Journey SNIPPET

Food and Beverage Executive Visit - France and Thailand

The concept of crafting international learning opportunities for local industries is built on receiving globalised insights, a professional understanding of markets, and identifying global strategies and provocation via exposure to best practices and leaders in the field.

Bespoke Immersions (A Div of The Strategists) aimed to expose senior executives from the Food and Beverage sector in South Africa to a contrasting scenario of the globalised FoodBev markets through a sensory experience. A well-crafted program catering to every distinct area of the FoodBev sector was developed and implemented.

The Story of France

France’s economy is the fifth largest in the world and represents around one fifth of the Euro
area’s gross domestic product (GDP).
The French food processing industry is one of the world’s largest, with a turnover of €213 billion in 2017 (according to the latest statistics from the French Agriculture and Food Ministry), requiring a vast range of locally produced and imported ingredients.
The French food processing sector is valued at $191 billion and has over 17,600 food processors, from small scale to some of the largest food companies in the world. Progress in food technology, marketing innovations and exports of finished food products contribute to France’s increasing demand for food ingredients (https://www.foodbusinessafrica.co /france-processed-food-sector increases-by-5-6-to-us191b/).
Dairy and meat farming brings in approximately 33% of the total revenue. In contrast, the French beverage market (wine, spirits and soft drinks) brings in 16.1% of the total industry revenues (according to The French Ministry of Agriculture).

Key Engagements

Insights into Europe-Africa Relations with the Special Envoy of President Macron for the Africa Initiative Institut Montaigne.
The Reality of Climate Change and Food Security with Senior Policy Analyst at the OECD.
The Future of Food with ESSEC Business School.
Responsible Business in the Agri-Sector with the OECD.

The Story of Thailand

Thailand is one of the largest economically stable countries in South Asia and the 2nd largest economy in South East Asia. The capital city of Bangkok is a social hub of Thailand with a booming retail industry market.
Driven by a growing younger generation and increasing wealth, the consumption of premium foods/beverages, internet retailing, and eating out have risen.
The food and beverage industry is the country’s third largest industry, contributing 21% to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Major food exports include rice, canned tuna, sugar, chicken meat, cassava products, shrimp, and canned pineapple. The National Food Institute reported that the value of Thai food exports was US$32.7 billion in 2020.

Key Engagements

The Food and Beverage Landscape in Thailand with KPMG Thailand.
Transition to Health – Aligning business to market demand with Get Fresh.
Building the Coachella of Asia with the founder of Wonderfruit.
The Michelin Experience with the Managing Director of the Michelin Guide Asia and the Middle East.
Curated Bangkok Gastronomy Trail.
The Journey of Nespresso in Thailand.