A Recap of Wall Street Journal’s Global Food Forum

Earlier this summer, we attended WSJ’s Global Food Forum. Hosted in Chicago over a densely packed two days, this event was unlike others we attended this year in its structure and tone. It brought together large-scale business leaders from across the industry to discuss and explore the major forces shaping food and agriculture—and being that it was orchestrated by the Wall Street Journal, it was quite to-the-point.

A Lot to Take In

With over 18 panels, two roundtable meals and numerous breakouts, the primary (and often heated) discussions at hand were:

1. How do we make food more accessible and affordable?
2. How do we ensure food is made with quality ingredients that provide optimal nutrition, while keeping the environment in mind?

The latter is an incredibly complex question that, in one form or another, was posed to nearly everyone in attendance. It seemed to leave little room for an “and” rather than an “or” response; I imagine it’s partially due to it being even more difficult to navigate.

Regenerative agriculture was by far the most discussed topic throughout the two days. Generally recognized as farming practices that align with better soil health, animal welfare and farmworker fairness, there is now a certification that ensures these practices meet a specific (and very high) standard: the Regenerative Organic Certification. While we predict this will be language that consumers of the future recognize, this is early adoption in mainstream food and beverage CPG. 

Highlights

McDonald’s President, Joe Erlinger, spoke of the hyped value menu that launched this week: a $5 meal deal in response to their customers’ demand for the price-value equation they have come to expect of the Golden Arches. From his POV, it’s looking to be wildly successful.

Bob’s Red Mill created a new oat that took decades to perfect and delivers 60% more protein than other oats as a plant-based option.

Lundberg Family Farms recently launched a Regenerative Organic Certified line-up in their portfolio of rice CPG products. Brita Lundberg, fourth-generation farmer and Chief Storyteller shared the family’s consistent dedication over nearly 100 years of farming in California to “leave the land better than you found it,” inspired by their ancestors. Lundberg Family Farms also launched a new campaign, “Ducking Good,” to raise awareness around regenerative agriculture. 

Worth a Visit

This is an event worth having on your radar and one that we’ll certainly attend in the coming years. If you’re interested in digging in further, reach out to weshouldtalk@jtmega.com. 

Lastly, if you’re local, consider checking out Naturally MN’s upcoming Minnesota’s Premier Regenerative Agriculture Conference 2024.