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Each week, Padilla stands at the intersection of people, culture and brands to bring you five stories that you can read in five minutes. This week, FoodMinds, a division of Padilla, shares five head-turning stories from recent weeks focused on food and nutrition.
1. Eco-labeling
What’s Up: From government-led initiatives to start-up innovations, more and more eco-labels will be popping up on product packaging. Why We Love It: A food technology startup out of the UK allows businesses to calculate and label the environmental impact of their food (think carbon footprint, pollution, water use and land use). This comes on the heels of the UK release of Foundation Earth’s new pilot program. Meanwhile in France, the new food labeling framework Planet-Score offers yet another approach to eco-labeling. Providing consumers with accessible, measurable and transparent information on a product’s environmental impact is a step in the right direction. Are eco-labels the next frontier in front-of-pack labeling in the U.S.? [FoodNavigator] [FoodNavigator]
2. Plastics & Packaging
What’s Up: A July 2021 poll finds 84% of U.S. shoppers are concerned about plastic and packaging waste – and plastic packaging is getting a makeover. Why We Love It: With growing concern about plastics’ effects on our planet and eco-systems, more companies are offering eco-friendly packaging and recycling programs. But is it enough? Some individuals are taking it into their own hands, like two scientists who developed a generator that turns plastic into protein. As pressure mounts for meaningful solutions to address climate change, we look forward to more innovative thinking like this. [Newsweek]
3. Farms Feeding Cities
What’s Up: An Atlanta program helps midsize farmers buy their own land while providing fresh food to urban consumers. Why We Love It: Farmers on rented land very seldom make enough income to buy their own farm. The Working Farms Fund aims to change that by forming partnerships with local institutions like universities and hospitals to ensure farmers make enough to eventually become landowners. Innovative programs like this one help to support midsize regional farms while promoting environmental preservation, economic development and fresh, local eats. [NY Times]
4. Kid Food Renaissance
What’s Up: The kid-focused food and beverage category is booming; globally, the industry is predicted to grow from $104.2 billion to $147.1 billion by 2027. Why We Love It: As families spend more time eating at home due to the pandemic, many parents and caregivers have been faced with navigating the convenience food landscape. Meanwhile, companies have been challenged to create both nutritious and delicious products. Brands are boldly stepping up with new products and services that check all the boxes: convenient and nutritious with kid-approved taste. [SmartBrief]
5. Ice Cream Tourism
What’s Up: Pennsylvania’s “coolest” trail has 31 reasons to treat yourself. Why We Love It: If you’re looking for a sweet summer send-off, look no further than the Pursue Your Scoops Ice Cream Trail. Choose from three routes (or scoop your way through all 31 stops) that showcase the state’s small local businesses and farms in the form of everyone’s favorite summer treat. Put this on your summer bucket list! [Food & Wine]
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