ICBA Statement Regarding the Rome Conference
October 28, 2026 (WASHINGTON, DC) - Attributable to International Council of Beverages Associations (ICBA) Executive Director Katherine Loatman:
“The International Council of Beverages Associations is pleased to support the Brazilian Food Industry Association (ABIA)’s scientific conference titled "Industrialized Food: From Science to Public Policy – A Global Perspective" to be held November 11–12 in Rome, Italy.
The conference brings together experts in nutrition, food science and technology, toxicology, epidemiology, regulatory affairs, and science communication. Presentations will review the body of evidence related to current topics in food, nutrition, and health, including sessions on food classification systems, nutrition policy, ingredient safety, and the role of processed and fortified foods in dietary patterns, among others.
ABIA is responsible for the conference organization and operations, and funding has been provided for venue costs, honoraria, and speaker travel. ICBA has no role in the content of presentations or scientific findings beyond having contributed funding to support the program.
Funding organizations are: ABIA; ICBA; the Brazilian Confederation of Industry (CNI); the Brazilian Association of the Industry and Trade of Food Ingredients and Additives (ABIAM); the Brazilian Association of the Industry of Foods for Special Purposes (ABIAD); the Brazilian Association of Biscuit, Pasta, and Industrialized Bread & Cake Industries (ABIMAPI); the Brazilian Chocolate, Peanut and Candy Industry Association (ABICAB); the Brazilian Association of the Essential Oils, Aroma Chemicals, Fragrances and Flavours Industries (ABIFRA); and the World Sugar Research Organization.
The funding organizations believe an open and comprehensive discussion of the evidence on these topics will benefit scientific understanding and evidence-based approaches across the spheres of food production, research, and policy."
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The International Council of Beverages Associations (ICBA) is an international nongovernmental organization established in 1995 that represents the interests of the worldwide non-alcoholic beverage industry. The members of ICBA include national and regional beverage associations, as well as international beverage companies that operate in more than 200 countries and territories and produce, distribute, and sell a variety of non-alcoholic sparkling and still beverages, including soft drinks, sports drinks, energy drinks, bottled waters, flavored and/or enhanced waters, ready-to-drink teas and coffees, 100% fruit or vegetable juices, nectars and juice drinks, and dairy-based beverages.
For media inquiries, please contact icba@icba-net.org.