IGD unveils framework for a healthier, more sustainable food system

IGD’s ‘Framework for Population Diet Change’ shows how organisations can accelerate healthy sustainable diet (HSD) adoption, while engaging consumers and importantly, delivering commercial value growth.

The framework identifies seven practical levers that businesses can use across the whole organisation to drive diet change. Each lever supports progress to a healthy and sustainable diet in ways that are practical and will deliver even greater impact. The report showcases real-world case studies in support of each lever, featuring organisations that are making great progress in this area.

These levers are:

1.      Value case: reframing dietary change as a growth opportunity

2.    Business integration: commercial ownership and KPIs​, healthier basket mindset and cross-functional governance and upskilling​

3.   Data: embedding sales with nutrition data,​ integrating with commercial decisions​ and shared SKU-level environmental and health metrics​

4.     Supply chain: farm-to-fork partnerships, shared reporting and metrics,​ and reducing exposure to volatility​

5.     Innovation: considering health and environmental impact alongside margin, and introducing next-generation technology

6.    Consumer behaviour: nudging consumers towards healthier choices through placement, promotions & marketing within stores and digital channels​

7.     Policy & sector alignment: joined-up policy implementation​ and consistent reporting

Kirsty Saddler, Director of Health & Sustainability Programmes at IGD, comments: “Latest NDNS data shows that now less than 0.1% of UK adults achieve all the recommendations set out in the Eatwell Guide. People want to eat more healthily and sustainably, but it is too costly, complex and inconvenient in today's food system. Many of the solutions for change exist in our industry but are not employed in sufficiently consistent or integrated ways across organisations to 'turn the tide'.

“System-wide change is needed and the seven practical levers set out in our framework are proven to work by leading organisations across the food sector. We will continue to develop the framework to inform change for the health of the population, businesses and planet. Our aim is to provide businesses with a consistent, practical and strategic approach for long-term progress."

The food system faces significant challenges which pose major risks for the industry, from rising healthcare costs and workplace sickness to climate-driven disruption and consumer barriers. The framework for population diet change explains how linking health and sustainability can unlock faster progress towards addressing these risks, as both areas are essential to the future of the food system.

For example, the food system is responsible ​for 30% of UK GHG emissions[1] and shifting to sustainable diets can cut ​food-related emissions by 30%[2], as outlined in A Net Zero Transition Plan for the UK Food System. In addition, UK productivity losses from diet-related chronic diseases are £116 billion[3] and healthier baskets can reduce NHS ​and workforce costs. The aim is to inspire thinking, innovation and action that contributes to healthier, more sustainable diets, using a connected organisation-wide approach.

For more detail on the seven levers, including case studies on companies’ actions and results in each area, read IGD’s latest report, Framework for population diet change.

 

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Notes to editors:

1.        All content is owned by IGD. If you use or refer to any content in this press release, please credit IGD.

2.       Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/igd/

3.       IGD brings together stakeholders from across the food system, fostering action across on critical challenges across a broad cross section of forums. Through evidence-based insights, credible research, and thought leadership, IGD guides businesses to make informed decisions that not only benefit their operations but also contribute to the collective good of society.  As a charity with a long-standing commitment to the food and grocery industry, IGD does not advocate for any single commercial interest but works towards fostering alignment on shared goals that can have a positive, lasting impact on both the industry and the communities it serves. Its neutrality and impartiality are key to its role in facilitating collaboration, whether through policy development or addressing emerging risks and opportunities. By staying connected to the changing dynamics of the world, IGD ensures that the food system remains robust and sustainable, creating tangible benefits for businesses, consumers and society.

 

The Eatwell Guide

The Eatwell Guide is the UK government's advice on a healthy, balanced diet.​

It was developed using optimisation modelling to determine the proportions of main food groups that best meet existing dietary guidelines.​

While it doesn’t account for individual needs, The Eatwell Guide integrates health, nutrition and sustainability factors, helping populations move to healthier, more sustainable diets.

[1]  https://www.igd.com/social-impact/sustainability/reports/net-zero-transition-plan-for-the-uk-food-system/53058

[2]  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7184671/#:~:text=If%20each%20country%20was%20to,30%25%20and%20reduce%20the%20freshwater

[3] https://ffcc.co.uk/news-and-press/unhealthy-food-costing-uk-billions