Global nutrition company Kerry has announced its sponsorship of the Kerry Upcycled Food Foundation Fellowship, which marks the second research fellowship initiated by the Upcycled Foods Foundation.
 
The foundation is dedicated to supporting the upcycled foods industry with research and consumer education about the environmental and social benefits of upcycled foods. The Foundation is the nonprofit subsidiary of the Upcycled Food Association, an industry association dedicated to food manufacturers who create food products out of materials that would otherwise go to waste.
 
Making An Impact
 
“At Kerry, we are committed to creating a world of sustainable nutrition,” said Oliver Kelly, chief executive officer of Kerry North America. “Our new partnership with the Upcycled Food Foundation and our sponsorship of the Kerry Upcycled Food Foundation Fellowship is just one way we are investing in the next generation of sustainable food solutions.
 
“The research fellowship advances understanding of the environmental impact, market, consumer perceptions, technical opportunities, and overall potential of upcycled food. Upcycled foods use ingredients that otherwise would not have gone to human consumption, are procured and produced using verifiable supply chains, and have a positive impact on the environment,” Kelly continued.
 
“Kerry’s sponsorship of this fellowship has enabled more fellows to enter the program, which will provide valuable insights that can be applied to industry practices and consumer messaging, and thus allow us to reduce food waste through upcycled food,” said Angie Crone, chief executive officer of the Upcycled Food Association. “In 2022, eight fellows were selected to conduct research that reflects a research question of interest to the upcycled food community. Studies selected this year include wide ranging topics such as consumer awareness and perception of upcycled products, novel ingredient development, and impact measurement. Findings will be shared with the Upcycled Food Association’s membership and at exclusive events throughout the year.”
 
Since its launch in 2019, the Upcycled Food Association has grown to more than 261 members and has certified 318 products through its Upcycled Certified program. Upcycled Certified products have collectively diverted nearly one billion pounds of food waste in 2022.
 
Positive Nutrition
 
Kerry’s goal is to reach two billion consumers with sustainable nutrition products by 2030, and seeks to have a portfolio in which 60% of its products fall under the category of “positive nutrition in North America, according to Elizabeth Horvath, vice president of marketing at Kerry.
 
“Upcycled ingredients are only one element of what is in our portfolio we consider ‘positive nutrition,’” Horvath noted. “Upcycled examples in our portfolio include everything from protein crisps to flavor solutions. Exploring the use of upcycled ingredients is a key innovation that supports multiple facets of Kerry’s sustainability strategy, including nutrition, responsible sourcing, climate action, and circular economy.”
 
Kerry currently works with its partner Regrained on an upcycled protein crisp which uses spent grains from the brewing industry, and currently has multiple upcycled ingredients in research and development which include byproducts from its own operations, its customers, and from members of the Upcycled Food Association. Products are sourced from closed-loop bone broths, citrus by-products, spent grains, and cheese, Horvath said.
 
There’s much Horvath hopes will be uncovered when it comes to learning about how consumers truly perceive and intend to use upcycled products.
 
“We know from Kerry proprietary research that 72% of consumers in North America strongly associate food waste in sustainability, but do these consumers associate upcycling with food waste reduction, and will they accept them as part of their diet?” Horvath said.
 
While it’s intuitive that upcycled foods have a role in improving the impact of food systems on the environment, much needs to be quantified, said Horvath. More hard data on carbon emissions, and other aspects of the environment, are still needed, she said.