Sustainability in foodservice to be discussed at the QSR Media Asia Conference & Awards
RaboResearch’s Umesh Madhavan says it is crucial to take initiative in tackling the issue of sustainability in the foodservice industry.
The issue of sustainability in the foodservice industry will be the focus of RaboResearch Food & Agribusiness in Southeast Asia and India director Umesh Madhavan on a special session at the upcoming QSR Media Asia Conference & Awards.
With more than 15 years of expertise, Madhavan has helped influence the food and agribusiness sector leaders through his reviews and thought pieces, as well as regular speaking engagement in closed-door conferences.
Before assuming his role at RaboBank’s RaboResearch, Madhavan previously worked at Euromonitor International Singapore and GCMMF (Amul) India.
RaboResearch is the research arm of the cooperative bank RaboBank which focuses on international business and rural activities in general.
Here is a quick Q&A with Madhavan:
QSR Media: What are your key business philosophies?
Madhavan: Rabobank is committed to the food and agri[culture] sector. We are a cooperative bank with the purpose of ‘growing a better world together.’ As the leading global Food and Agri bank and thought leader on key sustainable food production trends that matter today, Rabobank is taking the lead in the conversation about how the entire food chain is part of the solution to feed the world sustainably. We do this by providing access to our knowledge, networks in 39 countries and financing solutions.
Our efforts are focused on addressing the four most pressing food issues: increasing the availability of food, improving access to food, promoting a balanced nutrition and increasing stability of food supply chains. Measured by Tier 1 capital, Rabobank Group is one of the world's largest financial institutions with high credit ratings by all rating agencies and is ranked by Sustainalytics in the top-5% of its industry peers in environmental, social and governance (ESG).
What particular issues or developments are you currently thinking about that you think the multi-site restaurant industry should also take a closer look at?
Emerging markets in Asia are undergoing a transition where dine-in which would have otherwise benefited from favourable socioeconomic drivers are being impacted by delivery. This represents a structural change impacting the entire foodservice ecosystem. Operators and aggregators have to find common ground to ensure long term growth for the industry.
Sustainability and its relevance to foodservice, is another critical issue which needs to be better understood and discussed further. The foodservice industry has to take the initiative and be ready before a social license becomes a prerequisite to operate.
What are some of the things you're personally excited to do at the third QSR Media Asia Conference and Awards in Singapore?
I look forward to meeting, interacting with and learning from the who’s who of the foodservice industry in Asia.
(We are less than two months away from Asia’s premiere event for quick service and fast casual restaurant brands. Click HERE to register.)
