21.11.2023
Plant-Based Diets Take Centre Stage at the 14th European Nutrition Conference
The biennial European Nutrition Conference (ENC) organised by the Federation of European Nutrition Societies (FENS) was held from November 14-17, 2023 in Belgrade, Serbia. As one of the most influential scientific meetings in the field of nutrition, it convened over 1200 leading researchers, academics, health experts, industry representatives and policymakers.
The theme of this year’s ENC was “Food, Nutrition and Health: Translating Science into Practice.” Sessions provided vital updates on nutrition science including personalised nutrition, sustainable healthy diets, nutrition in early life, and the significant role of plant-based foods.
A dedicated symposium hosted by Upfield, titled “Plant-Based Foods Fulfilling the Needs of Many, Not the Few”, highlighted the mainstream appeal of plant-based diets today. Moderator Armando Perez of Umeå University emphasised the scientific consensus on increasing plant-based food consumption for public health, environmental sustainability and ethics. As Perez noted, shifting diets is one of the most impactful actions individuals can take to reduce their carbon footprint.
Sander Biesbroek of Wageningen University detailed the various actors who can enable healthy, sustainable food systems including consumers, industry, and governments. He emphasised that dietary guidelines must holistically consider nutritional quality, risks of non-communicable diseases and environmental impacts.
Upfield’s Global Head of Scientific Affairs, Paul Whitehouse, stressed that plant-based foods can no longer be a niche market if we are to meet critical health and sustainability goals globally. As he stated, “We need to fulfil the needs of the many, not just the few.”
Lorenza Jachia of the UN Office in Serbia highlighted the need for policies, regulations, and standards to improve the accessibility and affordability of plant-based options worldwide.
The well-attended session confirmed the growing prominence of plant-based diets in nutrition science and policy conversations globally. As the world’s leading producer of plant-based spreads, creams, cheeses and more, Upfield continues to pioneer tasty, nutritious, and sustainable plant-based food innovations.
The 14th ENC marked another successful scientific meeting and vital step forward for the field of nutrition. As the evidence for plant-based diets continues to grow, food systems must evolve through collaborative efforts in research, industry, policy and public health. Upfield aims to lead by example, increasing access to plant-based foods that benefit both individual and planetary health.
The theme of this year’s ENC was “Food, Nutrition and Health: Translating Science into Practice.” Sessions provided vital updates on nutrition science including personalised nutrition, sustainable healthy diets, nutrition in early life, and the significant role of plant-based foods.
A dedicated symposium hosted by Upfield, titled “Plant-Based Foods Fulfilling the Needs of Many, Not the Few”, highlighted the mainstream appeal of plant-based diets today. Moderator Armando Perez of Umeå University emphasised the scientific consensus on increasing plant-based food consumption for public health, environmental sustainability and ethics. As Perez noted, shifting diets is one of the most impactful actions individuals can take to reduce their carbon footprint.
Sander Biesbroek of Wageningen University detailed the various actors who can enable healthy, sustainable food systems including consumers, industry, and governments. He emphasised that dietary guidelines must holistically consider nutritional quality, risks of non-communicable diseases and environmental impacts.
Upfield’s Global Head of Scientific Affairs, Paul Whitehouse, stressed that plant-based foods can no longer be a niche market if we are to meet critical health and sustainability goals globally. As he stated, “We need to fulfil the needs of the many, not just the few.”
Lorenza Jachia of the UN Office in Serbia highlighted the need for policies, regulations, and standards to improve the accessibility and affordability of plant-based options worldwide.
The well-attended session confirmed the growing prominence of plant-based diets in nutrition science and policy conversations globally. As the world’s leading producer of plant-based spreads, creams, cheeses and more, Upfield continues to pioneer tasty, nutritious, and sustainable plant-based food innovations.
The 14th ENC marked another successful scientific meeting and vital step forward for the field of nutrition. As the evidence for plant-based diets continues to grow, food systems must evolve through collaborative efforts in research, industry, policy and public health. Upfield aims to lead by example, increasing access to plant-based foods that benefit both individual and planetary health.