FEDIMA supports its members – national associations of the Bakery, Confectionery and Patisseries industries across 12 EU Member States – in having access to an EU single market in order to facilitate their business activities within the European Union. It also provides expertise to EU institutions on items related to bakery ingredients.
It commemorated the milestone in Brussels, Belgium, on June 27, which FEDIMA president Johan Sanders said was “to celebrate its journey and to address both the past and the future.”
A system of trust
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Sabine Juelicher, director of Food and Feed Safety & Innovation for the Directorate-General of the European Commission and Mella Frewen, director general of FoodDrinkEurope.
In her address, Juelicher recognized the relevance of the contributions by sector organizations such as FEDIMA to enable the EU develop science-based regulations. She added transparency remains high on the agenda.
“It is important to uphold a system of trust between all stakeholders and ensure appropriate communication to consumers,” said Juelicher.
FoodDrinkEurope’s Frewen added that industry’s role in providing data is important because it shows the commitment of food manufacturers towards safety and well-being of consumers.
“FEDIMA, as an active member, is an important contributor to EFSA’s [European Food Safety Authority] call for data for food additives use levels in food. This motivates other sectors to engage as well.”
In his closing speech, FEDIMA’s secretary general Jean Christophe Kremer outlined the federation’s ambitions for a strong European Single Market, a scenario that would be welcomed by bakery and pastry suppliers.
FEDIMA was founded in 1969 in Milan to support the implementation of the Treaty of Rome.
The federation has contributed in raising the food safety standards across Europe – particularly those affecting the bakery and pastry sector.
Its 12 member associations have a combined turnover of €5bn ($5.64bn) and directly employ over 20,000 people.