David Donnan

The "age quake" is coming. By 2030, 34 countries, including the U.S., will have at least 20% of their population older than age 65. While the world's overall population is increasing to 9 billion people in 2050, the birthrate is slowing in every country leaving a shrinking number of young people available to help the aging population. Add this to the fact that with medical and nutritional advances, people are living longer. The global demand for food, water and energy is outpacing the increase in population. By 2050, over half the world's population will face water shortages. And today, 75% of the world's food is generated from only 12 plants and 5 animal species making the global food system highly vulnerable. In this compelling presentation, Dave Donnan presents the undeniable factors making us ask-can we feed the world? He discusses the role politics, demographics and technology play in addressing this critical issue.

This presentation delves into lessons learned from successful and failed innovations in foodtech and agtech, offering valuable insights for the future of plant-based proteins. By examining case studies, such as vertical farming and precision fermentation, it highlights the need to pivot from technology-driven approaches to consumer-focused strategies. Key themes include addressing unmet needs in taste, affordability, and cultural relevance, leveraging AI and sustainability, and applying innovation models like the Gartner Hype Curve to navigate challenges and opportunities in the plant-based protein market.

Our geographic cultures once defined what we ate - from French Quarter beignets to Asian-inspired dumplings to Indian tandoori chicken. Today our food choices define our culture as people, especially Gen Z and millennials, are choosing food life styles like keto, pescatarian, gluten-free and vegan. What's causing this major shift? Our eating and dieting patterns are influenced by mobile technology and artificial intelligence, rising health care costs, peer pressure and social media. Dave Donnan shows how wellness products like performance nutrition and shelf-stable bars are growing significantly while technology tools like wearable fitness trackers and smartphones are the go-to devices for tracking diet, exercise, ingredients, even mood. The days of buying food on price alone are gone as people seek positive health outcomes with every bite.