Sustainability challenge and related SDGs
Highly processed foods often contain a lower variety of vital nutrients. They lack important substances such as minerals, vitamins and trace elements. A lack of intake of these nutrients can lead to malnutrition. In addition to the missing nutrients, however, these foods contain a wide range of chemicals: it is well known that food manufacturers are altering meat or fish from their natural state, for example to make them look redder, improve their taste, make them juicier and chewier or extend their shelf life.
More than 330 of these food additives are authorised in Europe. 58% of foods in the EU contain at least one such additive and 11.3% contain at least five. Consuming small amounts of additives may be harmless, but an overly unbalanced diet of highly processed foods is often associated with health risks. In addition to malnutrition, it can promote other chronic diseases such as obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease and cancer. For many people, these foods are part of their daily nutrition because they are cheap and easy to prepare.
Possible solutions and their contribution to achieving the SDGs
Unprocessed or minimally processed foods are healthier than processed foods and should therefore constitute the main part of the daily diet.
Companies with #SaneAnimalProteins provide animal-based foods that are low in processing and additives, but rich in nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, healthy fats and high-quality protein. These include fish or dairy products. They promote heart and brain health, support weight control and strengthen the immune system. Such foods contribute to SDG 2 "No Hunger" by providing access to nutrient-rich foods and counteracting malnutrition.
Primarily related SDG Targets: 2.1, 2.2
Investment Rationale and Growth Potential
Malnutrition and undernourishment are a major challenge for the world, in developing countries as well as in industrialised nations. Feeding the world's population better and more sustainably means making healthy food more readily available and affordable.
The increasing demand to produce healthier food through more sustainable production systems is driving the food industry to develop new products and processes. Investing in companies that provide products with #SaneAnimalProteins means investing in a sustainable and healthy food system.
