Global Food Trends

Global Food Trends

1. once farming is established, food choices are largely dictated by income

   • on a lower income= diet based on staples (rice, wheat, tuber, maize)
     • Wealthier= more calories, fewer carb, more meat & diary, more fat

2. Engels Law

   • As people become richer, they spend a decreasing proportion of their income on food

3. Developing Countries

   • as countries develop economically, their food demands change= more diverse diet
     • Stage 1
       • increased consumption of energy
         • extra calories come from food of vegetable origins; staples
         • Stage 2
           • range of food eaten is extended
             • more meat, diary, fruits, veg & meat. Less carbs
               • no major change in overall energy input
                 • influenced by culture, religion of the developing countries
                   • Developing countries- 30-90% spent on food

4. How are global food demands changing?

   • developing countries SSA 70% energy intake from cereals
     • Developed countries: 30% energy intake from cereals
       • predicted that share of cereals in global calories intake will fall

5. Impact of increasing food price

   • become used to cheap available food since 1970s
     • major price increases in late 2000 had global impact
       • calories maintained by reverting to 'stage 1'
         • Kenya- reduced meals to 1/2 per day, stopped having veg or meat

6. Impact of shift in global dietary patterns

   • rise in global obesity , type 2 diabetes
     • increase in CVD incidences
       • environmental impact of increased demands for meat and diary products

7. Summary

   • increase income= increase calorie intake
     • income rise further, dietary patterns shift to a more 'westernised' pattern incorporating more fruit, meat, wheat and diary
       • as the global population rises, and there is an increase requirement for food, these changes in intake patterns will give rise to further challenges in meeting production levels
         • changing dietary patterns are having a significant impact or health, and the environment