Program

Day 1: Thursday, October 10th 2019

Main stage - exhibition hall

  • 09:45 am

    VIP TOUR

  • 10:00 am

    OFFICIAL OPENING CEREMONY
    Presenter: Miloš Milovanović, Journalist

    Speakers:

    • Zorana Mihajlović, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia
    • Shanley Pinchotti, USAID Acting Mission Director
  • 10:15 am

    PRESENTATION: HOW TO INCREASE THE VALUE OF PRODUCTS AND EXPORTS?
    Speaker: Aleksandar Pavlović, Project Director, USAID Competitive Economy Project

    Aleksandar Pavlović will be providing an overview and breakdown of the domestic and export retail-ready food product segment. This panel will address the questions: What is premium food, and why is it important for Serbia? Who are the producers and what does the premium sector look like? What opportunities await in both the domestic and foreign market for these producers?

  • 10:45 am

    PANEL DISCUSSION: PROSPECTS OF SERBIAN FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRY
    Moderator: Aleksandar Pavlović, Project Director, USAID Competitive Economy Project

    Panel discussion on perspectives ahead of the region’s food processing industry – insights and potentials from the points of view of the Government, business associations, established brands and entrepreneurs.

    Participants:


    • Katarina Obradović Jovanović, Assistant Minister, Sector for Development of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises and Entrepreneurship, Ministry of Economy
    • Darko Mandić, Partner, NOA and Founder, Foodscale Hub in Serbia

    • Mihailo Vesović, Director of Division for Strategic Analyses and Services, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia
    • Mihailo Janković, Managing Director, Nectar Group

    • Andrej Jovanović, General Manager, “Moji Brendovi” TBC

  • 11:30 am

    break

  • 12:00 pm

    KEYNOTE SPEECH: NATION BRANDING AND INTERNATIONAL REPUTATION OF SERBIA
    Speaker: José Filipe Torres, CEO, Bloom Consulting

    José Filipe Torres, an expert in international branding with over 20 years of experience, and CEO of Bloom Consulting, will give insights into how international perceptions and reputation may impact a country’s brand. He will explain a country’s genuine appeal through Digital Country Index from various perspectives: exports, investments, tourism. He will also address what the main factors that drive and manage its reputation are and recommend what needs to be done to enhance the international reputation of Serbia and to positively change perceptions of the country.

  • 01:00 pm

    PANEL DISCUSSION: BRANDING A COUNTRY AS A SPECIALTY FOOD DESTINATION
    Moderator: Miloš Milovanović, Journalist

    Why is a good food strategy important for a country? Focusing on high-quality food products, the panel will discuss branding the country as a food, trade, and tourism destination from the perspectives of the government, local and regional tourism experts, academics, journalists, and renowned culinary chefs.
    Participants:

    • Senad Mahmutović, State Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management
    • Vesna Raca, Assistant Director, National Tourism Organization of Serbia
    • Jovan Radomir, TV Presenter and Author, Sweden
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    • Goran Kočiš, Chef and Owner, restaurant Noel, Croatia
  • 02:00 pm

    break

  • 03:00 pm

    KEYNOTE SPEECH: E-COMMERCE: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN THE GERMAN MARKET
    Speaker: Alexander Djordjevic, Founder, foodist.de, Germany

    This presentation will provide viewers with an insight on relevant and upcoming food trends in the biggest global online markets and how producers can identify them. Also, it will discuss the future of premium online sales, how to prepare for an online sales platform in the European Union, and what steps need to be followed in order to sell products in international markets.

    A case study will provide examples of practical implementation, titled: “How to create a lovebrand in the German food market”.

  • 04:00 pm

    PANEL DISCUSSION: E-TAIL AND RETAIL: REACHING THE SHELVES
    Moderator: Alexander Djordjevic, Founder, foodist.de, Germany

    The panel will discuss food trends, selection process and ways of improving communication between innovative small companies and major retail chains and online shops. Also, it will cover how producers might adjust their products accordingly in order to sell them, and the differences between the category management requirements in stores and online.

    Participants:

    • Slađana Blažević, Category Manager, Univerexport
    • Marko Ilić, Co-founder, eCommerce Association of Serbia
    • Nataša Pavlović, Chief Marketing Officer, Mercator S
    • Vuk Mirković, Founder and Partner, Delicent

Hilandar conf. hall, 1st floor

  • 12:00 pm

    PRESENTATION: INTERNATIONAL TASTE INSTITUTE SEMINAR

    Speaker: Eric de Spoelberch, Managing Director, The International Taste Institute

    This educational seminar with a live simulation of the tasting methodology and evaluation process behind the Superior Taste Award will explain how local producers can apply, and what the benefits of holding this world-wide renowned certification are. The representatives will broadly cover the latest industry trends in the premium, high-quality segment.

    The International Taste Institute Jury Members:

    • Alan Coxon,  TV Chef & Presenter, British Ambassador for Food, UK
    • Julie Dupouy, Vice President of the Irish Guild of Sommeliers, Ireland
    • Uroš Urošević, Fellow Member at World Master Chef’s Society, Serbia
  • 01:00 pm

    INTERNATIONAL TASTE INSTITUTE SEMINAR: CONSULTATION MEETINGS WITH PRODUCERS, PART I

    The Taste Institute representatives will participate in one-on-one consultative sessions with selected Serbian premium food producers.
The sessions will provide Serbian premium food producers with feedback on product quality and taste and offer recommendations on how to diversify products in a competitive market. The sessions will be followed by expert advice on how to participate in the Superior Taste Award 2020.

  • 03:00 pm

    PRESENTATION: THINKING OUT OF THE BOX WITH JOVAN RADOMIR: BRAND STORYTELLING IN THE FOOD INDUSTRY
    Speaker: Jovan Radomir, TV Presenter and Author, Sweden

    The presentation should give us answers on how to use storytelling as a tool for promoting food and to emphasize the importance of a tailored, personalized approach. This workshop will help producers learn how to succeed in specific markets such as Sweden with a Serbian product, how diaspora can help you with promotion, and how to market the product across various platforms.

  • 04:00 pm

    PRESENTATION: YOUNG GROWERS AND NUTRITIONAL SOVEREIGNTY
    Moderator: TBD

    For years young people have been avoiding careers in the agro-industry because of the long hours, insufficient income guarantees and the apparent prospect of better options in other industries, but the attitude towards agriculture is changing. Experiences from Serbia and Croatia are the subject of research conducted by the Growing Growers Project, financed by the European Commission through Erasmus+ KA2 Strategic Partnership for Youth.

    Participants:

    • AMMA, Center for the Care of People and Nature
    • ZMAG, Green Network of Activist Groups

Day 2: Friday, October 11th 2019

Main stage - exhibition hall

  • 10:00 am

    PRESENTATION:EXPANDING THE PRODUCT PORTFOLIO
    Speaker: dr Mile Veljović, Institute of Food Technology and Biochemistry, Serbia

    Mile Veljović, PhD, from the Institute of Food Technology and Biochemistry, will provide valuable insight into how we can use traditional Serbian produce – raspberries, plums, peppers, etc. – to expand our product portfolio, by creating new and innovative products. Also, his presentation will cover the role and importance of food technologists in product development.

  • 10:45 am

    PANNEL DISCUSSION: FRESH AS PREMIUM
    Moderator: Jasmina Debeljak, Deputy Project Director, USAID Competitive Economy Project

    The fresh category offers a promise of careful selection and premium quality. The panel is intended to demonstrate how fresh produce can become part of the premium food category, along with methods of increasing their value, and how all this helps Serbian produce become recognizable.

    Participants:

    • Julka Toskić, Manager, Serbia Does Apples Association
    • Ana Bošnjak, Managing Director, AgroBell
    • Jelena Popović-Bujić, Business Development Manager, Iceberg Salat Centar
  • 11:30 am

    break

  • 12:00 pm

    PANEL DISCUSSION:ORGANIC PRODUCTION: NEW HORIZONS OF SERBIAN AGRICULTURE
    Moderator: Veljko Jovanović, Advisor to the President for Agriculture, The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia

    How to increase organic production in Serbia? How developed is organic production in Serbia and what are the next steps on its course? What is the State’s part, as well as that of the business entities and the private sector in this matter? Can organic production help further development of local agriculture and transcend the super-niche it occupies now?

    State representatives, organic food producers, leaders in fruit processing and production of juices in Serbia and the region, as well as members of the Association for Development of Organic Production will give the answers to these questions.

    Participants:

    • Branislav Raketić, Head of Group for Food Quality and Labeling, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management, Serbia
    • Prof. Slobodan Milenković, PhD, Faculty of Biofarming, University Megatrend
    • Prof. Snežana Oljača, PhD, President of the Board of Directors, Serbia Organica
    • Ina Radanović, Manager of Department for Quality Standard, Global Seed
    • Mihailo Janković, Managing Director, Nectar
  • 01:00 pm

    PRESENTATION: PACKAGING: TRENDS, INNOVATION AND CHALLENGES
    Moderator: Andrea Radonjić, Management Board Member, SEPEN

    The complex issue of product packaging brings many questions into focus for producers entering the specialty food market. The presentation will tackle the issue of good packaging choice, provide insight on the procurement challenges and business opportunities on the local market, along with providing examples of good packaging practices.

    Participants:

    • Marija Lončar, Creative Director, DNA Communications
    • Branislav Sekulić, General Manager, Vrtlari
    • Nikola Narančić, Sales Director for Southeast Europe, Ball Packaging Europe
  • 02:00 pm

    break

  • 03:00 pm

    PITCHING SESSION:PREMIUM FOOD DESIGN HUB
    Moderator: Aleksandar Bijelić, President of the Board, Serbian Venture Network

    The first investment pitching session for the food sector will bring together selected start-ups and SME companies looking for an investment partner. Innovation, technology, and talent are important, but the problem of financing a fast-growing company will come up sooner or later. Banks, as the main source of financing in Serbia, are sometimes not ready to finance start-ups, so finding other sources is absolutely essential.

Hilandar conf. hall, 1st floor

  • 10:00 am

    INTERNATIONAL TASTE INSTITUTE SEMINAR: CONSULTATION MEETINGS WITH PRODUCERS, PART II

    The Taste Institute representatives will participate in one-on-one consultative sessions with selected Serbian premium food producers.
The sessions will provide Serbian premium food producers with feedback on product quality and taste and offer recommendations on how to diversify products in a competitive market. The sessions will be followed by expert advice on how to participate in the Superior Taste Award 2020.

  • 11:00 am

    PANEL DICUSSION: SERBIA DOES FOOD: FROM TRADITIONAL RECIPES TO MODERN BRANDS
    Moderator: Dejan Ranđić, General Manager, DNA Communications

    What’s the best way to use tradition when creating a modern brand? How can brand management help adjust and successfully meet the challenges of modern market demands? The panel will discuss business expansion, customer satisfaction and business growth from the perspectives of food producers, restaurant owners, and social entrepreneurs.

    Participants:

    • Vaso Lekić, CEO, Zadruga, Serbia
    • Igor Kojčić, Project Manager, IDC Serbia
    • Alex Vučković, CEO, Happy Honey
    • Tatjana Avramov, Owner and CEO, Real Red Raspberry 
  • 12:00 pm

    PANEL DISCUSSION: FOOD HUBS AS THE ROAD TO THE MARKET
    Moderator: Milica Zatezalo, Access to Markets, USAID Competitive Economy Project

    Since a HUB-to-Market model has been proven to be efficient, this panel will discuss results from different incubators, offer valuable insights and experiences from companies that were part of successful pilot projects and announce new ones.
    Participants:

    • Svetlana Mitić Jovanović, Marketing Manager, dm incubator
    • Ana Popović, Project Manager, Desing Taste Center
    • Sandra Avramovski, Founder and CEO, Cold Pressok
    • Nikola Stanišić, Founder and CEO, Stanišić bio
    • Bratislav Dobrić, Founder, Business Innovation Programs
  • 01:00 pm

    PRESENTATION: HYGIENIC ENGINEERING AND DESIGN IN FOOD INDUSTRY UNITS
    Speaker: 
Prof. Miomir Nikšić, PhD, Chairman of Industrial Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture, Belgrade

    Presentation aimed at food producers, technologists and all those planning to start food production. It will answer questions such as: what is hygienically designed equipment? How to choose good equipment in the food industry? How does hygienic design reduce the risk of contamination in production? 

  • 03:00 pm

    ASK THE INSPECTORS

    This is a unique opportunity for manufacturers to have an open, one-on-one conversation about relevant topics with representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management.

Speakers

Jose Filipe Torres

CEO, Bloom Consulting

Milica Zatezalo


Markets Manager,
USAID Competitive Economy Project

Dejan Ranđić

General Manager - DNA Communications,
Founder – ICT Hub

Mile Veljović

PhD of Food technology, Faculty of Agriculture - University of Belgrade

Uroš Urošević

Fellow member at World Master Chef's Society, Serbia

Aleksandar Pavlović

Chief of Party,
USAID Competitive Economy Project.

Vuk Vuletić

The best sommelier of Balkans,
Podrum Novi Wine art restaurant manager

Ana Popović

DESING Project manager

Nikola Stanišić

Šumska Tajna, CEO & Founder

Bratislav Dobrić

Osnivač, Business Innovation Programs

Jelena Popović - Bujić

Business Development Manager, Iceberg Salat Centar d.o.o.

Jovan Radomir

TV presenter and author, Sweden

Alan Coxon

TV Chef / Presenter, British Ambassador for Food, UK

Eric de Spoelberch

Managing Director, The International Taste Institute

Julie Dupouy

Vice President of the Irish Guild of Sommeliers, Ireland

Julka Toskić

Manager, Serbia Does Apples Association

Snežana Oljača

Executive Board President, Serbia Organica

Ina Radanović

Quality Standards Department Manager, Global Seed

Igor Kojčić

Project Manager, IDC Serbia

Vuk Mirković

Founder and Partner, Delicent

Darko Mandić

NOA and Founder, Foodscale Hub

Katarina Obradović

Assistant Minister, Sector for Development of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises and Entrepreneurship, Ministry of Economy, Government of Serbia

Prof. Miomir Nikšić, PhD

Chairman of Industrial Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade

Ana Bošnjak

Managing Director, Agro Bel

Marko Ilić

Co-Founder, eCommerce Association of Serbia

Sandra Avramovski

Founder and CEO, Cold Pressok

Aleks Vučković

CEO, Happy Honey

Jasmina Debeljak Maljković

Deputy Project Director, USAID Competitive Economy Project

Goran Kočiš

Chef and Owner, Restaurant Noel Croatia

Vesna Raca

Assistant Director, National Tourism Organization of Serbia

Branislav Raketić

Head of Group for Food Quality Policy and Food Labelling, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management, Government of Serbia