South Africa’s food system: An industry perspective on past, present and future applications of science and technology

Abstract

The South African food system is facing severe challenges as increasing hunger, rising food costs, lack of dietary diversity, child stunting, foodborne illnesses, food waste and an obesity epidemic coupled with malnutrition are observed. In this study, we aimed to establish the application of science and technology advances in the food and beverage industry in South Africa in response to food consumption pattern changes since 1994 and how they could be used to address food security challenges. We found that food consumption shifts have been towards sugar-sweetened beverages, processed and packaged food, animal-source foods and added caloric sweeteners, and away from vegetables. These dietary shifts are concerning as they relate to public health. Most commitments to improve the nutritional status of South Africans have been limited to corporate social investment strategies and should be extended into core business strategies. Furthermore, although the South African food and beverage industry has kept pace with developments in food manufacturing practices, there has been little experimentation with non-commercial novel technologies. The expert survey revealed that indigenous African crops and food waste recovery are the two most promising emerging food sources that could be available to South Africans in the shortest time frame. South Africa has many enabling drivers to become a global leader in food technology advances. However, many barriers need to be overcome for industry, academia and government to collaborate to advance novel food science and technologies to reach commercialisation.

Significance:

• Drivers and consequences of food consumption changes in South Africa were modelled and broad food consumption trends between 1994 and 2009/2012 were identified.
• For the first time, the Access to Nutrition Index methodology was applied to South African owned food companies to identify strategies to enhance nutrition practices. Companies need to do more to deliver affordable and accessible products.
• Drivers and barriers in adopting advanced food science and technology were modelled. A collective ecosystem approach with industry, academia and government mobilisation around critical areas like hunger, malnutrition and poverty could be a way to tackle the failing food system.