How FMCG Manufacturing Thrives In 2026

Q1. Could you start by giving us a brief overview of your professional background, particularly focusing on your expertise in the industry?

I have spent more than 30 years in leadership roles within Food & Beverage and FMCG, building expertise in manufacturing operations, new plant commissioning, product development, regulatory compliance, quality, and food safety.

Throughout my career, I have led manufacturing excellence programs from start to finish, commissioned new plants and production lines, and scaled operations in fast-growing markets. I have made food safety a core part of both product and process design. Working closely with R&D and marketing, I have ensured that new products meet regulatory requirements, are robust in formulation, validated for shelf life, and ready for launch in multiple geographies.

I have managed compliance with a range of regulatory frameworks, including FSSAI, EU, GCC, FSMA, FSSC 22000, ISO 22000, and GFSI, especially in export-driven and multi-market supply chains. My approach is to translate these requirements into practical, scalable systems that support speed, resilience, and cost efficiency in manufacturing and quality.

Since 2024, I have been leading my own consulting firm, SAYA Consulting, through which I advise food and FMCG organizations on manufacturing excellence, food safety and quality …