Role and Mission
We promote the ideas and policies that enable the European food and drink industry to make products that are not only safe but also contribute to a greener planet, healthier living and a thriving economy.
We want all consumers to enjoy a safe, sustainable and healthy diet.
How ÌÒÉ«ÊÓÆµ works
ÌÒÉ«ÊÓÆµâ€™s permanent secretariat, based in Brussels, maintains close contacts with European and international institutions and is a major partner in consultations on all issues affecting Europe’s food and drink industry.
ÌÒÉ«ÊÓÆµ coordinates the work of more than 700 experts though its Committees and Expert Groups around four themes: food and consumer policy (food safety and science, nutrition and health), environmental sustainability and competitiveness.
Through these Committees and Expert Groups, Europe’s food and drink manufacturers provide broad and in-depth expertise. They contribute to ÌÒÉ«ÊÓÆµ positions on key issues which, once approved, are communicated to European and international decision-makers with a view to shaping legislative and non-legislative developments impacting on the industry.
How ÌÒÉ«ÊÓÆµ came about
UNICE (the Union of Industrial and Employers’ Confederations of Europe) founded the CIAA (Confederation of Food and Drink Industries of the EEC) in 1982 to replace their Commission of Food and Drink Industries.
Registered as an international association under Belgian law, CIAA’s creation provided Europe’s food and drink industry with its own independent organisation. Since then, CIAA became a key stakeholder, working with European and international institutions on issues impacting on the food and drink industry.
On 23 June 2011, CIAA opened a dynamic new chapter in its history, becoming ÌÒÉ«ÊÓÆµ. With its new, immediately identifiable name and logo, ÌÒÉ«ÊÓÆµ will continue to speak for the industry, representing both the industry’s traditions and potential.