessive burden on businesses
– The need to proactively address food security risks through climate adaptation strategies in agriculture and the food supply chain as a whole
“With these recommendations, we are setting out a roadmap for policymakers to support the European bakery sector in its sustainable growth and its competitiveness,” said Thomas Lesaffre, president of Fedima. “Bread and pastries are at the heart of Europe’s food traditions and an essential part of the daily diets for millions of Europeans. Our recommendations aim to ensure that the regulatory framework European bakery ingredients producers operate in allows them to meet the evolving needs of consumers and acknowledges the baking sector’s role in contributing to a resilient, sustainable and innovative European food system.”
Fedima is composed of national associations across 13 countries representing 200 bakery ingredient companies and approximately $7.3 billion (€7 billion) in annual turnover.
“By working together with key partners and policymakers, we can tackle challenges like climate resilience, sustainability, and regulatory inconsistencies, allowing our members to innovate, grow and continue delivering high-quality baked goods that consumers know and love,” Lesaffre said. “Our sector is eager to be part of the policymaking process, offering our industry perspective to produce the best possible regulatory conditions for the benefit of European consumers, the environment and our economies during this legislative term and beyond.”
