Business Leaders discuss changing consumer trends, future of Bangladesh’s F&B market 

 
Bangladesh’s Food and Beverage (F&B) industry came together at MAGGI Presents Food and Beverage Marketing Fest 6.0, powered by Bakeman’s and Pusti in association with Mojo and FOODI, presented by KONKA. 

The event brought together more than 25 marketers, CEOs, business leaders and industry experts across nine focused sessions to discuss market-shaping changes, attracting over 300 professionals.

Organised by Brand Practitioners Bangladesh, the sixth edition of the fest was held at the Grand Ballroom, Renaissance Dhaka Gulshan Hotel on Friday, says a press release.

Discussions explored how changing lifestyles, food habits, distribution models and technology are reshaping consumer behaviour, with a focus on insights, branding, innovation, sales, market expansion, digital transformation and execution.

The event opened with the Grand Finale of SUNSHINE Atta Maida Suji presents Food Brillianz Case Competition, built around the theme “The New Food Bangladesh Needs.” Finalist teams presented food and beverage concepts developed around changing consumer needs, product innovation and commercial viability.

The first industry panel, “Exploring Food Market Opportunities, Trends and Future,” examined emerging growth opportunities, shifts in food consumption and the changing competitive landscape.

Moderated by Wakid Haider, Brand and Marketing Lead, Savoy Ice-Cream, the discussion featured Mahabubur Rahman, Head of Business, Sandra Foods International Ltd.; Md Shahriar Reza, Brand Manager, Akij Venture Ltd.; Shakila Yasmin, Category Lead, Spice and Mustard Oil, IFAD Multi Products Limited; Mujahidul Islam, Portfolio Manager, Baked Food Unit, City Group; and Md. Neamul Quader, Head of Marketing, Dekko Foods Limited.

A dedicated Fireside Chat titled “From Consumer Mind to Market Growth: Food Business and Marketing 7.0” brought together Ashraf Bin Taj, Managing Director, IDC BD PLC, and Surayya Siddiqua, Managing Director, Grameen Danone Foods Limited.

The conversation examined how food businesses can move from understanding consumers to creating measurable market growth. 
Chowdhury Tasmiah Jabeen, Business Manager, ACI Foods Limited, presented “Shifts in Consumer Behaviour in the Foods Industry: From Convenience to Conscious Choices.” The session examined how consumers are increasingly balancing convenience with health, value, quality and lifestyle considerations when making food choices.

Syed Iqbal Mahmud Hossain, Sales Director, Nestlé Bangladesh PLC, spoke on “Winning the Market Through Route to Market, Sales Excellence and Digital Acceleration.” The session addressed how distribution, sales capability and digital acceleration can work together to strengthen market reach and execution.

Md Shafiqul Islam Tushar, Executive Director (Marketing), Akij Bakers Limited, delivered “A Brand: Launch to Habit.” The session explored the journey of a food brand beyond launch, particularly the transition from consumer awareness and trial to repeat purchase and regular consumption.

Another Single Insight Session, “Creating New Foods and Markets in a Changing Food and Beverage Landscape,” was led by G M Kamrul Hassan, Chief Executive Officer, IGLOO Category. 

The session examined how changing consumption occasions, emerging needs and shifts in consumer behaviour can create opportunities for new products, categories and markets.

A major leadership discussion, “From Vision to Value: Building Profitable Food Brands,” brought together senior business executives to examine how brand ambition is converted into sustainable commercial value.

The panel featured Naharul Islam Molla, Managing Director, Unilever Consumer Care Limited; Towfique Hasan, CBDO, Akij Resource; Mohammad Mofassel Haque, Business Director, T.K. Group; and Dr. Khaleda Islam, Professor & Former Director, Institute of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Dhaka.

Moderated by Sumaiya Mutiatur, Joint Director, Brand and Communications, Padakhep Manabik Unnayan Kendra, the CEO-level discussion covered consumer opportunity, portfolio decisions, brand investment, execution and profitability.

The operational side of growth was addressed through the CXO-focused discussion “Driving Food Business Growth Through Operations, Sales and Market Execution.”

The panel featured AKM Zabed, Chief Operating Officer, Dekko Foods Limited; Md. Akterul Alam Shah, Chief Operating Officer, Akij Essentials Ltd.; and Raquibul Matin, Director, Sales and Business, Savoy Ice-Cream. Ashfaqur Rahman, Chief Operating Officer, Kazi and Kazi Tea Estate Ltd., moderated the session.

The discussion focused on what happens after strategy is set, including operational discipline, sales execution, distribution, cross-functional coordination and responsiveness to changing market conditions. 

Marketing communication and brand building were explored in “Shaping Food Brands Through Strategy, Insights and Marketing Innovation.”

The panel included Md. Aktaruzzaman, Head of Marketing, Nabil Group; Md. Mahadi Faisal, Director, Marketing and Growth, ACI Logistics Limited (Shwapno); Kazi Mohiuddin, CMO, Meghna Group of Industries; and Shah Shaifullah Al Zakerin, Group Manager, Digital Media, Mediacom Limited. The discussion was moderated by Lutfi Chowdhury, Co-Founder and CEO, Adfinix.

The session covered brand strategy, consumer insight, digital media and the role of marketing innovation as food and consumer businesses adapt to increasingly fragmented and digitally influenced markets.