Nutrition, F&B leaders unite to provide better food for Filipinos

Key leaders from the nutrition community and the food & beverage industry solidified their commitment to providing better nutrition for Filipinos. 

In a round table discussion last week, members of the Philippine Stakeholders for Nutrition and Dietetics, Inc. (PSND) and the food and beverage industry discussed establishing transformative partnerships to push for the cause.

Cristina Sison: PPPs for better nutrition

Cristina Sison, President of the PSND, emphasized that Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) with the food & beverage sector are crucial in addressing the nation’s nutrition and health challenges. 

She elaborated on her vision for the food & beverage industry, transforming the country’s food landscape, in cooperation with the nutrition community.

READ: UN says 51 million Filipinos ‘food insecure’

PPPs offer a unique opportunity to amplify existing healthy dieting efforts by replicating successful models tailored for the Philippines. 

Sison shared more details about this plan in the PSND white paper, “Public-Private Partnership with Food and Beverage Industry for Healthier Filipinos.”

She argued in the paper that the food and beverage industry can benefit from the expertise of nutrition and health professionals. 

On the other hand, these professionals can provide knowledge on promoting healthy diets and engage with broader audiences. 

Dr. Mario Capanzana: Better technology for better nourishment

Dr. Mario Capanzana, the executive director of the Philippine Chamber of Food Manufacturers (PCFMI) also shared his insights in the media roundtable. 

He echoed Sison’s remarks, emphasizing the food & beverage industry and the PSND to help Filipinos eat healthier. Also, he emphasized these key initiatives:

• Legislative and regulatory support
• Consumer education programs
• Innovation and product renovation
• A safe and sustainable food supply

“We at the Philippine Food Chamber are committed to collaboration and welcome discussions on product reformulation to enhance nutrition interventions through food fortification,” Dr. Capanzana stated. 

“We are also eager to explore new technologies that can improve the nutritional content of our products,” he added.

READ: Filipino nutrition: A national budget priority

Dr. Capanzana noted that industry expertise can advance nutrition research significantly. Moreover, it could facilitate utilizing distribution networks so that food programs can reach more people.

Snacks maker Mondelēz International aligns with the white paper’s goal of providing healthier food to Filipinos.

Consequently, Caitlin Punzalan, PCFMI PRO and Mondelēz International Corporate and Government Affairs Lead Philippines, was part of the discussion.

Punzalan says Mondelēz promotes Mindful Snacking, eating with attention and intention, to help consumers avoid overindulging.

The company also fortifies products like Eden Cheese, Tang, Cheez Whiz, and Tiger biscuits to provide affordable nutrition.