Danone, FrieslandCampina, and Arla Foods Lead 2024 Global Access to Nutrition Index
Source: DairyNews.today
In the 2024 Global Access to Nutrition Initiative Index (ATNi), Danone, FrieslandCampina, and Arla Foods have emerged as the top three global food companies, recognized for their commitment to improving access to nutritious foods.
This fifth edition of the Global Access to Nutrition Index evaluated the 30 largest food and beverage (F&B) manufacturers worldwide, ranking them based on eight weighted categories: product profile (30%), responsible marketing (15%), nutrition governance (15%), affordable nutrition (15%), portfolio improvement (10%), reporting of nutrition profiling models (5%), workforce nutrition (5%), and responsible labeling (5%).
Top Performers
Danone
Danone moved to the top position this year, rising from fourth place, with an impressive mean Health Score portfolio rating of 3.8 out of 5, as reported by Barclays. Danone’s CEO noted that consumer demand for healthier products continues to grow, stating that these products outpace less healthy options in growth.
FrieslandCampina
Climbing to second place, FrieslandCampina is among only nine companies in the Index achieving at least 50% of sales from products classified as “healthier.” Corine Tap, President of FrieslandCampina Asia, emphasized the company’s commitment to making nutritious food accessible as a fundamental human right.
Arla Foods
Arla Foods secured the third position after implementing portfolio reforms aimed at improving product health, responsible labeling, and marketing practices. Arla’s CEO, Peder Tuborgh, expressed pride in the company’s consistent index improvement, stating that both health-focused products and affordable diets are priorities for Arla alongside reducing its carbon footprint.
Other Leading Companies
The top 10 companies also included Grupo Bimbo, Unilever, PepsiCo, Campbell's, Kellanova, Nestlé, and Yili Group.
Addressing Global Health Needs
The ATNi report highlights that poor diet contributes to one in five global deaths, underscoring the importance of corporate accountability and the private sector’s role in addressing these nutritional challenges.
UK Development Minister Anneliese Dodds noted the global struggle for improved nutrition and emphasized the critical role of the food industry in making healthy options more accessible. Greg S. Garrett, ATNi’s Executive Director, called for stronger industry commitment, pointing out that only 31% of the 52,000+ assessed products meet health standards. "This is not good enough," Garrett stated, urging companies to demonstrate a stronger dedication to public health.
Top Performers
Danone
Danone moved to the top position this year, rising from fourth place, with an impressive mean Health Score portfolio rating of 3.8 out of 5, as reported by Barclays. Danone’s CEO noted that consumer demand for healthier products continues to grow, stating that these products outpace less healthy options in growth.
FrieslandCampina
Climbing to second place, FrieslandCampina is among only nine companies in the Index achieving at least 50% of sales from products classified as “healthier.” Corine Tap, President of FrieslandCampina Asia, emphasized the company’s commitment to making nutritious food accessible as a fundamental human right.
Arla Foods
Arla Foods secured the third position after implementing portfolio reforms aimed at improving product health, responsible labeling, and marketing practices. Arla’s CEO, Peder Tuborgh, expressed pride in the company’s consistent index improvement, stating that both health-focused products and affordable diets are priorities for Arla alongside reducing its carbon footprint.
Other Leading Companies
The top 10 companies also included Grupo Bimbo, Unilever, PepsiCo, Campbell's, Kellanova, Nestlé, and Yili Group.
Addressing Global Health Needs
The ATNi report highlights that poor diet contributes to one in five global deaths, underscoring the importance of corporate accountability and the private sector’s role in addressing these nutritional challenges.
UK Development Minister Anneliese Dodds noted the global struggle for improved nutrition and emphasized the critical role of the food industry in making healthy options more accessible. Greg S. Garrett, ATNi’s Executive Director, called for stronger industry commitment, pointing out that only 31% of the 52,000+ assessed products meet health standards. "This is not good enough," Garrett stated, urging companies to demonstrate a stronger dedication to public health.
