EXCLUSIVE: Where CPG Innovation Meets Food Policy
Diet and health are central topics for stakeholders in the food chain, as consumers increasingly seek healthier options. The World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted a pressing issue: global obesity rates have more than doubled since 1990, and adult sodium intake is twice the recommended level. This has prompted proactive measures from various stakeholders, including food and beverage consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies like Coca-Cola Co., General Mills, and Kellanova, which collaborate through the International Food & Beverage Alliance (IFBA).
Established in 2008, the IFBA aims to address pressing public health concerns related to diet. Secretary-General Rocco Renaldi emphasizes the urgency of these issues, which are severe in industrialized nations and gaining ground in developing countries. As health challenges arise, the need for meaningful solutions is paramount, and transforming product offerings through innovation and reformulation is at the forefront.
The pace of innovation in the food and beverage sector has accelerated, with a focus on reducing salt, sugar, and saturated fat in products. However, Renaldi warns that there are limits to reformulation; taste remains key for consumer acceptance. Market-specific factors also shape product strategies, necessitating tailored approaches to compete effectively in diverse regions.
Regulatory initiatives are evolving worldwide, with indicators suggesting that collaboration between industries and policymakers is essential for meaningful health impacts. The concept of “ultra-processed foods” is gaining attention, with an understanding that diets rich in convenience foods often lack nutritional balance. Ongoing efforts emphasize continuous improvement in nutrition while advocating for societal changes that promote balanced diets.
The IFBA, based in Geneva, Switzerland, consists of 11 multinational food and beverage firms committed to improving global dietary patterns and encouraging healthier lifestyles. Its partnerships with government bodies underscore a unified approach to combating dietary-related health issues, highlighting the importance of collaboration in creating effective food policies.
