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

I have over 12 years of experience in the Food and Industrial Ingredients sector. My academic foundation includes a degree in Food Technology and an MBA in Agribusiness Management, both of which have given me a strong technical and commercial perspective. Over the years, I’ve worked extensively on ingredient solutions for food applications, business development, and market expansion across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

Q2. How are you seeing market segmentation evolve in your key regions—are newer micro-segments emerging because of health trends, cost pressures, or shifting customer specifications?

Market segmentation is changing quickly. MSMEs in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa are transitioning from globalization to "glocalization," which combines local tastes with international excellence. The expansion of health-conscious markets is driving demand for clean-label and functional ingredients. Large multinational corporations are being forced to reconsider their market share strategy due to cost pressures, unstable logistics following the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical upheavals.

Q3. Given the shifts in food security, commodity flows, and import dependency across your regions, where do you see the most promising white spaces for expansion?

Innovation-driven product development has a lot of promise, particularly for clean-label products and health-focused formulations. Consumers are calling for improved nutrition and transparency in addition to competitive pricing, and regulatory agencies are becoming more active. This creates opportunities for plant-based substitutes, fortified ingredients, and sustainable sourcing practices.

Q4. How do you see AI reshaping market forecasting and demand visibility in the food and ingredients sector over the next few years?

AI is no longer optional—it’s becoming a core business tool. Earlier, companies focused on data collection and analysis; now, AI integrates data with business logic to deliver actionable insights. It enables better demand forecasting, raw material planning, and inventory optimization. This improves service levels and reduces waste, which is critical in today’s volatile supply chain environment.

Q5. What sustainability-related considerations are becoming more prominent in supplier evaluation within your industry?

Sustainability is now a key metric in supplier evaluation. Companies are focusing on carbon footprint, water use, and ethical sourcing practices. Thanks to big Multinational companies, they put a lot of emphasis on sustainability and make it one of the key parameters for doing business with their vendors. Certifications like RSPO, ISO 14001, and traceability systems are becoming mandatory. Suppliers who can demonstrate reduced environmental impact and transparent supply chains have a clear competitive advantage.

Q6. What types of new entrants or business models are starting to influence the competitive environment in your sector?

Asset-light models, in which businesses outsource manufacturing and concentrating on R&D and branding, are becoming more popular. With quicker access to international suppliers, digital-first ingredient marketplaces are also becoming more popular. Additionally, traditional commodity-driven models are being challenged by niche firms that focus on plant-based, organic, and functional ingredients.

Q7. If you were an investor looking at companies within the space, what critical question would you pose to their senior management?

The most critical question would be: “How resilient is your supply chain and how are you integrating sustainability and technology into your growth strategy?”
This reflects the need for agility, compliance, and innovation in a market that faces constant disruptions and evolving consumer expectations.