Fredrik Davidsson, President of the Foodservice segment, draws inspiration from the rapid pace of change in the packaging industry, great colleagues and customers, and Huhtamaki’s ambition to become the first choice in sustainable packaging solutions.
In this interview for Huhtamaki in Action, he discusses his priorities for the newly established Foodservice Packaging segment, his approach to leadership, and the exciting business opportunities that lie ahead.
1. Fredrik, could you share a bit about your professional journey and what inspires you most about working at Huhtamaki?
Although my years spent in the Swedish Armed Forces are long behind me, they still taught me the importance of teamwork and clarity. My time in telecommunications was shorter, but I learned a lot about project management and the importance of innovation. I’ve now been in the packaging industry for over 20 years, with a continued focus on innovation, and I’ve also seen the increasing importance of sustainability and food safety.
Huhtamaki’s ambition to be the first choice in sustainable packaging for our customers resonates very well with me. The pace of change in the industry is higher than ever, which is also something that inspires me a lot. And one of the most inspiring aspects of my work is collaborating with great colleagues every day and serving some of the world’s biggest brands.
2. What are the key market opportunities and challenges you are facing as a segment?
I expect that the need for sustainable packaging will continue to increase, and customers will continue to look for new innovations. Replacing rigid plastics with fiber and paperboard packaging remains a priority. In several parts of the world, we see a growing population and an increased middle class that is ready to spend more on food and foodservice packaging. In the short term, we see a weaker consumer purchasing power, but the underlying opportunities remain.
In general, we favor clear sustainability legislations, which will make it easier to serve a larger market. However, especially in Europe, there’s still a lot of work to be done so that the legislation can be simplified, making it easier also to collect packaging for recycling.
3. What are your top objectives for the segment over the next year, and how do you plan to build on Huhtamaki’s strategic priorities to drive our 2030 strategy?
Accelerating profitable growth is definitely a priority for us. Serving our customers and bringing innovations to market remains a cornerstone, but we’ll also continue focusing on safety and best-in-class operations. All this will require an even greater emphasis on new capabilities and the great people we have in our Foodservice Packaging segment.
4. What are some of your interests outside the packaging industry that might surprise readers?
It’s true that the packaging industry occupies a significant amount of my time, but it’s also great to occasionally recharge with family and friends. Sports have always been a big interest of mine, whether watching world-class events on TV or just going for a run. Alpine skiing is also something I really enjoy doing in my time off during the winter.