With the occasion of World Vegan Day Nestlé provides an answer to the “How will we feed a population of 10 billion in the future?” question

Nestlé, the world’s largest food and beverage company, is conducting research on how to feed the growing global population in a healthy and sustainable way. Researchers are seeking solutions to ensure adequate nutrition, reduce health risks, use limited planetary resources, employ efficient agricultural practices, and avoid food waste.

All studies indicate that sustainable choices are also the healthiest for the human body, therefore plant-based diets are the direction we will be heading in the next few decades to successfully feed a population of 10 billion people.

According to the World Health Organization and the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), sustainable diets are healthy, accessible, safe, fair, culturally acceptable, have a low environmental impact, include a variety of foods, are balanced in terms of energy needs, contain small amounts of meat or fish, reduced amounts of fat, sugar or salt, moderate amounts of dairy, and recommend water as the preferred beverage.

A study by Global Data in 2019 shows that only 4% of Romanians have a plant-based diet. However, 31% of millennials, 27% of Generation X, and 30% of Baby Boomers want to increase their consumption of plant-based protein. In 2020, at the European level, two out of three consumers were open to changing their eating habits to protect the environment.

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Did you know that a meat-based diet has 14 times more impact on the environment than a vegan diet?

In this regard, each Nestlé brand plays a key role in implementing global sustainability commitments to achieve net-zero emissions by 2025. The Nestlé Professional division, through its GARDEN GOURMET® range of products, offers consumers not only a plant-based alternative to meat but also a way to contribute to their own climate goals. Plant-based diets are recognized for providing a better ecological footprint. Like many other Nestlé brands, GARDEN GOURMET® is transitioning to regenerative agriculture. Since 2022, in Serbia, the Nestlé Professional division has started transitioning to regenerative agriculture together with the soy supplier and farmers. At the end of 2023, 50% of the soy protein used in GARDEN GOURMET® products comes from regenerative agriculture. The goal is to scale this ambition and reach a threshold of 75% by 2025. GARDEN GOURMET® focuses on two main areas: soil health and biodiversity. To maintain healthy, fertile, and nutrient-rich soil, cover crops and organic fertilizers are used.

“The GARDEN GOURMET® range of plant-based products is now available in over 500 restaurants in Romania. The constant growth in demand for plant-based products indicates that more and more Romanians are interested in a balanced diet and the impact on the environment” says Ovidiu Tunaru, BEO Nestlé Professional.

To reduce greenhouse gas emissions, GARDEN GOURMET® has conducted an analysis of its business to identify the three main areas that can lead to carbon emissions reduction: ingredients, operations, and packaging. The ambition is to reduce carbon intensity from -18% in 2023 to -40% in 2025. Currently, Nestlé factories in Europe use 100% renewable electricity. By 2024, the goal is for 100% of the soy protein used in GARDEN GOURMET® products to come from Europe to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Since 2022, the bags are made of polyolefins and designed to be recyclable. Materials made of mono plastic and paper will be introduced in the coming years.

The GARDEN GOURMET® range offers several advantages for Nestlé Professional’s out-of-home partners: plant-based foods that can improve customers’ perception of restaurants, provide sensational solutions made from plant-based ingredients, offer a variety of vegetarian dishes for the most discerning consumers. The products have a soft or fibrous texture and come in various forms such as fillets, schnitzels, nuggets, and burgers. They are rich in protein and can be prepared in a frying pan, on the grill, in the oven, or in a deep fryer.