As a founding member of the Institute ‘Bread & Health’, Unifa, along with the other members, will focus on wholemeal and proteins in 2024-2025. Sustainability is on the agenda as well. “Amongst others, this was recently adjusted in the statutes of the Institute”, chairwoman Nathalie De Grauwe proudly announces.

“With the other federations involved we are also working on an update of the current bread legislation.” Founded in 1956, Unifa is the Belgian association of manufacturers and importers of raw materials for bakery products, pastries, chocolatiers and ice cream makers. Ten years ago this organisation was one of the founding members of Instituut Brood & Gezondheid (the Institute Bread & Health). The other founding members are KVBM (Royal Association of Belgian Millers) and FGBB (Federation of Large Bakeries of Belgium). “Our goal is to build and share scientific knowledge regarding bread and health for the sectors and consumers”, Unifa chairwoman Nathalie De Grauwe explains.

“The Institute Bread & Health was established in response to the numerous negative reports and advice regarding bread that were circulating at the time. Today one in two Belgians state to know more about the health of bread products, thanks in part to two European campaigns.” De Grauwe refers to the image campaign “Bread, good story. With grain from Europe” in the 2022-2024 period following the previous campaign from 2018-2020. The Institute coordinated these campaigns together with the Dutch Bakery Centre (NBC).

Wholemeal and proteins

“In 2024-2025 we will continue our focus on wholemeal. Just 5% of the world’s population has enough fibre in their everyday diet. Bread is a key source of fibre and can help consumers reach the recommended daily intake”, De Grauwe continues. “Bread is also an important source of protein.” It’s a plus that these proteins are plant-based and fit in with the protein transition.  Moreover, collectively the nutrients in a whole grain of corn have a beneficial effect on your health. This is because that grain is actually the seed from which a new plant can grow.

Sustainability

“In addition to health, Unifa also prioritises sustainability”, De Grauwe continues. Here, too, we seek to gather and share knowledge with our members. Webinars on relevant sustainability projects are busily attended. And recently Charles Snoeck from ‘Beyond Chocolate’ was invited as a guest speaker before our General Assembly to explain this wonderful project as well as their realisations to date.

Update bread legislation

The need for an update of the Belgian bread legislation, which dates back to 1985, arises from innovations and trends. “Take sourdough bread, for instance. Contrary to France and the Netherlands, our country doesn’t have clear legislation on the subject of sourdough bread.” Meanwhile, initial discussions with the various stakeholders and federations on the adjustment of this legislation have already taken place.  “Unifa hopes an agreement can be reached with all parties involved, whereby the new bread legislation combines the traditions within our sector with innovations and the needs of today”, the Unifa chairwoman concludes.

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