T
he Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the Global Goals, were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action towards ending poverty and protecting the planet. The SDGs serve as a blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all by creating a world, where no one is left behind. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development with SDGs at its core, has a focus that extends beyond the present generation and lays the foundation to preserve the aspirations and hopes of future generations. One of the goals i.e. Goal 2 is ‘attaining zero hunger’. The objective of this goal is ‘to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture’.[1] But, the challenges and difficulties to meet the objectives of ending hunger, food insecurity, and all forms of malnutrition kept growing. The COVID-19 pandemic has also showcased the lacunas and fragilities in agri-food systems, which are contributing significantly to the rise of global hunger and creating acute food insecurity globally.
As per the statistics, the prevalence of undernourishment has raised from 8.0 to 9.8 percent in 2021. It is also projected that nearly 670 million people will still be facing hunger in 2030 which accounts for 8 percent of the world population.[2] Around 11.7 percent of the global population facing food insecurity at severe levels. It necessitates that the current Agri-food systems must be reformed to produce lower-cost, safe, nutritious foods to ensure that healthy diets become more accessible, inclusive, and sustainable.
On the other facet, the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector is drastically growing, and it is India’s fourth-largest industry, accounting for half of FMCG sales in the country. In the three major sections of FMCG industry, food and beverages accounts for 19% of the sector, healthcare has 31% of the share; and household and personal care, has the biggest share i.e. 50% of all the shares.[3] Indian food processing market size reached US$ 307.2 trillion in 2022 and is expected to reach US$ 547.3 trillion by 2028, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 9.5% during 2023-2028.[4] Growing awareness, easier access and changing lifestyles with a demand for chemical-free organic products are possibly the key growth drivers for this growing interest towards food and beverages. An expanding numbers of consumers taking precautions are derived from caution and doubt, because the shift towards natural products or organic ingredients in personal care and food products segments has gathered momentum.