Water Stewardship Will Be One Of The Biggest Food Trends In 2024The global agri-food industry— valued at $6 trillion— is one of the most hig...

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Water Stewardship Will Be One Of The Biggest Food Trends In 2024The global agri-food industry— valued at $6 trillion— is one of the most hig...
Water Stewardship Will Be One Of The Biggest Food Trends In 2024
The global agri-food industry— valued at $6 trillion— is one of the most highly exposed to water risks, with water stress impacting many of the world’s largest food-exporting countries. Paradoxically, despite mounting perils to both food and water security stemming from water depletion, pollution, and climate-induced droughts, the food and agri-business sector is a chief contributor to the problem, accounting for a substantial 70% of all freshwater withdrawals. As the tides of environmental consciousness continue to shape consumer choices, it is no wonder that water stewardship is set to become one of the top food trends for 2024, as per the insights of the Whole Foods Trends Council.

With the theme 'Water is Life, Water is Food. Leave No One Behind,’ United Nations World Food Day 2023 emphasized the critical role of water in supporting life and its interconnected relationship with food. In a video message delivered on October 16th, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that “The sustainable management of water for agriculture and food production is essential to end hunger, achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, and preserve water for future generations.”

The conscientious and sustainable management of water resources, focusing on equitable, environmentally responsible, and efficient utilization of this vital resource is urgently required— now more than ever. Here are some ways that food businesses will be engaging in water stewardship in the year ahead.

Water extraction from unconventional sources
Aqua Botanical water
Aqua Botanical waterAQUA BOTANICAL
A number of water brands have been extracting water from alternative sources, such as air and fruit by-products.

The extraction of water from plant by-products, not only reduces water used but also helps to reduce food waste. Aqua Botanical, a brand out of Australia says that it is able to extract 600 liters of water from one ton of carrots that would have otherwise been wasted. Using patented water technology to harvest the aqueous liquid found in fruits and vegetables, Aqua Botanical creates clean, filtered water containing 74 plant minerals.

Water vapor present in the atmosphere represents another valuable source of fresh water. In the United Arab Emirates, Hawa water is filtered and mineralized water sourced from humidity in the air. In Brazil, Amazon Air Water is harvested from water that is produced by the trees of the Amazon rain forest. With a typical bottle retailing at $83, profits from the sale of Amazon Air Water are used towards sustainable development projects.

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Sustainable and Regenerative Agriculture
According to S&P Global, around half of food and beverage companies globally have made public commitments to sustainable and regenerative agriculture, with 85% employing programs to reduce water consumption.

Regenerative agriculture plays a pivotal role in enhancing soil health, facilitating nutrient retention, bolstering natural resilience to environmental challenges, and mitigating erosion. This contributes to the conservation of water resources and the enhancement of ecosystem water quality, reducing the volume of water required for farming activities and decreasing harmful water and nutrient runoff from agricultural lands.
SOURCE:https://www.forbes.com/sites/daphneewingchow/2023/10/29/water-stewardship-will-be-one-of-the-biggest-food-trends-in-2024/

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