Collaboration Between NGOs, Food Companies and Other Stakeholders Key to Improving Diets in Southeast Asia, Claims Survey

01 Apr 2016 --- Collaboration between government bodies, NGOs and food companies is the most important factor in in advising consumers on better diet and lifestyle choices in Southeast Asia, according to a new survey.

The survey has been published following a 2015 report by Dutch dairy company FrieslandCampina and sustainability advisory body Forum for the Future called “Addressing food and nutrition security through partnerships and strong business leadership”.

The report was produced in consultation with representatives from an array of stakeholders in the food chain, including crop producers, agri-food companies, financial institutions, retailers and nutritionists.

It also included non-traditional stakeholders for the first time including logistics and packaging companies.

The survey looked at how findings and recommendations from the report were helping shape strategies and changes to policy on food and nutrition in Southeast Asia.

Key findings of the survey include:

More than half of respondents consider collaboration between government bodies, NGOs and companies as the most important factor in engaging the consumer on better diet and lifestyle choices.
The report has instigated more than a third of respondents to consider scaling up activities around agricultural sustainability and efforts to promote healthier eating and lifestyle choices.
50% of respondents found the report particularly insightful on new approaches to make sustainable changes to supply chain infrastructure in order to benefit food and nutrition security in Southeast Asia.
50% of respondents believe that the collaborative opportunities flagged in the report can be implemented within 2 - 4 years.

The burden of undernutrition and overnutrition was also flagged up in the survey, which is a growing problem in Asia and costs in the region of 11 percent of its gross domestic product every year.

Piet Hilarides, chief operating officer FrieslandCampina Asia, said: “The publication of our report addressing food and nutrition security in Southeast Asia has facilitated a number of interesting conversations throughout our value chain.”

“We are focused on collaborating with our stakeholders to contribute to overcoming this pressing problem and are excited by the progress we are observing as a result of implementing a holistic approach.”

Following the report, Forum for the Future has launched a multi-stakeholder initiative called Food Loss Consortium (FLC) geared to improving supply chains across Asia.

Ariel Muller, director, Asia Pacific, Forum for the Future, said: “Bringing together a diverse body of stakeholders motivates businesses to reflect on their role in improving regional food security, and see opportunities to strengthen supply chain relationships by partnering to prepare for success in a resource-scarce future.”