Brussels, 16 October 2026 – Today’s joint conference of CEEREAL and FRUCOM brings together policymakers, scientists and industry to discuss how the sectors’ products contribute to European diets and food systems. Opening the conference, Ece Nevra Göncü, President of CEEREAL, and Olivier Hottlet, President of FRUCOM, will underline the shared responsibility of the food sectors to deliver safe, high-quality products while responding to evolving consumer needs and EU policy objectives.

The conference addresses key challenges and opportunities across the food chain, from food safety and contaminants to healthier diets, cardiovascular disease prevention, reformulation, fortification, sustainability, and responsible supply chains in Europe and globally. Speakers from the European Commission, academia and industry will contribute their perspectives. Around 100 people, representing 18 countries across Europe, the United States, South America, North Africa, South Africa, and Australia, are taking part in the conference.

For CEEREAL, the conference provides an opportunity to highlight the significant progress made by the breakfast cereal sector over the past decade. Between 2015 and 2025, sales-weighted data show that, on average, the whole grain content increased by 23%, fibre by 21% and the sugar decreased by 18%. In children’s products, whole grain increased by 47%, fibre by 84% and sugar decreased by 30%.

“Breakfast cereals have evolved significantly over the past decade, with substantial improvements in increasing whole grain and fibre, and reducing sugars. As policymakers consider nutrition initiatives, it is important that decisions are informed by the latest evidence and reflect the profile of the products available to consumers today,” said Ece Nevra Göncü, President of CEEREAL, ahead of the conference. “The breakfast cereal sector remains committed to further progress, while recognising that reformulation is a journey that requires continued investment, innovation and consumer acceptance. Through whole grain, fibre and fortification, breakfast cereals have a strategic role in supporting healthier diets across a wide range of age groups. We look forward to working with policymakers and other stakeholders to help achieve shared public health objectives and be part of the solution.”

Olivier Hottlet, President of FRUCOM, highlights that Europe is the leading market for processed fruit, vegetables, and edible nuts, making up almost 50% of the value of global imports in these products in 2024. “Security of supply of these products is critical for European consumers and food manufacturers”, Olivier Hotlett said before the opening. “Consumers benefit from their contribution to healthy nutrition, while for manufacturers they are a source of affordable, shelf-stable ingredients. This is why FRUCOM is always looking to deepen strengthen collaboration with industry and EU regulators.”

Both associations stress that nutrition, food safety, sustainability and competitiveness cannot be considered in isolation. European food producers are part of interconnected regional and global value chains that depend on reliable supplies of safe, high-quality raw materials, long-term investment and strong relationships with farmers, suppliers and consumers.

The conference will also highlight the importance of sound scientific evidence in developing future EU food and nutrition policies, alongside practical and predictable regulatory frameworks that enable industry to innovate and contribute to Europe’s public health and sustainability objectives.