The Food Industry Association (FMI) has announced an exciting addition to its 2025 Midwinter Executive Conference: renowned chef and humanitarian José Andrés will take the stage for a keynote conversation with FMI President and CEO Leslie G. Sarasin. Scheduled for January 30 to February 2, 2025, in Marco Island, Florida, this event promises to highlight pressing issues within the food industry while drawing upon Andrés’ extensive experience in culinary innovation and humanitarian efforts.
During “A Conversation with Chef José Andrés,” attendees can expect an insightful dialogue centered on the opportunities and challenges that currently influence how families are fed both locally and globally. Sarasin remarked on Andrés’ multifaceted impact, referring to him as a “renaissance man” whose influence spans culinary innovation, humanitarian relief, and global food policy. In a rapidly changing industry, the experience of leaders such as Andrés can provide valuable context and direction for restaurateurs, grocers, and food manufacturers alike.
José Andrés is a figure of considerable renown in the culinary landscape. He has been named one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People twice, underscoring his transformative role in popularizing Spanish cuisine across the United States and his contributions to food culture at large. As the founder and executive chairman of the José Andrés Group, which boasts nearly 40 restaurants, his culinary prowess is matched by his commitment to humanitarian efforts.
One of his most notable achievements is the founding of World Central Kitchen (WCK) in 2010, a nonprofit organization that delivers meals in response to crises. Notably, following Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, WCK provided over 3.6 million meals to those in need. Similarly, during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Andrés mobilized efforts alongside local restaurants and volunteers, serving hundreds of millions of meals. This blend of culinary expertise and humanitarian service positions Andrés as a unique voice in the discussion surrounding food security.
In addition to his culinary and philanthropic accomplishments, Andrés has also made strides in advancing food policy research. In 2023, he founded the Global Food Institute at George Washington University, aimed at fostering innovation in food technologies and policies. This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the intersections between culinary arts and sustainable food practices—a critical area of focus as the industry confronts challenges related to climate change and food distribution.
The FMI Midwinter Executive Conference serves as a meeting ground for a wide array of stakeholders in the food industry—from producers to retailers—marking a pivotal moment for collaboration and dialogue. The conference not only facilitates networking opportunities but also focuses on collective strategies to enrich lives through food. As Sarasin points out, the shared mission among these groups is to feed families and improve communities, a vision that will undoubtedly be enriched through the insights shared by Chef Andrés.
In preparation for the event, it’s essential for industry professionals to consider the pressing challenges facing the food sector today. The current economic landscape has been marked by inflation and evolving consumer preferences, which demand innovative approaches to food production, distribution, and marketing. Highlighting successful case studies can offer practical lessons for companies looking to navigate these turbulent waters. For instance, brands that have successfully adopted sustainable practices or diversified their product offerings may present valuable insights during the conference.
As the date approaches, industry leaders will benefit from reflecting on their roles within this complex food ecosystem. What challenges do they face? How can collaboration across the supply chain generate new solutions? Engaging effectively in these discussions will ensure that attendees not only glean insights from Chef José Andrés but also contribute meaningfully to the overall discourse on the future of food and humanitarian efforts.
The 2025 FMI Midwinter Executive Conference is set to foster not just conversation but actionable insights that resonate across the food landscape. By participating in this gathering, professionals will have a unique opportunity to be part of a dialogue that emphasizes the importance of leadership, innovation, and compassion in an industry that connects us all.
