Two days packed with inspiration

Mingling and coffee/tea before start.

Thomas Henchien, conference host, and Eirik Bugge, CEO at Aquatiq, welcome you to Aquatiq Food Forum – a leadership arena for those who want to contribute to a safer, smarter and more sustainable food industry.

In a time of increasing complexity and rapid development, we as leaders must look up and find new solutions together. Thomas sets the frame for the day, and Eirik shares his perspectives on leadership, collaboration and the direction of the industry going forward.

Bill Marler, Founder & Managing Partner, Marler Clark LLP

What happens when companies put short-term profit ahead of customer trust?

In this thought-provoking and engaging presentation, Bill uses real and striking examples to show how ethical shortcuts and poor decisions can trigger reputation crises, financial losses and permanently weakened loyalty.

This is a talk that challenges leaders to see customer trust as one of the company’s most critical strategic assets – and to understand what it actually costs to lose it.

Presentation in English.

Stian Johnsen, Special Envoy for Food Production, Norway’s Delegation to the EU

What does the EU’s new competitiveness agenda mean for the Norwegian food industry?

In a world marked by geopolitical unrest, trade conflicts and climate challenges, the EU has elevated competitiveness to an overarching priority through its new competitiveness compass. This affects the pace and direction of regulatory development – and how sustainability, innovation and industrial robustness will be prioritized going forward.

Stian Johnsen provides insight into what is actually changing, what consequences this may have for the Norwegian food industry, and how the sector can be more proactive and strategic in dealing with EU processes and the EEA framework.

Break and networking.

Anders Thorheim, Section Manager for Societal Security and Emergency Preparedness, Norwegian Food Safety Authority’s head office

How do we respond to a deteriorating risk and threat landscape?
The global order is changing. The world feels less secure, and safety is being challenged in new ways – including within food supply and critical infrastructure.

The Norwegian Food Safety Authority shares its assessment of today’s risk and threat landscape, and what it means for regulatory expectations, requirements and collaboration between authorities and industry.

What does it take to build a more resilient food system – and what role do leaders play in strengthening robustness and preparedness within their own organisations?

Ane Simonsen, Head of Quality and Environment, NorgesGruppen ASA

What happens when the EU tightens its grip on packaging?

When the EU’s new packaging regulation (PPWR) is introduced in 2026, the rules of the game change for the entire food sector. Requirements for recyclability, reuse and design are tightened, affecting investments, material choices and collaboration across the value chain.

NorgesGruppen shares its assessments and dilemmas – and provides a clear picture of what the industry should prioritize now to meet upcoming requirements and expectations.

Madelen Weistrand, Nordic Food Safety & Quality Lead, Food Folk Nordic / McDonald’s

How do you build one common standard and one shared direction across four countries – with different requirements, practices and work cultures?

Food Folk Nordic shares its journey towards uniting the organization through standardization, simplification and digitalization. Madelen shows how clear leadership, technology choices and common ways of working can create both safer food, more efficient operations and stronger engagement – across the entire value chain.

Lunch and networking.

John A. Donaghy, Former Head of Global Food Safety, Nestlé S.A.

How does a global group use data and artificial intelligence to strengthen food safety in more than 300 operations?

John, former Global Head of Food Safety at Nestlé, shares experiences from developing a more data-driven and digital approach to food safety across the group. Through concrete examples he shows how digital tools can strengthen risk understanding, decision-making and holistic management – and make food safety an integrated part of the company’s strategic leadership.

Presentation in English.

Hege T. Berg-Knutsen, CEO, Coop Norge Industri AS

What happens when technology changes the very premises of food production?

Coop is at the forefront of the food industry’s technology leap with a fully automated salad factory and vertical farming without soil or climate impact. This is more than new technology – it is a new way of thinking about safety, sustainability, efficiency and competitiveness.

Hege shares how innovation can create smarter and more robust value chains, secure quality for customers and contribute positively to national food security.

Break and networking.

Eddie and Marius, Etisk Hacker AS

What happens when a former criminal hacker and an experienced security expert go on stage together?

The result is one of the country’s most engaging and popular talks about how digital attacks actually happen – and why they succeed. Live Hacking – seriousness and laughter – in one and the same setting.

Through insight into the hacker’s mindset and the security expert’s perspective, you gain an understanding of vulnerabilities, risk and what it takes to protect the company in an increasingly digitalized value chain.

What do we take away after a day about safer, smarter and more sustainable leadership?

Thomas and Eirik tie the threads together, highlight the most important insights and point ahead. A short professional wrap-up that puts the day’s themes into context – and forms the basis for further conversations, reflection and networking throughout the evening.

When the professional program ends, the dialogue continues. After a day with insights and new perspectives, we invite you to an aperitif and banquet – an evening for good food, drinks and conversations, new connections and strengthened relationships in a social and inspiring setting.