The Access to Nutrition Initiative (ATNI) has unveiled the much-anticipated 2023 India Nutrition Index in collaboration with Consumer Voice and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). This comprehensive evaluation involved assessing 20 key players in the food and beverage sector, shedding light on their role in shaping consumer diets within the Indian market.

India's food sector is experiencing exponential growth, with the government eyeing a target to double the food processing sector's GDP contribution by 2030. This surge is marked by quadrupled household consumption and a significant 15 percent annual increase in packaged food and beverage sales since 2011. Notably, dietary patterns are evolving, witnessing a shift towards more processed foods, amplifying the sector's global standing as the sixth largest in the world, projected to reach ₹40.1 trillion ($480 billion) by 2026.

Despite industry growth, micronutrient deficiencies prevail, with over 23 percent of adults overweight and 35.5 percent of children under five experiencing stunted growth. The economic toll of malnutrition in India is staggering, with projected costs attributed to obesity-related reduced productivity reaching a staggering $75.65 billion by 2030.

Highlighting a global concern, while food consumption costs approximately $9 trillion, the human life toll due to poor diets amounts to a staggering $11 trillion, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to address nutritional challenges.

Key Insights from the India Nutrition Index:

The index reveals pivotal insights:

· The F&B industry plays a crucial role in shaping consumer diets.

· Seven out of 20 companies have targets for nutrient (re)formulation.

· Only 24 percent of sales are derived from "healthier" product offerings among 1,901 evaluated items.

· Varied approaches exist regarding defining "healthy food."

· Half of the companies have a structured nutrition strategy.

· Seven companies commit to responsible marketing to children, while two have set targets for workforce nutrition programs.

· Seven companies advocate responsible policies, indicating room for industry-wide improvement.

Investor Commitment and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

Five investors and shareholders have pledged their commitment to nutrition frameworks, aligning their strategies with SDGs focused on addressing undernutrition and hunger.

Insights from Greg S Garrett, Executive Director, ATNI:

Greg S Garrett highlighted the index's role as a catalyst for transformative change within India's food and beverage industry. He emphasized ATNI's approach, leveraging benchmarks, policy support, and actionable insights to drive industry-wide improvements and spur meaningful change.

The 2023 India Nutrition Index stands as a critical tool, fostering dialogue, and serving as a roadmap for stakeholders to navigate towards a healthier, more sustainable food landscape in the country.