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Food Systems and Food Security

The world relies on sustainable agriculture, resilient supply chains, and the availability of healthy food. BCG works with businesses, foundations, and governments to make the world’s food supply flourish—even in the face of climate-related threats.

The challenges related to food systems and security are complex and urgent. Climate change threatens the food supply—along with the incomes of those who grow crops or raise livestock. At the same time, workers, customers, and shareholders are exerting pressure on companies to reduce their carbon footprint.

BCG understands these complexities and helps our clients address these challenges through a holistic, systems-mapping approach.


How We Help Clients Address Food Systems and Security

Large food systems companies manage expansive supply chains that crisscross the globe. And yet many of their challenges are local. Our holistic approach to food systems consulting helps keep these dynamics in balance and includes support in the following areas:

  • Sustainable Agriculture. We help build the coalitions that can make sustainable agriculture a reality. We work across the entire agriculture value chain, from equipment and seed to trade and retail, to serve leading food and agriculture companies well as governments, foundations, NGOs, and coalitions. BCG has also worked with companies and foundations on regenerative agriculture and soil carbon sequestration; sustainable fisheries and aquaculture; and the role of R&D, innovation, and digital in advancing sustainable agriculture.
  • Food Loss and Waste. Every year, 1.6 billion tons of food—worth about $1.2 trillion—are lost or go to waste. That’s one-third of the total amount of food produced globally. The problem is enormous, but there is a clear way forward. BCG has identified five drivers of the problem that, if addressed, could reduce the dollar value of annual food loss and waste by nearly $700 billion. Real headway will require commitment and coordinated action from consumers, governments, NGOs, farmers, and companies.
  • Food Supply Chains. We help agribusiness and food industries improve efficiencies along their supply chains in ways that are environmentally sustainable and that improve food security. We also help them find ways to optimize the import and export of food products.
  • Food Packaging. Food packaging can do more than just attract and inform buyers. Companies can revise packaging to reduce their global carbon footprint or to incorporate technologies that increase product longevity.

Our Client Work in Food Systems and Security

How OCP Group Became a Front-Runner in Climate and Sustainability for Agriculture

A global leader in plant nutrition and phosphate fertilizers transformed its core business to provide agricultural solutions to ensure global food security and combat climate change.

Agricultural Value Chains Transformation in Egypt

How to build resilience in Egyptian food systems in a post-COVID world.

 

Our Partnerships in Food Systems and Security

COP28 Action Agenda on Regenerative Landscapes

Our Insights on Food Systems and Security

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The Whole Truth About Whole Grains

World-wide consumption of refined grains contributes significantly to diet-related disease and malnutrition. Production of these grains creates serious environmental damage. A powerful antidote to these problems is fortified whole grains.

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Beyond “Carbon Tunnel Vision” in Food Systems

The global food system depends on nature, but it also contributes to its destruction. With a nature-positive approach, companies can preserve the resources necessary to ensure a healthy food supply.

Our Experts in Food Systems and Security

The Sustainable Advantage: Insights on Creating Competitive Advantage Through Sustainability