This post contains the perspective of DSM on food fortification and an overview of its efforts in bringing affordable nutrition to those in need
Good food, good business!
Lack of affordable nutritious foods is a major problem in many low-and middle-income countries. In a newly released report, the Institute for the Future (IFTF) and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation explore how food companies can combine emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and synthetic biology with established production strategies and traditional food wisdom to produce affordable nutritious food. Participants to the report have provided a timely capture of current innovation in food production and highlights the exciting potential of continuing scientific advances.
An affordable nutrition revolution within the next ten years is imperative to meet the UN Sustainable Development Goal of ‘Zero Hunger’ by 2030. The current reality is that two billion people continue to suffer from “hidden hunger”, this is a form of malnutrition where despite
getting enough calories, the diet lacks essential micronutrients. Malnutrition kills millions of children every year and inhibits many millions more of the opportunity to reach their full potential. And yet a profoundly researched given is that for every dollar invested in nutrition a country can get around 16 dollars in returns, or as Kamel Chida concluded, “when business fights malnutrition, everybody profits”
As our Latin America President, Mauricio Adade, has said, “In DSM, our strategy is purpose led and performance driven. We have been working in the malnutrition field, innovating always with the aim of doing good and doing well. Only sustainable business models with resilient leadership are able to tackle and solve malnutrition issues” This is why DSM tackles malnutrition through alliances with the objective of bringing sustainable and affordable science-based innovations to the dining table. Micronutrients are an essential ingredient for the development of the next generation of processed foods that will need to address the challenges of lower-income populations. Where needed, we go one step further and lead the way to participate end to end in the value chain as we do in Rwanda with Africa Improved Foods (AIF).
Through our collaboration with the Government of Rwanda and a consortium of private companies, we work towards addressing the issue of malnutrition while encouraging local production and improving the quality of yields through our local sourcing projects. AIF works with over 24,000 farmers across Rwanda and produces meals for 1.5 million people every day.
In Singapore, our partnership with 45RICE aspires to tackles the malnutrition challenges of a 500,000 large migrant construction workers population through breakthrough innovation in staple food fortification.
The industry is responding. Examples of start-up capitalizing on the opportunity are plentiful. Recently we proudly supported the Future Food Asia Awards with ID Capital to recognize and reward entrepreneurs from Asia Pacific who are building disruptive and sustainable innovations to tackle the inefficiencies and scarcities in our agri-food value chain, particularly in affordable food.
Improving nutrition has to take into account the relationship with the animal proteins we consume. Proteins are an essential part of an adequate human diet, and animal-based proteins such as eggs, milk, meat and fish all contribute to a healthy and nutritious diet. For this reason, DSM continues at the forefront of equipping the industry to develop sustainable animal proteins that reduce the use of finite natural resources.
The IFTF report is a highly valuable contribution to building awareness and sense of urgency regarding the harnessing of both traditional and new age knowledge in addressing the big issue of global access to good nutrition.
As a purpose led and performance driven organization, DSM firmly believes good food means good business.