Introduction by Trine and Harald: Food & Foodtech is a key focus area for DNB. We are a trusted partner to many companies in the industry and are committed to supporting continued growth across the Nordics.

A World on Edge - Implications for Growth and Rates by Kjersti Haugland, Chief Economist DNB: Markets remain resilient despite volatility around Hormuz, indicating expectations of a near-term resolution. Strong investment tailwinds support growth, although higher costs and interest rates are likely to persist.

Keynote speaker: Geopolitical Risk and European Strategy: Self-Sufficiency and Resilience by Janne Haaland Matlary, Professor, Dept of Political Science, University of Oslo: Great powers are operating according to the "law of the jungle." The EU/EEA must come together—collective action and innovative thinking on food resilience are needed.

Geopolitical tensions in a Food & Foodtech Perspective Odin Johannesen, Director, Norwegian Business Security Council (NSR): Food is an asset—and every asset is a target. The food supply chain is a national security issue and is only as strong as its weakest link.

Presentation: Minister of Agriculture and Food in Norway, Nils Kristen Sandtrøen: Food can be used as a weapon in times of conflict. Norway is a challenging country for food production, making it necessary to take clear and strategic decisions in managing scarce resources.

Panel Discussions: Preparedness in the Nordics. How prepared are the Nordics? Collaboration, clear government signals, and clarity on who bears the cost of preparedness are key challenges to be solved. There is a lack of urgency related to these matters. At the same time, the private sector is key to crisis resilience.

Discussion: Chokepoints in global food security. Audun Kolstad Wiig & Aleksander Jankov, Director Corporate Security and Preparedness in Yara. Aleksander Jankov, Yara; Disruptions in chokepoints such as the Strait of Hormuz impact different, but interconnected value chains. We need to replace the "Farm-to-Fork" strategy with a "Mine-to-Mouth" approach—seeing food, energy, fertilisers, minerals, and technology as integrated elements.

Presentation: National Emergency Preparedness plan for Grain Reserves in Norway, CEO Jan Erik Eikeland, Norgesmøllene: Power is not about who buys from whom, but about who controls value chains others cannot live without. Norway currently imports 50%, making the supply vulnerable.

Presentation: The critical role of rule-based trade, EVP Håkon Mageli, Orkla: Predictability is key. We must promote rule-based trade where predictability, fairness, dispute resolution, market access, and protection are core pillars.

Panel Discussions: Preparedness - Initiatives from the Industry
Moderated by Arne Hjeltnes.
Panel: Hanne Steen, Director Governmental and International Affairs, Nortura
Ingrid Amundsen, EVP of Customer and Market, Coop Norge
Pasi Flinkman, CEO Raisio
Martine Werring-Westly, Industry Director at the Norwegian Seafood Federation:

"Preparedness is not built in a crisis; a crisis is when you test if it works."

Nordic vulnerability highlights the need for a shared understanding of risks, responsibilities, and an overarching plan. Healthy food remains critical during crises, with seafood playing an important role.

Key note Speaker: Turning Point: Transforming the Global Food System by Randy Jagt, Consulting: Future of Food Leader, Deloitte in The Netherlands: To meet future demand, we need 40% more crop calories—equivalent to agricultural land twice the size of India. Innovation will be our key leverage to transform the food system.

Presentation: How to penetrate the Norwegian food market with new vegetables by Malin Corneliussen, CEO Dyrk Norsk"Do not sell the berries that you have". Gartnerhallen and Bama have established a platform to build the next generation of fruit and vegetables—leveraging opportunities within seasons, crops, and technologies such as table-top production to grow the market.

Panel Discussion: Food and Health
Moderated byArne Hjeltnes.
Panel: Rita Nilsen, Head of Health, Nutrition and Research at Orkla Foods Norway
Kristine Aasheim, CEO at Kavli

Collaboration between government, industry, and retailers is key to building trust. Focus areas include reducing salt, sugar, and saturated fat, and following dietary guidelines. Food labelling (e.g. the Keyhole label) is valued. And: don't forget food joy.

Investor panel Discussions moderated by Christian Wierup, DNB Carnegie.
Panel: Ilkka Saura, CFO Solar Foods OYj
Karl Andersson, Founder of Matsmart
Carl Stenbeck, Head of Strategy & Business Development, Axfood
as at Olav Monseth, CEO Salvesen & Thams:

Investment appetite in the sector is somewhat declining. To attract capital, companies must solve real problems, have a unique market position, and scale profitably whilst maintaining quality. Strong, knowledgeable investors are essential.

Presentation: The Future Food System towards 2044 by Sofia Steinwall, Head of ICA Växe SwedenFour important areas to focus on in the years to come: 1) Value chain (e.g. agtech and regenerative farming) 2) Foodtech (e.g. precision fermentation, cultivated food), 3) Packtech (packaging free, waste resource and renewable raw material) and 4) Nutrition (e.g. blue food and bio accessibility)

Panel Discussion: How does the EU/EEA affect Norwegian food production and what will be the impact going forward.
Moderated by Anne Margrethe Platou, DNB Carnegie,
Panel: Siv Heimdal, CEO Rethink Food,
Inger-Johanne Arildsen Rygh, Director Governmental and Public Affairs, DNB

Food and agriculture have turned into a security matter. EU/EEA impacts Norwegian food production in many ways and this development is continuing. Being present in Brussels allows Norway to engage in and influence discussions that directly impact the industry. We must stay curious, take action, and acknowledge the EU/EEA's role—rather than ignore it.

Presentation: AI is coming to retail too by Anders Rodem, Head of AI communications, Reitan retail. AI has become intelligent enough, but to maximise the potential, we need to transform the way we work and build our workflows around AI. The retailers will continue to deliver bread and milk - just in new ways.