IPO was invited to participate in the Scientific Committee of the conference GRAIN AFRICA (Africa Grain, Pulses And Technologies Congress ans Expo), held on 29-31 October 2014, at the African Union Conference Hall of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The conference was organized with the support of the Ethiopian Ministry of Agriculture, the University of Addis Ababa, the African Union and the PanAfrican Chamber of Commerce. The aim of the congress was to share information with African countries about all grain-based “From Field to Fork” food processes.
Althoug pasta consumption is Africa is becoming more popular, consumers are not so familiar with it and there is a great need to educate them and promote the benefits of pasta as a tasty, healthy and convenient food. IPO took this opportunity to introduce its organisation to the conference attendees and invited Dr. Sara Baer-Sinnott, member of the Scientific Advisory Committee of the IPO to make a presentation entitled “The Place, Importance and Variety of Pasta in Africa”. Topics of the presentation included: Pasta Production and Consumption figures and Growth of pasta market – Pasta as a staple for Africa: Why it makes sense –How can it be achieved, while still respecting culinary traditions?
These were the Takeaway Messages:
- Africa is a growth market for pasta
- Pasta is a healthy food – due to the way it is manufactured, its low glycemic index, and the food that goes with it
- Pasta is like a canvas. It is adaptable to all culinary traditions and dishes and tastes good
- It is convenient, easily transported, stored and cooked
- It is an environmental choice
Please click here to download the presentation “The Place, Importance and Variety of Pasta in Africa”– Sara Baaer-Sinnott, President Oldways and member of IPO Scientific Advisory Committe (GRAIN AFRICA, 29-31 October 2014, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.)
