With a population of over 270 million people, Indonesia offers a wide market for its dynamic culinary heritage. The role of the food and beverage (F&B) industry is crucial in the Indonesian economy with an annual GDP growth rate of 6.47% in 2023. This dynamic industry has made significant contribution to the national economic expansion and job creation.

As a consumer market, Indonesia’s huge population is reflected by the fact that 11 of its cities have populations that have surpassed the one million resident milestone, including the capital city of Jakarta which has exceeded 8.5 million in 2016. It serves as a location to Indonesia’s fast-growing industries, such as food and beverage, and other related sectors including packaging.

Investors recognize optimistic prospects in the industry, especially in the context of national economic recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic. Factors influencing this dynamic industry are the easing of permits for international events, as well as the country’s push for the adoption of Industry 4.0 practices or integration of intelligent digital technologies into manufacturing and industrial processes.

While there is optimism on the F&B in 2023 and 2024, the industry is susceptible to global concerns. Global geopolitics, carbon concerns, deforestation, and the effects of climate change may pose challenges in the industry, including increased costs for energy, raw materials, and shipping. As a result, the stakeholders will need to consider both how the F&B industry can adopt the principles of industry 4.0 and how this sector can persevere in the face of upcoming difficulties.

Strong support from industry players

Organized by Ringier Events, the Asia Food and Beverage Innovation Summit 2024 served as a major gathering of representatives from international and Indonesia-based companies. As a hybrid event, it combined onsite live conferences in Jakarta, and a virtual event livestreamed and viewed by online users from various parts of the world. The conference segment featured presentations of representatives from major industry associations, key players and other experts in the fields to address topical issues and current trends including food nutrition, advanced technologies, sustainability, food security, Halal certification, and packaging.

The summit also gathered the support of representatives from longtime partner associations - Indonesian Association of Food and Beverage Entrepreneurs (GAPMMI), Food and Nutrition Society of Indonesia (Perzigi Pangan) and leading packaging association, the Indonesian Packaging Federation (IPF).

Another highlight of the summit was the presence of business partners whose representatives were on available to talk to the delegates. The business partners included DASE-SING Packaging Technology Company, Ever Polymer Co., Ltd. and Guangzhou Flower Flavours and Fragrances Company.

Growth opportunities based insights from the experts

The Summit provided exclusive market insights through the engaging presentations of industry leaders – sharing their invaluable expertise across the two-day event. On the first day of the conference, information-packed and valuable inputs were exchanged to increase the knowledge of delegates on the issues surrounding F&B.

Mr. Henky Wibawa, the Executive Director of Indonesian Packaging Federation and Vice President for Education of World Packaging Organisation, opened the session with a discussion on “Maintaining the Integrity of Health Ingredients through Better Packaging.” His presentation highlighted the latest trends in food packaging and how innovations have enabled health and safety assurance. His long years of experience in the packaging industry has made him one of the most sought-after speakers on the topic, in particular, on the issues of circular economy and smart manufacturing. Following Mr. Wibawa’s presentation was that of Dr. Ir. Muslich, M. Si., the Halal Auditor of the Assessment Institute for Foods, Drug, and Cosmetics (LPPOM MUI) who discussed the Halal certification requirement that will be mandatory for F&B beginning October 2024.  

Two presentations from the Summit’s business partners focused on packaging. Mr. Tony Huang, CEO of DASE-SING Packaging Technology Company, a leading One-Stop Shrink Sleeve Packaging Solution Provider for beverage, dairy, water, pharma, food and many other industries presented the company’s latest shrink sleeve packaging solutions and how these will benefit Indonesian F&B manufacturers. His expertise in packaging is reflected in his presentation which provided delegates with key information  on how to achieve green packaging.  Ever Polymer Company (Everlon), another business partner, was represented by its Sales Manager, Vincent Liao. Mr. Liao’s presentation focused on Advancing Sustainability in Plastics: TPE Blends for Easy-Peel Film in Medical Device and Food Packaging. As an expert in TPE materials and its applications for various industries, Mr. Liao put emphasis on the special properties of TPEs that make it suitable for packaging and other applications. 

Another packaging expert, Mr. Michael Jusanti, the Co-Founder and President Commissioner of PT Solusi Kemasan Digital (Flexypack), tackled the relevant issue surrounding innovative packaging solutions towards a “Greener Indonesia.” As an innovator, Mr. Jusanti represented shareholders and steered strategic direction for multiple companies, including  AMG Plastic Industry, LLDPE Film Manufacturer, Modern Plastic Industry, Trimitra Indoplast Mandiri, Flexible Packaging and Converting Industry. His presentation at the Summit offered delegates with important insights on the transformation of flexible packaging to achieve a more environmentally-friendly role.

The latest trends in F&B manufacturing were covered by expert speakers who represented industry associations, government agencies and private companies.  Mr. Rachmat Hidayat, the Vice Chairman of the Indonesian Association of Food and Beverage Entrepreneurs (GAPMMI), tackled the state of the F&B in Indonesia where he discussed the prevailing and upcoming trends in consumer demands as well as manufacturing conditions. Mr. Hidayat is also the Government & External Scientific Affairs Director of Danone Indonesia and a member of Technical Committee of Indonesia National Standardization of Indonesia National Standard Agency (BSN) and Indonesia Water Council or Dewan Sumber Daya Air Nasional (DSDAN). Another representative from GAPMMI discussed the growth opportunities in healthy-aging nutrition perspective. Ms. Yunawati Gandasasmita is a GAPMMI member and holds the position of Management Consultant at Global Vita Nutritech – Kalbe Group.

Professor, Dr. Hardinsyah, MS.,Chairman of The Food and Nutrition Society of Indonesia, covered plant-based and alternative proteins in his presentation. He was an accomplished academic leader with extensive experience in higher education and nutritional professional organizations. Throughout his career, he received several accolades, underscoring his dedication and contributions to the field. Prof. Ir. Ahmad Sulaeman MS PhD., the Secretary-General of The Food and Nutrition Society of Indonesia, discussed the “Collaborating Innovation in Food and Beverages Targeted for Different Life Stages: Chances and Challenges.” Prof. Sulaeman is also the Director of Associations of Nutrition Higher Education of Indonesia and Chairman of Indonesia Soy Food and Beverage Network. His dedication to the fields of nutrition and food safety stems from a deep-seated commitment to addressing the overlooked issues surrounding food security in agricultural products.

Ms. Sri Yuliastuti,  President Director of Rendang Uni Tutie, a company that produces authentic Indonesian processed food in ready-to-eat packaging, provided an interesting account on how the company has successfully innovated a long-lasting authentic Rendang Beef. The company has strictly implemented SOP and continuously conducted various experiments, resulting in the Uni Tutie’s rendang products being able to withstand room temperature for an extended period. Kopi Dalam Negeri was represented by its CEO, Ms. Tan Sherly Maretha, who traced how the vanilla plantation started as well as the establishment of a Vanilla Farmer Community. With the concept of eco-friendly, fair Trade & sustainable, the ‘Women Owned’ JAVA SISTERS Organic Products are increasingly in demand. Her presentation focused on premium organic vanilla in Indonesia. Ms. Suryaningsih Wibowo,  Founder, CEO and Director of Kultiva Company, talked about SME in Indonesia introducing local staple food to international audiences through export. She said she started out the business from her own kitchen with only two employees in 2016. Today, Kultiva Company  produces 150,000 packs of snacks a month exported to 7 countries. Kultiva's journey as an SME in the snack industry is an interesting story of how her team has started, struggled and strived in the last 8 years and beyond.

Coca-Cola Indonesia’s journey towards sustainability in Southeast Asia was the topic of the presentation of Mr. Triyono Prijosoesilo, whose almost three decades in the industry makes him a sought-after speaker on this topic. He is the Public Affairs and Communication Director at Coca-Cola Indonesia and a member of the Executive Board of GAPMMI.  The closing remark was delivered virtually by Dr. Joseph Jocson, the current president of the Asian Packaging Federation. Dr. Jocson placed emphasis on how the region’s packaging industry has been responsibly moving towards sustainability. 

Off to Cisarua Mountain Dairy (Cimory) for a lively factory visit

The factory tour that capped the two-day Summit was held at the facilities of Cimory in Bogor, Indonesia. Cimory Group is a producer of protein-based packaged food and beverage products in Indonesia, with a leading market share in premium yogurt and sausages.

The company was founded in 1993. It currently produces processed meat, dairy products and eggs under various brands, including Cimory, Kanzler and Besto, which are sold through various channels including modern and traditional retailers, food service and direct selling teams. 

The group is based in Jakarta with manufacturing facilities in West, Central and East Java. With a vision to increase Indonesians' protein intake from milk and meat, Cimory focuses on high-quality, nutritious and value-added products.

Ringier Events along with GAPMMI and Cimory held a short welcome ceremony for the delegates. Cimory was represented by Rasimin, Plant Manager, to give orientation to the delegates and tour them around the UHT production area and warehouse.

For more information on upcoming Ringier Events conferences in Southeast Asia, visit: www.ringierevents.com