Insight by Wouter Lox, Secretary General of FEDIMA.
After more than seven months in my role as Secretary General of FEDIMA, I find myself both deeply engaged and increasingly convinced of the relevance and strength of our sector’s collective voice. This initial period has been one of intensive listening, learning, and connecting across our membership, with European institutions, and throughout the broader agri-food value chain. It has also confirmed that the strategic priorities set out in FEDIMA’s Manifesto are not only valid, but more pertinent than ever in today’s rapidly evolving policy and economic landscape.
At the midpoint of the current European legislative cycle, the context in which our industry operates has become more complex. Geopolitical tensions, global competition, and accelerating regulatory developments are reshaping the environment for European food and ingredient manufacturers. In this setting, FEDIMA’s role is both essential and evolving.
FEDIMA’s Manifesto provides a clear and forward-looking framework built on competitiveness, sustainability, innovation, and a science-based regulatory environment. From my perspective, these priorities continue to offer the right direction of travel. The challenge now lies in their implementation through continued engagement, technical expertise, and close collaboration across the value chain.
Competitiveness in a Global Context
European manufacturers are increasingly facing pressure from global competitors operating under different regulatory and cost frameworks. Ensuring a level playing field remains a central priority.
This means addressing cumulative regulatory burdens, ensuring proportionate implementation of legislation, and safeguarding the functioning of the internal market. At the same time, competitiveness is also about reinforcing Europe’s position as a leader in quality, reliability, and innovation.
Sustainability as a Business Driver
Sustainability is no longer a parallel agenda, it is fully integrated into the core of business operations. The increasing complexity of EU sustainability legislation, including corporate reporting, taxonomy, and packaging requirements, calls for structured and sector-specific responses.
FEDIMA has a crucial role to play in supporting its members, particularly SMEs, by developing practical tools, facilitating knowledge sharing, and promoting a common understanding of expectations across the value chain. Sustainability must also be approached as an opportunity to enhance resource efficiency, strengthen supply chain resilience, and drive long-term value creation.
Innovation as the Strategic Lever
If competitiveness and sustainability are the objectives, innovation is the means to achieve them.
The bakery ingredients sector is inherently innovative, continuously adapting to evolving consumer expectations, nutritional trends, and technological advancements. Whether through reformulation, process optimisation, or the development of new functional ingredients, innovation enables the sector to deliver both performance and sustainability outcomes.
FEDIMA’s role is to ensure that the regulatory framework supports, rather than hinders, this innovation capacity. This requires close dialogue with policymakers, ensuring that legislation is grounded in sound science and allows for technological progress.
Strengthening the B2B Voice in the Value Chain
One of the observations from my first months is the need to further reinforce the visibility and positioning of the B2B segment within the broader food policy debate.
As an ingredients sector operating upstream, FEDIMA enables many of the final product innovations delivered by its customers. This position requires us to articulate more clearly the added value we bring, not only economically, but also in terms of sustainability, functionality, and food quality. Strengthening alliances across the value chain will be essential to ensure that this contribution is fully recognised.
An Engaged and Connected FEDIMA
Beyond policy and strategy, FEDIMA’s strength lies in its community. Over the past months, I have been particularly encouraged by the level of expertise, commitment, and openness among our members and partners.
Looking ahead, I see this engagement as our strength, being it through our working structures, communication, and opportunities for collaboration. Whether through technical committees, advocacy initiatives, or flagship events such as our General Assembly and Congress, FEDIMA continues to serve as a platform for exchange, alignment, and joint action.
Looking Forward
The coming months will be critical. The policy agenda at EU level will continue to evolve, and the need for constructive, well-informed engagement will only increase.
As Secretary General, my commitment is to build on the solid foundations of FEDIMA’s Manifesto, while ensuring that our actions remain pragmatic, inclusive, and forward-looking. This means listening carefully to our members, engaging actively with stakeholders, and positioning FEDIMA as a credible and solutions-oriented partner in the European policy landscape.
After seven months, I remain highly motivated, intrigued by the complexity of our sector, encouraged by its potential, and committed to contributing to its future. The direction is clear. The challenge now is to deliver together.