(Brussels, 29 June 2023) FoodDrinkEurope is pleased to announce the re-election of Marco Settembri, Nestlé CEO Zone Europe, as its President for a second term.
Mr Settembri’s re-election was confirmed at FoodDrinkEurope’s General Assembly, which took place yesterday, 28 June.
Mr Settembri said he was honoured to be taking the presidency again and was looking forward to tackling the challenges ahead:
“Since the start of my role in 2020, we have witnessed the true value the food and drink sector can bring to society and the positive role that an organisation like FoodDrinkEurope can play in facilitating this.
“Despite the Covid pandemic, supply chain issues after the Russian invasion of Ukraine and increased cost pressures, we have managed to keep the food supply chain going. We have done this while safeguarding food accessibility and affordability for our consumers and still paying fair prices to our suppliers, including farmers, for their sustainably produced raw materials.”
Mr. Settembri emphasised that he wants the European food and drink sector to be the global benchmark for sustainability and resilience. For this to happen, closer collaboration with farmers, policymakers, and all other food systems players needs to take place. FoodDrinkEurope is calling for an EU Food Investment and Resilience Plan that is an invitation to join forces for a stronger food chain.
“I look forward to continue the excellent collaboration with the FoodDrinkEurope team and members to achieve our common goals. Meeting our Paris climate commitments, supporting sustainable agriculture, a true Single Market for food and drink and fairness across the food chain: these are among the things that we can achieve collectively and that will make our society better.”
FoodDrinkEurope is also pleased to announce the election of Hanneke Faber, Unilever President for Nutrition, as a new Vice President today. She joins existing Vice Presidents Niels Pörksen, CEO of Südzucker, and Jan Vander Stichele, President of the Board of Directors of Lotus Bakeries and FoodDrinkEurope’s Treasurer. FoodDrinkEurope also welcomes to the Board of Directors Marc Carena, Regional President for Mars Wrigley Europe, Central Eurasia, Belarus & Turkey.