03 Mar 2025 Countdown to SAAFFI’s annual seminar!
The 23rd annual SAAFFI seminar, always a popular event on the food industry calendar, is but two weeks away!
The 2025 annual SAAFFI seminar is themed: “GLOCALISED AROMATIC FUTURES – Sustainable 4IR Solutions for a Thriving Flavour & Fragrance Sector”.
The term “Fourth Industrial Revolution”, was coined by Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum (WEF). Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT) and robotics have begun to merge with the physical, digital and biological worlds and, thus, are revolutionising economies, industries and societies in the process. Sustainability in each of these areas has emerged as a key consideration.
The full-day programme features an impressive line-up of international and local speakers, a hands-on workshop, an inspiring motivational presentation, and a networking cocktail event.
This year’s programme aims to demonstrate that 4IR is not just about technology; it is about how to envision and build a shared future, specifically in the flavour, fragrance and related sectors.
The face-to-face, full-day event will be held on Wednesday 19 March 2025 at The Canvas @ Riversands, Fourways, Midrand.
International and local speakers will address topics including:
- Greenshoots: A glimpse of sustainable development 5 minutes – 50 years ahead for the Southern African Development Region.
- A practical view of the IFRA/IOFI Sustainability Charter.
- Blending traditional wisdom with modern research to shape the future.
- Flavour Trends – Global and local developments to watch.
- Fragrance Trends – International factors influencing fragrance trends.
- Understanding the complexities of biodiversity-based value chains.
- International, regional and national policies to get the sector moving and to keep it growing!
The hands-on workshop will invite participants to explore the concept of Triangles in the creation and application of flavours and fragrances. “This session is sure to leave all participants informed, motivated and challenged and even a little entertained!” notes Sharon Bolel, executive director of SAAFFII.
There are opportunities to win generous prizes, along with numerous networking opportunities with exactly the right “crowd”.
“For the last 23 years, the annual SAAFFI seminar has every year, attracted around 200 key personnel drawn from a wide range of companies both in the flavour & fragrance sector, and from FMCG companies (who are users of flavours and fragrances), as well as academics, consultants, regulators, raw material suppliers and anyone interested in the fascinating world of fragrance and flavours,” says Bolel.
“The day offers a valuable learning and networking opportunity to people in management, sales, marketing, technical, procurement, R&D, applications, operations, and tertiary level students.”
“It is an industry event for every serious flavour, fragrance, food, beverage, cosmetic and FMCG professional – simultaneously offering a day of fun, insight and inspiration! There is even the promise of a jam-packed goody bag for each delegate!”
About SAAFFI: The South African Association of the Flavour & Fragrance Industry represents all aspects of the flavour, fragrance and allied industries. It unites the industry across non-competitive issues.