As Europe’s largest manufacturing sector, with an annual turnover of €965 billion, and providing direct employment to 4.4 million people, the European food and drink industry is an important pillar of the EU economy.

With a mission to provide some 500 million EU consumers with safe, nutritious, high quality and affordable food products daily, it goes without saying that consumers are at the very heart of what we do.

As we look to the future and the challenges that lie ahead, ensuring security of supply in order to meet future food demand - both in Europe and beyond - becomes increasingly important. Moreover, manufacturers will be tested on their capacity to respond to changing consumer expectations in the field of nutrition and product choice for both young and old, as well as the development of products with an improved environmental performance. Responsible practices to the benefit of people and planet will take on ever-more importance.

Our ability as manufacturers to continue to inspire consumer confidence in our industry, thus ensuring that consumers buy, consume and enjoy our products every day, equally counts as a critical success factor for our business.

But, we cannot succeed on our own; new partnerships will need to be forged and existing ones strengthened in order to help us to face the challenges of tomorrow.

As we take stock of the success criteria to be met if our industry is to become more competitive worldwide, we reflect on what 2020 holds in store for European food and drink manufacturers and our capacity to respond to the goals set out in the EU 2020 Strategy.

The CIAA Congress on 18 and 19 November 2010, will address the socio-economic and environmental challenges that are ‘top of mind’ for the industry and each one of us as consumers.

The initial programme, which outlines the discussions that will take place on November 18 and 19, is available at www.ciaacongress2010.eu. Meanwhile, further details, practical information and registration will be available soon on our website.

We look forward to seeing you in November in Brussels.