Ref. Ares(2019)1689636 - 14/03/2019
Meeting with
AB Inbev
Line to Take
• The current food system is broken, that our current way of consumption and
production is not sustainable, and that R&I needs to step-up to futureproof it.
Examples of systemic issues: the food system represents 25% of EU final energy
consumption and 30% of GHGs; 2 in 10 Europeans are obese; 50% of freshwater is
used for agriculture.
• State that this is why you proposed to double the budget for the cluster ‘Food and
natural resources’ under Horizon Europe;
• Express your interest in AB Inbev’s sustainability programme, which deals with smart
agriculture, water stewardship, circular packaging and climate action; and in their
Open Innovation program, and tech incubator.
• Stress that collaboration is key, and that the FOOD 2030 R&I framework is intended
to engage and align between stakeholders, citizens, academia and policy makers; State
that you believe that in this context the private and public sector need to find areas to
collaborate on pre-competitive R&I, for mutual benefit, and with a view to restoring
citizen’s trust in the food system;
• Explain that Horizon Europe will incorporate policy missions with clearly defined
targets; an R&I for food and nutrition will be increased post-2020;
• Invite AB Inbev to engage with your service on the role private companies can play in
futureproofing food systems.