Opening the World Dairy Leaders Forum at the International Dairy Federation (IDF) World Dairy Summit in Yokohama, Japan, yesterday, Jönsson pinpointed three areas of action needed to tackle food security challenges, and encouraged collaboration between dairy industry stakeholders.
“First, we must innovate constantly to respond to rapidly changing and increasingly diverse consumer needs. Secondly, we must harness the power of technology to decrease food waste, maximise food safety and reach more people with high-quality dairy products," said Jönsson.
"And thirdly, we must work together to ensure not only the economic future of our industry, but the social and environmental sustainability of our planet.”
"Boost growth and profitability"
Tetra Pak expects consumer demand for liquid dairy products to grow by 2.5% in the next three years, from 287bn litres this year to around 309bn litres in 2016. This growth, according to Jönsson, will be driven in large by “economic growth, urbanisation and rising disposable incomes" in developing regions - Asia particularly.
But with these market opportunities, inevitably come challenges.
Alongside the booming consumer demand for liquid dairy, the industry faces climbing costs, increasing competitive pressure, and growing concerns about food safety and environmental issues, Jönsson said.
“The message is clear,” said Jönsson, “innovation, technology and collaboration are vital to food security, safety and sustainability in the 21 century…and to revitalize the dairy industry, boost growth and profitability.”
“Processing and packaging – and later aseptic processing and packaging – prevented food losses, reducing costs and environmental impacts. Most importantly, it helped make food safe and available everywhere.”
“Now, our vision is more important than ever,” Jönsson added.