The food sector is one of the most important industrial sectors in Flanders. The aim of this foresight exercise was to identify and map future scientific and technological developments in the food sector from a socio-economical perspective and to identify future needs for industry working in the sector. The outcome of the study directly feeds into the strategic policy making process of the Flemish Government. At company level the aim is to provide managers, R&D managers and researchers with a ‘window of opportunity’ through which to ‘benchmark’ their own company strategy.