Following its end-of-year board meeting, the International Association of Plant Bakers (AIBI) hosted its traditional Bread Initiative symposium at its Grand Place headquarters, in Brussels. Its members and partners joined the event themed ‘Keeping bread on the table’.

AIBI was joined by the members of the Bread Project collaborative project, including CEBP, COFALEC Confederation of European Yeast Producers, European Flour Millers and FEDIMA – European bakery and pastry ingredients manufacturers. Jean-Manuel Lévêque (AIBI President), Dominique Anract (CEBP President) and Thomas Lesaffre (FEDIMA President) shared with the guests the Bread Initiative’s vision at the start of the new political cycle marked by the appointment of the new European Commission.

The upcoming EU Agri-Food Strategy, which aims at supporting the entire supply chain and enhancing competitiveness, was among the topics of discussion at the event. DG Agri Deputy Director General Pierre Bascou shared his insights on the topic.

Oliver Schenk, a new member of the European Parliament, shared a supportive message, underlining the value of collaboration throughout the value chain. Thomas Lesaffre reiterated the ingredient specialists’ belief that “Our voice is strongest when we raise it together”.

At the board meeting, an update summarized activities in 2024 and outlined the priorities for 2025, highlighting the value of collaborations across the EU bakery trade sectors and national organizations in promoting the essential role of the industry. AIBI’s new member organization, Ukrainian Bakers Association, was warmly welcomed.

“Thanks to all the speakers, our bread value chain actors and colleagues from other food chain associations, in total more than 80 participants, for making this a success. The date is taken for next year,” the host concluded.

Photos: AIBI, Fedima