Food is life: energy, health, and happiness. As the global population surpasses 8 billion people, ensuring access to nutritious, high-quality, and delicious food is one of the most pressing challenges of our time. Collaboration is key. By bringing together experts, innovators, and stakeholders from across the food sector, we can drive meaningful change and develop solutions that make our food systems more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive.

Join The Netherlands on common ground to exchange knowledge, spark innovation, and work together toward a future where healthy and sustainable food is accessible to all.

The Netherlands is excited to showcase alternative proteins & healthy food as a key driver of sustainable food production. The Netherlands recognizes the importance of partnerships in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to health, economic growth, innovation, and responsible consumption. By working together, combining government, industry and academic expertise, we can accelerate innovation in alternative proteins to create a healthy, more sustainable, secure and prosperous food system for all.

Participation in any of the four events is free of charge. For three seminars in the Netherlands Pavilion at the Expo, we will provide you with an access ticket including VIP access if you do not already have a ticket or accreditation. Please note if the number of applicants exceeds our capacity, we may have to select participants.

We sincerely look forward to the participation of individuals from industry, government, and academia both in Japan and abroad.

Program
The Netherlands World Expo Program “Future of Food”



Please register by 23 May

Please register by 23 May

Seminar: Innovative Solutions for Future Food Production

On this day, we will focus on the innovative solutions that will transform food production in the future. This includes new technologies, sustainable production methods, and the role of alternative proteins in a circular economy.

The Netherlands is at the forefront of innovative food production, leading advancements in cellular agriculture, precision fermentation, duckweed cultivation, and insect-based nutrition. The Netherlands is uniquely positioned as a global frontrunner in cellular agriculture and alternative protein innovation, thanks to its strong foundation in agricultural expertise, world-class research institutions, and government-backed initiatives. With a robust ecosystem of pioneering startups, industry leaders, and academic institutions, the country is driving the transition toward more sustainable and scalable food production systems.

The Dutch government was one of the first in the world to allocate public funding for cellular agriculture research and development. In 2022, the Netherlands announced €60 million in funding to support cultivated meat and precision fermentation, creating a fertile ground for innovation and commercialization.

The program will feature inspiring presentations and interactive sessions where companies, researchers, and policymakers exchange ideas on how to make food production more efficient, sustainable, and future proof.

When: Thursday 5 June, 10:00-16:30 JST (doors open at 09:30) - including lunch and networking drinks
Where: Netherlands Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai (Address: 1-chome, Konohana-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka)
Participation fee: Free
Target audience: Companies, universities, research institutions, government agencies, media, and other industry stakeholders in Japan and overseas
Language: English & Japanese with simultaneous interpretation
Capacity: 90

 


Moderator
Ms. Cindy Gerhardt, CEO, Planet B.io

Netherlands-Japan World Expo Program
Seminar: Innovative Solutions for Future Food Production

09.30 am: Doors open and registration

10.00 am: Start morning program

  • Opening remarks by moderator
    Ms. Cindy Gerhardt, CEO, Planet B.io

  • Welcome speech
    Mr. Erwin Hoogland, Vice Governor of the Province of Overijssel 

  • Setting the scene of cultured meat
    Interview with Ms. YOSHITOMI Megumi Avigail, President, Japan Association for Cellular Agriculture &
    Ms. Ira van Eelen, Co-founder, Cellular Agriculture Netherlands

  • ‘Transforming Future Diets by Meat Maker’
    Dr. MATSUSAKI Michiya, Professor, Graduate School of engineering, Osaka University

  • ‘Regenerative Medicine and Cultured Meat: The Cycle of Technology and Business’
    Mr. SHIMAMURA Masaharu, Vice President Chief Food Tech Officer, DIVERSE FARM Corporation

  • 'It takes a village to raise a child, but it takes an ecosystem to create cultivated meat'
    Interview with Mr. Daan Luining, Founder, Meatable & Mr. Panagiotis Vlachogiannis, Development and Supply Chain Associate, Nutreco

  • ‘An ultra-local food system by the cellular agriculture infrastructure’
    Dr. HANYU Yuki, CEO, Integriculture Inc.

12:00 pm: Walking lunch and visit experience exhibition at the Netherlands pavilion

13:30 pm Start afternoon program

  • 'The Netherlands; leading the future of food through Innovation Ecosystems'
    Ms. Cindy Gerhardt, CEO, Planet B.io

  • 'Current and Future status of precision Fermentation in Japan'
    Prof. OGAWA Jun, Professor, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University

  • 'Future food production: Precision Fermentation Upscaling Facility'
    Mr. Nikolaas Vles, CEO, NIZO Food Research

  • 'Building the future of sustainable and healthy bug based food'
    Mr. Frank Eggink, Founder, Be Frank

  • 'Innovative Technologies Shaping the Future of Plant-Based Protein'
    Ms. Marjolijn Bragt, Program Leader Nutrition & Health, Wageningen University & Research

  • 'Pioneering Sustainable Plant-Based Foods Through Sprouting Innovation'
    Mr. OCHIAI Koji, CEO, SprouTx Inc.

  • International panel
    Moderator: Mr. KATAGIRI Hideki, Attorney-at-Law, Nishimura & Asahi

    - TOYAMA Kozue, General Manager, Toyo Seikan Group (Singapore)

    - Hojin KANG, Agricultural Advisor, Embassy of the Netherlands in Seoul (South Korea)

    - YOSHITOMI Megumi Avigail (Japan)

    - Cindy Gerhardt, CEO, Planet B.io (Netherlands)


  • Closing remarks Ms. Denise Lutz, Agricultural Counsellor of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Japan

15:40 pm Drinks and networking 
17:00 pm End of program

Friday 6 June 2025
Seminar: Changing Consumption: How Demand is Shaping Future Food

Global consumption patterns are evolving rapidly, reshaping the future of food as we know it. This seminar will explore how shifting consumer demands—driven by health, sustainability, and innovation—are transforming the food industry.

We will dive into the rise of plant-based foods, the impact of changing consumer behaviours on businesses, and the strategies companies can adopt to stay ahead in this dynamic landscape. From marketing and branding approaches to the role of societal trends in shaping the market, this event will provide valuable insights for food industry professionals, entrepreneurs, and policymakers alike.

Join us for an engaging discussion on the business and societal forces driving the food transition and discover how your organization can respond to the future of food!

When: Friday 6 June, 10:00-16:30 JST (doors open at 09:30) -including lunch and networking drinks
Where: Netherlands Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai (Address: 1-chome, Konohana-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka)
Participation fee: Free
Target audience: Companies, universities, research institutions, government agencies, media, and other industry stakeholders in Japan and overseas
Language: English & Japanese with simultaneous interpretation
Capacity: 90



Moderator
Ms. Lu Ann Williams, Global SVP Research, Co-Founder, Innova Market Insights

Netherlands-Japan World Expo Program
Seminar: Changing Consumption: How Demand is Shaping Future Food

09:30 am Doors open and registration

10:00 am Start program

  • Opening remarks by moderator,
    'Eating Tomorrow: Rethinking Protein Through the Consumer Lens'
    Ms. Lu Ann Williams, Global SVP Research, Co-Founder, Innova Market Insights

  • 'How collaborations in the Dutch ecosystem make impact and have a domino effect in the protein shift!' Interview with Ms. Danielle Lieuwen, Food Policymaker, the province of Noord-Holland & Mr. Leo Koning, Manager The Protein Community, Foodvalley

  • 'MIRACORE™ Technology: Searching for Satisfaction from Plant-based Food'
    Mr. SAITO Tsutomu, General Manager Fundamental Seasoning Business Department, FUJI OIL CO., LTD.

  • 'Accelerating the development of the Plant-Based Protein category in Asia Pacific. How to drive consumer trial and adoption of the new meat'
    Ms. Coralie De-Lescazes, Sales & Business Development Manager ASIA, The Vegetarian Butcher

  • Interview with Mr. SASAKI Hideyuki, Director/Founder, NEXT MEATS Co., Ltd. & Ms. WATANUKI Chika, Manager, Kewpie Corporation

  • 'The Ladder of Change: Transitioning Consumers to a More Plant-Based Diet'
    Ms. Marjolijn Bragt, Program Leader Nutrition & Health, Wageningen University & Research

12:00 pm Walking lunch and visit experience exhibition at the Netherlands pavilion

13:30 pm Afternoon program

  • Opening remarks by moderator 
    Ms. Lu Ann Williams, Global SVP Research, Co-Founder, Innova Market Insights

  • Interview with Seven-Eleven Japan Co., Ltd.

  • 'From Cows to Crops: Transforming a Traditional Dairy into a Plant-Based Pioneer'
    Interview with Ms. Puk Klaus, Product Development, The New Milkman & Mr. Klaasjan Joosten, Commercial Director, Boermarke

  • 'Unlock the Power of Lupin : Innovation in every seed!'
    Mr. Sébastien Alphand, Sales Director (CCO), INVEJA

  • 'Menu of the future' with two chefs
    Interview with Ms. Sharon de Miranda, Executive chef & Food Innovation Expert, Province of Flevoland and TV Chef &
    Mr. SHIMAMURA Masaharu, Owner Chef, Japanese cuisine UNAKAKU

14:45 pm Pitches

  • Dutch and Japanese companies, moderator by YOSHIOKA Tadasuke, Food & Beverage Team Director, Plug and Play Japan

    • Mr. YORITAMA Masahiro, President, NINZIA Inc.

    • 'Healthy & Sustainable Plant-based Food Ingredients'
      Mr. Michiel Pronk, Sales Manager, Cosun Protein

    • Mr. KUDO Taisei, President, White Form Green Inc.

    • 'JunkFood reinvented; SNX, Now you can have it all!'
      Ms. Tessa Rijn, CEO, SnackFuture

    • Mr. HASHIZUME Hiroya, President and CEO, Kinish

  • Closing remarks by Ms. Denise Lutz, Agricultural Counsellor of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Japan


  • 15:30 pm Networking reception
    16:30 pm End

Please register by 23 May

Please register by 6 June

Monday 9 June 2025
Symposium Future Food & Health

Join us for this dynamic symposium, where the Dutch missions on alternative proteins and healthy food come together to explore the cutting edge of food innovation. Bringing together experts, this event will delve into the future of food through two key themes:

Morning Session – Protein Innovation: Opportunities & Challenges

What opportunities do novel protein sources offer for the food industry and global food security? We will explore the latest advancements in cellular agriculture, precision fermentation, plant-based innovations, and insect proteins, and discuss their role in transforming our food systems.

Afternoon Session – Health & Nutrition Aspects of Future Food

How will future food impact our microbiome and overall health? This session will examine how innovations in nutrition and food science contribute to healthier diets, disease prevention, and personalized nutrition solutions.

This symposium serves as a vital platform for knowledge exchange, strengthening international collaboration, and discovering groundbreaking solutions for a more sustainable and health-focused food system.

When: Monday 9 June 10:00-17:00 JST (doors open at 09:30)
to be followed by a networking reception 16:30-19:30
Where: The Westin Osaka (Address: 1-1-20 Oyodonaka, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka 531-0076)
Symposium: 2F Sonora / Reception: 2F Oriana
Participation fee: Free
Target audience: Companies, universities, research institutions, government agencies, media, and other industry stakeholders in Japan and overseas
Language: English & Japanese with simultaneous interpretation
Capacity: 150 first-come, first-served basis)
Registration will close once capacity is reached. Please register soon.

12:00 am Lunch buffet & Networking
You can sample dishes made with plant-based ingredients as part of the lunch buffet menu.

Tasting sponsored by: The Vegetarian Butcher, Kewpie Corporation, NEXT MEATS Co., Ltd., Fuji Oil Co., Ltd., SnackFuture


Afternoon session - Health & Nutrition Aspects of Future Food
Moderator
Mr. Guido Camps, assistant professor, Wageningen University & Research

Morning session - Protein Innovation: Opportunities & Challenges
Moderator:
Ms.Lu Ann Williams, Global SVP Research, Co-Founder, Innova Market Insights

Symposium Future Food & Health

13.30 pm Afternoon program, part 1

  • Welcome Speech
    Ms. Helga Witjes, Vice Governor of the province of Gelderland

  • Guest of Honor Speech
    Dr. KYUMA Kazuo, President, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO) 

  • Setting the scene Food & health aspects
    Interview with Ms. Marjolijn Bragt, Program Leader Nutrition & Health, Wageningen University & Research

  • 'Food Health and Sustainability: the future'
    Mr. Johan Garssen, Chief Scientific Advisor, Future Food University of Utrecht / Danone Global Research & Innovation

  • 'Dairy in a sustainable food future'
    Interview with Ms. Mireille Einwachter, Chief Sustainability Officer, FrieslandCampina

  • '‘Towards Reducing Salt Intake’'
    Dr. SHINOZAKI Yohei, General Manager, Kikkoman Corporation

  • 'We bring progress to life' 
    Ms. Cindy Gerhardt, Senior Director Ecosystem Development, dsm-firmenich


15.00 pm Short Break

15.30 pm Afternoon program, part 2

  • 'Chip and digital innovations enabling a healthier life and the protein transition'
    Mr. Chris Van Hoof, Vice-president R&D imec and general manager OnePlanet Research Center

  • Crafting the Future of Food: From Protein Shift to Planetary Health
    Mr. Emile van der Staak, Chef & owner, Two-Michelin-Starred Restaurant De Nieuwe Winkel, Named Best Vegetable Restaurant in the World.

  • Wrap-up and closing remarks Mr. Marc Kuipers, Consulate-General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Osaka and Commissioner General for the Netherlands at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai

16.30 pm Networking reception including dinner
19.30 pm End

09.30 am Door opens and registration  
10.00 am Morning program

  • Opening remarks by moderator
    Ms.Lu Ann Williams, Global SVP Research, Co-Founder, Innova Market Insights

  • Welcome Speech
    Mr. Jean Rummenie, Dutch Minister for Fishery, Food Security, Horticulture and Nature Conservation

  • Guest of Honour Speech
    Mr. FUJIKAWA Masahide, Deputy Director-General, Kansai Regional Agricultural Administration Office, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

  • 'The Business of New Proteins: Trends, Growth, and Global Shifts'
    Ms. Lu Ann Williams, Global SVP Research, Co-Founder, Innova Market Insights

  • Keynote: 'Co-creating a sustainable future for food'
    Dr. Liz Kamei, Managing Director Fuji Europe Africa & Head of Global Innovation Center Europe, Fuji Europe Africa

  • 'Novel Routes towards Healthy Food Transformation' 
    Mr. Nikolaas Vles, CEO, NIZO Food Research

  • 'Food Sustainability: The Challenge towards "Plant-Based Food"' 
    Ms. WATANUKI Chika, Manager, Kewpie Corporation

Please register by 6 June

Please register by 27 May

Tuesday 10 June 2025
Seminar: Food the next frontier in health innovation

The Netherlands places a strong priority on producing and distributing healthy, nutritious, and sustainable food, recognizing its direct impact on public health, well-being, and environmental sustainability. As a global leader in food innovation, the country is committed to developing solutions that not only improve health outcomes but also support a balanced and eco-friendly food system for future generations.

Achieving a sustainable food system requires careful resource management, but equally important is ensuring that food meets the evolving nutritional and societal needs of our population.

This event will explore the latest advancements in food technology, microbiome research, and the future of food’s role in health and disease prevention. Engage with thought leaders, researchers, and industry pioneers through insightful presentations, discussions, and live demonstrations.

Discover how cutting-edge innovations are shaping the next generation of health-focused foods. Explore the role of the microbiome in nutrition and well-being. Gain insights into the intersection of science, policy, and business in shaping healthier food systems.

When: Tuesday 10 June, 10:00-15:30 JST (doors open at 09:30) -including lunch and networking drinks
Where: Netherlands Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai (Address: 1-chome, Konohana-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka)
Participation fee: Free
Target audience: Companies, universities, research institutions, government agencies, media, and other industry stakeholders in Japan and overseas
Language: English & Japanese with simultaneous interpretation
Capacity: 90

Netherlands-Japan World Expo Program
Seminar: Food the next frontier in health innovation


Moderator:
Mr. UMEMURA Shoto, Manager, Food & Beverage, Plug and Play Japan

09.30 am Welcome

10.00 am Morning program

  • Opening remarks by moderator
    UMEMURA Shoto, Manager, Plug and Play Japan

  • 'Chips for your health, with the help of AI'
    Mr. Chris Van Hoof, Vice-president R&D imec and general manager OnePlanet Research Center

  • ‘Role of food ingredients in health maintenance and promotion’
    Dr. MAEDA-YAMAMOTO Mari, Ph.D., Executive Scientist, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO) / Representative Director, Self-Care Food Council

  • 'Nutrition & Microbiome: New opportunities for Food and Health innovation'
    Mr. Nikolaas Vles, CEO, NIZO Food Research

  • 'Micro algae substitute and supplement to accelerate protein transition'
    Mr. Guido Camps, Assistant Professor, Wageningen University Research & Mr. Tobias Camps, Director, Albron Hutten

12.00 pm Walking lunch and visit experience exhibition at the Netherlands pavilion

13.00 pm Afternoon program

  • 'Advancing Microbiome Research Toward a Health-Share Society'
    Dr. TERAUCHI Jun, Steering Committee Chair of Japan Microbiome Consortium (JMBC)/ Director, Chief Scientific Officer, Vice president of Research and Development Division, Metagen Therapeutics Inc.

  • 'The role of probiotics in health - Yakult's R&D and innovations- '
    Dr. OISHI Kenji, Executive Manager, Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd.

  • 'Food as a key player in health maintenance and immunity'
    Mr. Johan Garssen, Chief Scientific Advisor, Future Food University of Utrecht / Danone Global Research & Innovation

  • 'Texture Engineering Based on Centuries of Japanese Tradition'
    Mr. YORITAMA Masahiro, President, NINZIA Inc.

  • Closing remarks by moderator

14.35 pm Networking reception

16.00 pm End

Please register by 27 May