Feeding our future

Feeding Billions
Did you know that as of September 2019 there are 7.7 billion people globally? (Worldometers, 2019). The estimated future growth of the population is set to reach 8.6 billion in 2030 and 9.8 billion in 2050. Will we be able to produce enough food for 9 billion people in a regenerative way instead of a degenerative one? How can we continue to feed a growing population, while looking after our planet and making sure the food we provide is safe to eat?These are the many questions people have been asking. While businesses will eventually be required to up their food production, sustainability is something that we need to take into account when doing so. We want to focus on regenerative processes in food and beverage production. Along come fraudsters that are keen to make money in a market where there is a gap. This could be because there is not enough food being produced to meet human consumption, so they see an opportunity to make quick cash.
Food Fraud
Not only does food fraud cost the economy billions of dollars per year, it hurts businesses reputations. There is more money to be made in counterfeiting and adulterating food than in street crime, with no consequences. So you can see the appeal to become a fraudster. Food fraud is an economically and financially motivated crime. Food fraud generally occurs where the financial gains are high and the consequences or risks are low. Food fraud and adulteration is a serious public health risk, and this issue will only increase as more food is needed. Tackling global safety as well as providing food that is fresh, healthy and safe for consumption is something that we are on the right track to achieving.
Sustainability
It has also been said that true sustainability needs transparency. The rise of using sustainability as a marketing term is well and truely here. It makes unsubstantiated claims about the environmental impact of a product that may or may not be doing what they say they are. This type of marketing and labelling is popular because it provides quick assurance on a products credibility as sustainable. Some of these labels are intended to provide a good impression without explaining how they are sustainable, carbon neutral, low emission or green. Sustainable businesses need to have an element of transparency in their supply chain and business processes that supports their claims. Whether that be evidence based of scientific facts, third party quality control and traceability. It is great to see New Zealand take the lead in the conversation about food production and impact on the planet. Consumers care about their impact and being transparent and sustainable in any way they can. Regenerative food production is the way to their hearts and ultimately earns consumer trust.
Truth, Trust and Transparency
Truth, trust and transparency is what Bill George a Harvard Lecturer calls the 3 T’s. He goes on to say that these 3 T’s are essential for building authentic business relationships. Organisations cannot function without integrity and telling the truth. Transparency is an important part of this process to enable everyone to operate more efficiently and effectively. Trust is the most important factor in relationship building, it combines telling the truth and being transparent with your consumers. Every business should work towards achieving these qualities, telling the whole truth, being transparent and building trust with consumers at all cost. As you do so, the reputation of you business and product will continue to grow and you will gain credibility in the market place against your competitors.
