Many events and issues have shaped the work-programme of CIAA since our last edition.  In late October, we held our fifth biennial Congress, which was attended by well over 400 delegates from all over Europe and further afield.

 

The economic importance of the European food and drink industry was a central issue taken up by newly re-elected CIAA President Jean Martin in his opening speech.  “The food and drink industry is one of the most regulated sectors in Europe; excessive regulation is hindering innovation and hurting European competitiveness.  Better regulation, including industry self-regulation, can deliver benefits to European consumers faster and help to promote higher growth and employment,” he said.  And a better functioning single market with fewer administrative burdens and a more supportive business environment are all essential tools to help, in particular, small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) which account for half of our industry’s turnover.