Horizon scanning is an important part of the work we do, as it helps producers and the broader industry to ensure they are well-placed to deal with future challenges and opportunities.
Every year the AHDB beef and lamb, pig and dairy sectors, along with the market intelligence team, host our annual Outlook Conference and take the opportunity to look at what is on the horizon for our respective industries.
The 2015 event took place in London in February, and saw a number of industry experts inform delegates about issues including the future of consumer trends, China and the Asian markets and prospects for the beef and sheep industry.
There were many interesting points raised, and one in particular which prompted an audible gasp from delegates.
Nick Miles from the Institute of Grocery Development showed a slide depicting how the Chinese city of Shanghai has grown to accommodate the expanding population between 1987 and the current day, and the change was astounding! Nick also forecast that by 2020, 59.4% of the world’s population will live in Asia, reaffirming the importance that EBLEX already places on opening trade access with China.
This, and gaining access to other non-EU export markets, is something we have been working hard at, together with a number of other organisations, for several years. As well as stimulating demand for our high quality produce, accessing new markets helps spread risk and manage the market volatility which has become increasingly familiar over recent years.
