Sustainability challenge and related SDGs:
When it comes to nutrition, we face a rather contradictory situation in the world. On one hand, more than 820 million people have to go to bed hungry, while 135 million even suffer acute hunger.
On the other hand, obesity nearly tripled since 1975. Today, 39% of the population (ca. 2 billion) are overweight and 13% of the population (ca. 650 million) do even count as obese. It does not stop with adults: 39 million children below 5 years of age and 340 million between 5-19 years are overweight or obese. Being overweight is one of the main factors for non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and strokes, musculoskeletal disorders, and even some forms of cancer.
Possible solutions and their contribution to achieving the SDGs
Not or minimally processed #BasicPlantbasedFood such as fruits, vegetables, pulses, rice, flour, and Co. are the basics for a healthy, balanced diet.
#BasicPlantbasedFood tackles both burdens of malnutrition. On the one hand, they provide nearly all relevant nutrients and are very space-efficient to cultivate (compared to animal products). Hence, they are fundamental for the eradication of hunger.
On the other hand, a diet mainly based on #BasicPlantbasedFood is a very important cornerstone in preventing and reducing overweight and obesity. The rather low sugar and fat level combined with a high fiber content are saturating while providing material nutrients and a good level of energy.
Primarily related SDG Targets: 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 3.4
Investment Rationale and Growth Potential
Health ambitions, climate and animal welfare concerns are the driving forces behind the worldwide consumer trend toward a more planted-based diet. Especially younger generations are turning more and more towards flexitarian, vegetarian, and even vegan dietary lifestyles. While this boosts the demand and supply of alternatives for animal products such as planted-based milk or vegan burgers (covered under #GoVegan), it certainly also means a re-orientation towards more #BasicPlantedbasedFood. The climate emergency and the double burden of malnutrition will most likely also generate political reactions (from incentives to regulations) favouring #BasicPlantbasedFood.
