This week the Financial Times published an article about the Dutch Food Valley and its appeal on investors.
The article recognizes the position of Dutch companies and knowledge institute in the food sector, as well as the increasing interest from investors: "The Netherlands is one of the nations best placed to take advantage of this surge in interest. The country has made food science one of its strategic priorities and boasts one of the world’s most efficient agricultural systems. It is the largest exporter of vegetable seeds and its farmers use a fraction of the water of their counterparts elsewhere."
Global challanges
Louise Freseco, president of Wageningen University is quoted to say oe of the main challenges is the soaring demand for protein products, especially meat, as the populations of developing nations become wealthier. The total amount of meat consumed globally is expected to increase by 76 per cent by 2050, according to a UN Food and Agricultural Organization review.
Popular R&D location
The article also mentions companies such as Unilever and Friesland Campina, as well as the the largest Chinese dairy company Yili. Recently Yili opened its new Innovation Center in the Netherlands.
The whole article is published on the website of the Financial Times (paywall)
Pictured: The new Unilever R&D centre in Wageningen.
