Issue # 4 – How Is Climate Change Reshaping Product Development?

Last month in London, the Global Food Security Summit took place, with the aim of building more resilient and sustainable food systems & supply chains to prevent and reduce the impact of humanitarian crises.

High on the agenda was climate change. The food industry alone accounts for 21-37% of greenhouse gas emissions & without intervention, a further increase of 30-40% is possible by 2050 [1].

The influence of climate change on the landscape of food production has knock-on effects through the food system, and poses the inevitable question: How is climate reshaping product development?

Challenges Impacting Global Food Supply Security

Climate change is perhaps the primary long-term factor in shaping food supplies, although isn’t the only one:?

1. Climate - Rising temperatures and extreme weather events pose a significant threat to food production[2], crop yields and availability[3].
2. Conflict – Conflict nearly always causes people displacement and infrastructure damage, significantly disrupting food production and distribution. For instance, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine is disrupting global wheat & maize production and grain exports - contributing to food price volatilities[4].
3. Macroeconomics - Market fluctuations caused by labour costs, and access to capital also can discourage long-term investments, as has been seen in the plant-based analogue sector this year[5].
4. Technology - the adoption of new & advanced technologies that enhance agricultural efficiency and resilience is often uneven, with developing countries facing challenges in accessing and implementing them[6].

Adapting to The Evolving Food Landscape

Food manufacturers are now finding themselves increasingly compelled to strategize & implement with these long-term global challenges in mind – specifically climate change.

For instance, on a retail level, TESCO & M&S have reaffirmed ambitious targets to reach carbon neutrality by 2035 by reducing more than half of carbon emissions not only from their direct operations but indirect ones too.

Food manufacturers are implementing climate-friendlier claims in their new product development[7]. Similarly, ingredient suppliers are also developing more innovative solutions to mitigate their environmental footprint with sustainable plant-based dairy products and meat alternatives[8].

Climate change is driving the development of climate-resilient crops, alternative protein sources, and innovative farming practices[9]. Similarly, regulations on pesticide use and food labelling are steering the industry towards minimally processed food products[10]. As we’ve seen with the UPF debate moving into the mainstream in the UK[11].

?Exploring New Technologies

Despite the complexity and cost associated with adopting new technologies, manufacturers are integrating innovative solutions to curb waste and minimize costs. Additionally, private companies are stepping up to actively address environmental concerns, promote public health, and assist food manufacturers in adapting to sustainable practices.

To mention a few, companies like Novax, Apeel Sciences, Calypso, and Indigo Ag are actively contributing to sustainable food production: Novax proved it possible to create a circular-based feed producing sustainable local fish on a large scale. Apeel Sciences pioneers edible coatings to extend the shelf life of produce. Calypso optimizes supply chains to reduce waste. Indigo Ag employs microbial technology to improve soil health and crop yields. The World Resources Institute provides crucial research and analysis on sustainable food systems, aiding manufacturers in adopting sustainable practices.

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In Conclusion

Climate change is & will continue to be at the forefront of food production throughout the value chain – whether this be farmers, raw material suppliers, manufacturers, or retailers. Strategies are being adapted to use innovative solutions to face it head-on.

As climate change becomes an increasing challenge for the world, so must the industry actively engage in environmentally conscious practices. Only through a concerted & collaborative effort across the entire supply chain, a real impact can be made.

[1] IPCC, 2019. Special Report on Climate Change and Land

[2] FAO. 2022.?The State of Food and Agriculture 2022. Leveraging automation in agriculture for transforming agrifood systems. Rome, FAO.

[3] United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). (2022). Sustainable Food Systems.

[4] The Washington Post. (2023, June 13). Ukraine War Threatens Global Food Supply, Soaring Prices.

[5] The Future of Plant-Based Foods: Navigating Market Fluctuations and Capital Access" by the Good Food Institute (2023)

[6] World Bank.?2022.?The World Bank Annual Report 2022: Helping Countries Adapt to a Changing World.?

[7] Company Offers Climate-Friendly, Upcycled Tortilla Chips with Low Water Footprint

[8] Nutraceutical, 2023. Ulrick & Short launches plant-based ingredient based on upcycled rapeseed.

[9] OECD. (2019). Food security and nutrition: OECD-FAO agricultural outlook 2019-2028.

[10] FAO. (2021). The future of food and agriculture: Trends and challenges.

[11] FCRN Food Source: Fraanje, W. & Garnett, T. (2019). What is ultra-processed food? And why do people disagree about its utility as a concept? (Foodsource: building blocks). Food Climate Research Network, University of Oxford