Programme

19:00 – Midnight . Welcome Dinner (Pharo Palace)

Join us on the Terrace Vieux-Port at Pharo Palace for a delightful evening. This event is open to delegates, partners, and guest speakers.

Welcome Desk

A welcome desk, to register delegates and answer queries, will be set up at the Pharo Palace.

Dress code: Business casual

“Epic Fury”: understanding grain and energy market disruptions

During the European Flour Millers’ General Assembly meeting, Jaime Nolan‑Mirales (StoneX) will deliver a keynote presentation on the impact of “Epic Fury” and its implications for the grain market and milling sector. His intervention will focus on the consequences – notably for fuel, gas, electricity, and fertiliser markets – offering millers an in‑depth analysis of current developments and their expected effects on energy costs and supply dynamics in the months ahead.

StoneX is a Fortune 100 financial institution (NASDAQ: SNEX) serving a wide range of clients. It provides various services, including global clearing and custody for securities and futures, sales and trading, prime services, cross-border payments, and FX trading.

Introductory address by Commissioner Hansen

European Commissioner Christophe Hansen will open the 2026 edition of the European Flour Millers’ Congress with an introductory address, setting an inspiring vision for the future of Europe’s agri‑food chain and the strategic role of the flour milling sector in supporting food security, competitiveness and sustainability.

Breadmaking excellence: from tradition to industrial performance

The conference will feature insights from two leading figures in the European baking world.

Navigating grain trade dynamics and future wheat availability

We will be pleased to welcome Jean‑François Lépy to the afternoon conference session. As CEO of Soufflet Négoce by InVivo, he will share a clear and timely overview of global grain trade flows and the wheat supply outlook. His presentation will address key market drivers, emerging trends, and the implications for Europe’s milling sector. Delegates can expect a forward‑looking perspective grounded in market realities and operational experience, offering valuable guidance for navigating an increasingly complex and competitive environment.

The mill endures: Ukraine flour milling and supply chain adaptation in a war context

In addition to the formal statutory aspects, we will welcome Konstantin Ignatenko, CEO of Kiev Mills, as guest speaker to share a compelling perspective on operating an essential industry under the duress of war.

The conflict in Ukraine has created the most challenging operating environment for millers in recent European history. This presentation will move beyond macro-level reports to provide practical, on-the-ground insights into how Ukrainian millers have adapted their entire operation:

• Logistics & sourcing: overcoming the collapse of established Black Sea export routes and domestic transport links to secure grain supply and deliver wheat flour to cities and communities.
• Operational resilience: strategies for maintaining production quality, managing staff and facility safety, and coping with frequent power grid instability and infrastructure damage.
• Local food security: the pivotal role Ukrainian flour milling plays in the country’s food chain and keeping bread on the table.

From mechanical separation to optical precision: evolution and outlook of wheat cleaning in flour mills

Darren Frost, Head of Sales Grains & Foods UK at Bühler will explore the 175-year evolution of industrial wheat cleaning lines in flour mills, tracing the major stages of development from early mechanical foundations to today’s optical precision technologies. It shows how wheat cleaning has advanced not only in performance and efficiency, but also in food safety, culminating in approaches that support molecular-level HACCP assurance. Using a case study of a modern cleaning line, the presentation illustrates how contemporary systems combine mechanical, sensor-based, and digital solutions to meet current milling requirements. It concludes with a look ahead, examining how future innovations – including concepts inspired by quantum mechanics – could shape the next generation of wheat cleaning, detection, and quality control.

10:00 – 15:00 

Discovery-day social programme for partners – activities on the sidelines of the business sessions 

Enjoy an excursion & lunch on the Frioul Islands*. The Frioul Islands are a small archipelago located just off the coast of Marseille in the Mediterranean Sea. Comprising four main islands, they are known for their rugged limestone landscapes, sparse vegetation, and clear turquoise waters.

The islands offer a tranquil contrast to the urban energy of Marseille, making them ideal for a partner programme focused on relaxation, light exploration, and informal networking. Visitors can enjoy scenic coastal walks, swimming in secluded coves, and panoramic views of the city and sea. A notable highlight is the historic Château d’If, a former fortress and prison made famous by The Count of Monte Cristo.

Overall, the Frioul Islands provide a distinctive mix of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and peaceful atmosphere within easy reach (about 20 minutes by boat) of Marseille’s Old Port.

After 15:00, afternoon at leisure.

*The program can be modified according to weather conditions

19:00 – Midnight 
Gala Dinner – Palais de la Bourse de Marseille

This event is open to all delegates, partners, and guests.

The Palais de la Bourse is a grand 19th-century building located on the historic Canebière in central Marseille. Inaugurated in 1860 under Napoleon III, it was originally built as the city’s chamber of commerce. The architecture is elegant and monumental, with classical façades, ornate interiors, and richly decorated reception halls. Today, it serves as a prestigious venue for exhibitions and high-profile events, offering a refined and historic setting ideal for a gala dinner.

Dress code: Semi-formal and formal

This day is open to miller delegates & partner, who confirmed their participation to each activity during the registration process:

10:00 – 13:00 · Boat Excursion* — (No dress code)

*The program can be modified according to weather conditions.

13:00 – 14:45 · Lunch

15:00 – 17:00 · Visit of the MUCEM — Experience the vibrant tapestry of Mediterranean and European cultures at MUCEM – the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations – where stunning modern architecture meets fascinating historical narratives at the crossroads of continents.