The United Nations estimates that the global population will reach 10 billion people in 2050, with an average life expectancy of 77 (United Nations. World Population Prospects). With this growing population, adapting the global food system to the demands of the 21st century is one of the most crucial challenges facing business, government, and civil society today.
In analysing the data, we identified seven key themes driving the future of food:
1. Sustainability: What’s the relationship between the production of food and the system’s impact on the environment?
2. Food Diversity: How do we move from dietary monotony to diversified diets?
3. Innovation: Why is the need for innovation in our food system so great?
4. Transparency: Why is transparency across the supply chain so important?
5. Cost: What’s the trade-off of affordability vs accessibility?
6. Wellbeing: How food is being used to power our health and longevity?
7. Experimentation: What is the role that food can play in fostering cross-cultural understanding and in encouraging the consumer to experiment?
This whitepaper wouldn’t have been possible without the valuable contribution of experts across the food system including BerryWorld, Tate & Lyle, Nomad Foods, Cellular Agriculture, Higher Steaks, Mosa Meat, Enough, Huel, Deliciously Ella, Notpla, Too Good To Go, Feeding Britain, Wrap, and the APA (Alternative Proteins Association).
Through this report, and Re’s expertise in using design to solve complex problems, inspire audiences and create deep connections with consumers, we hope to empower brands to innovate, and create meaningful change towards a sustainable food system and always do so with clear messaging and impactful design systems.
Our work won’t stop here as we intend to continue this research project and play our part in supporting the shift to a 21st century food system that is clean, sustainable, secure, and innovative. And to continue a dialogue with brands paving the way.
A huge thank you to all of the team who have worked so hard in making this whitepaper possible.
We’d love to hear your thoughts!
