At the Asia Pacific Agri-Food Innovation Summit, an expert panel emphasised that effective nutrition strategies require stronger policy implementation and consumer behaviour alignment. While regulatory efforts like Thailand’s sugar tax have reduced retail consumption, they often exclude foodservice, limiting broader impact.
In Japan, discussions highlighted challenges beyond food availability, such as social isolation among the elderly and child malnutrition due to socio-economic factors. Experts stressed that achieving optimal nutrition requires integrated solutions involving dietary support, social engagement, and exercise.
The panel also noted gaps in R&D addressing nutritional deficiencies, underscoring the need to make nutrition initiatives part of sustainability frameworks. FrieslandCampina’s Asia President Corine Tap suggested that embedding nutrition into corporate sustainability strategies could drive long-term investments in supply chains and product innovation.
Mondelez’s Marco Michielsen called for improving consumer literacy with clearer product labels and leveraging digital tools like wearables to enhance health awareness. He emphasised gradual changes to consumer preferences, transitioning from strong flavours to milder options to ensure lasting dietary improvements.
The consensus: tackling nutrition challenges requires coordinated efforts across policy, industry, and education to foster meaningful, sustainable health outcomes in the region.
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