The food industry is in the midst of rapid change. By 2050, we need 60% more food to feed growing populations. VTT leads the way to an era of smart food production, turning food industry as a service.
Food production is EU’s largest production branch. In Finland, food industry is the biggest manufacturer of consumer products, and 1 in 10 work in the agro-food business.
The food branch is globally in the midst of rapid change. Global ingredient market is estimated to grow from 265 to 400 billion euros from the year 2016 to 2022. Also the protein manufacturing industry will grow 7% annually, say the statistics of European Food and Drink Industry 2017, ETL and Statista.
The growth of the industry is not about to stop, as it is estimated that by 2050, we need 60% more food. How to feed everybody without increasing carbon dioxide emissions?
Food will also be produced without fields or animals.
We at VTT have built a vision, Food Economy 4.0, of what the new era of the food and the food industry will look.
Circular economy of nutrients, energy and water will be an integral part of primary production and manufacturing industry. Food raw materials will be used in a more versatile way. Food solutions will be more sustainable and support our health and well-being. Plant-based raw materials will be used mostly for food, not animal feed.
Food can and will also be produced without fields or animals; primary production moves partly into cell factories and vertical farms. Food manufacturing will be hyperlocal and personalized to meet consumer needs.
The whole food industry chain will change into a service, with on-demand production, smart packaging and agile logistics.
Some of this is already happening today. If you want to join us in making the revolutionising vision come true, please contact us.
