Speakers Global stage sessions

Founder and President of the Future Food Institute

Sara is an experienced entrepreneur, thought leader, and disrupter in food ecosystem innovation and security programmes. A seasoned growth expert, she collaborates with globally recognised think tanks to shape the agenda for sustainable food systems, systemic thinking, and integral ecological development.For over 15 years, she has been dedicated to inspiring and empowering food entrepreneurs and policymakers through educational programs and disruptive innovation experiences.

She is the Founder and President of the Future Food Institute, a purpose-driven organisation fostering systemic change in food systems for sustainable and impactful growth, and of the Paideia Campus in Pollica, a Mediterranean Living Lab for regenerative territorial development, where the nexus of ecology, health, and heritage drives innovation. Sara also serves as Commissioner for Global Food Security with the Kofi Annan Foundation and is Director of the new Master’s in Food Innovation and Regeneration at the Bologna Business School, bridging tradition, innovation, and climate action through education and research

Consultant, Zandaka

Anna-Carin Alderin is a former business developer and senior leader at IKEA, where she led the company’s first social enterprise as CEO – an innovative initiative exploring new sustainable business models together with the city of Helsingborg and its citizens. The project combined urban farming, farmers markets, and kitchens to create opportunities for community connection and job training.

Today, Anna-Carin works as a consultant, helping organisations navigate sustainable transformation in working life with a strong focus on social impact and collaboration. She believes in the power of people and partnerships to shape a better future.

Senior Director, Agrifood & Agribusiness, Farm Credit Canada (FCC) Veteran of Canadian finance (37 years at RBC, now at FCC). 

Oversees >$20M corporate agrifood financing, supporting syndications and large-scale growth. Provides perspective on sectoral financing, risk appetite, and innovation readiness.

Business Development Director – Europe, Head of Representation, Export Development Canada (EDC) 

Based in Düsseldorf, Klaus has 40+ years’ experience in international business development. Leads EDC’s work in Europe, supporting Canadian exporters and inward FDI into Canada. Brings perspective on trade, capital flows, and EU–Canada opportunities.

Senior R&D Director, Health & Nutrition, Cargill

Paula Garcia is a seasoned R&D and business leader with over 20 years of experience in food and pharmaceutical innovation. As Senior Director of R&D for Health & Nutrition at Cargill, she leads the innovation strategies that shape the future of health-forward food ingredients.

With a career spanning Cargill and FrieslandCampina, Paula brings a deep understanding of European industry demand—what buyers, brands, and consumers are seeking in sustainable nutrition. Her work has driven the development of specialised nutrition portfolios across infant, adult, and medical segments, and she has successfully scaled innovation pipelines to deliver impact across global markets.

Paula’s expertise lies in translating consumer needs and scientific insights into actionable innovation roadmaps. She has led multidisciplinary teams, built global capabilities, and fostered strategic partnerships to accelerate commercialisation and category growth. Her leadership has been instrumental in bridging science, business, and sustainability—making her a key voice in shaping transatlantic co-innovation.

Holding a PhD in Chemistry and an MBA in Business Administration, Paula combines technical depth with strategic vision. At Next Bite, she brings the European industry lens to the conversation—highlighting the nutrition and sustainability signals that Canadian suppliers must address to unlock their potential in EU markets.

CEO, Authentic Indigenous Seafood

Gordon Sterritt (Xsaxgyoo) is a hereditary Chief and member of the Gitxsan Nation. He is the CEO of Authentic Indigenous Seafood, an Indigenous-led cooperative that supports Indigenous fisheries by building recognizable local brands, highlighting the fishery and Nation of origin, and creating access to premium markets for Indigenous seafood products. Gord also serves as Business Manager for the Upper Fraser Indigenous Sustainable Harvesters Association (UFISH), a Commercial Fishing Enterprise that promotes economic fishing opportunities in the Upper Fraser Watershed while helping communities reconnect with their traditional economy.

Founder and Co-Founder, Naked Innovations

Executive Chair, Padang & Co

Adam is Co-Founder and Executive Chair of Padang & Co, a Singapore-based open innovation catalyst that has been shaping the agrifood innovation landscape across Southeast Asia since 2012. Under his leadership, Padang has designed and delivered challenge programs, accelerators, and innovation hubs with leading corporates such as Unilever and DSM, as well as with government agencies driving sustainability agendas. Adam has been at the forefront of building the region’s agrifood ecosystem – convening startups, MNCs, investors, and policymakers to address challenges from sustainable farming to food waste, packaging, and alternative proteins. He works closely with European partners to foster EU–ASEAN collaboration, unlocking opportunities for more resilient and climate-positive food systems.