The FoodFlow ’25 – Food Industry Professional Day was held on November 6, 2025, in Budaörs at the Holiday Inn conference center, jointly organized by the Hungarian Business Leaders’ Community, Ökosys Zrt., and the iFood Food Cluster. At the opening, participants were welcomed by Gábor Tóth, Business Development Director of the Hungarian Business Leaders’ Community; Tibor Sebestyén, CEO and owner of Ökosys Zrt.; and Linda Szommerné Egyed, Managing Director of Fino-Food Kft. and President of the iFood Food Cluster, setting the day’s practical focus on measurable, cooperation-based solutions to industry challenges.
In the first session, presenting the industry overview and key challenges, Dr. Ágnes Szegedyné Fricz, independent food regulatory and REL expert, and Mandy Fertetics, Head of Sustainability at the Hungarian Business Leaders’ Community and Managing Director of Alternate Kft., outlined regulatory and sustainability trends. Moderated by Mandy Fertetics, perspectives shaping daily operations in the sector then converged: Zoltán Fórián, Chief Agricultural Expert at ERSTE Bank Zrt., spoke about financing realities; Prof. Dr. László Péter Abrankó, University Professor and Head of Department at the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, highlighted academic and innovation linkages; and Attila Sztankó, CFO of Kometa 99 Zrt. and advisor to the iFood Food Cluster, illustrated supplier-chain operations with examples from large-company practice.
The early afternoon block focused on the intersection of food safety and nutrition trends. Moderated by Dr. Ágnes Szegedyné Fricz, Zsolt Hampuch, COO of Szafi Group and iFood member representative; Prof. Dr. Viktória Szente, University Professor at the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences and iFood member representative; Linda Szommerné Egyed, Managing Director of Fino-Food Kft. and President of iFood; and Zsuzsanna Szűcs MSc RD, President of the Hungarian Dietetic Association, shared insights on integrating “clean label” directions and special-diet expectations alongside quality assurance and supply chain stability. Continuing the theme, a short, focused lightning interview saw Mandy Fertetics question Margit Weisz, Cluster Manager of the iFood Food Cluster, highlighting how innovation cluster certification provides a tangible framework for joint development and fundraising while making members’ value creation visible.
In a discussion on the relationship between food waste and innovation, moderated by Mandy Fertetics, Balázs Cseh, Founder and Board Member of the Hungarian Food Bank Association; Brigitta Deák, Managing Director of GreenPro Zrt.; Tibor Sebestyén, CEO and owner of Ökosys Zrt.; and Attila Sztankó, CFO of Kometa 99 Zrt. and iFood advisor, demonstrated how by-product utilization, data-driven process development, and circular solutions can be translated into viable business models. The day concluded with a closing conversation led by Mandy Fertetics with Gábor Harsányi, winemaker and owner of the GreenBrands-certified Harsányi Winery, who illustrated through personal examples how quality, brand, and sustainability converge in everyday operations. The event’s methodological roundtables followed the proven approach of the Hungarian Business Leaders’ Community, supporting networking and the definition of concrete business development steps.
We thank the Hungarian Business Leaders’ Community and Ökosys Zrt. for the joint organization, and extend our appreciation to all speakers, panelists, and guests who contributed to the success of FoodFlow ’25.
