The Access to Nutrition Initiative (ATNI) 2023 India Index - Findings

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The Access to Nutrition Initiative (ATNI) is a global nonprofit established in 2013 to measure and drive forward private sector accountability for nutrition.

The Access to Nutrition Initiative (ATNI) 2023 India Index [^PDF] assessed the performance of 20 of the largest Indian Food & Beverage (F&B) manufacturers which together comprise 36% of total sales of processed foods in the country.

The Index methodology deployed 58 indicators across the following seven categories against which companies were scored:

  1. Product
  2. Nutrition Governance
  3. Accessible and Affordable Healthy Products
  4. Responsible Marketing
  5. Workforce Nutrition
  6. Labelling
  7. Policy Engagement

Findings:

  • Sales of packaged F&B in India have surged by 15% every year since 2011, outperforming total food sales.
  • Based on 1,901 products analysed from the 20 indexed companies, 76% of sales are derived from less healthy products. 
  • Nineteen of the 20 companies derive most of their sales revenue from less healthy products.
  • Rates of micronutrient deficiencies in India remain a significant public health issue. Meanwhile overweight now affects over 23% of adults and while 35.5% of children under five are stunted, 3.4% are overweight. The substantial increase in the consumption of highly processed F&B products instead of more traditional foods is one of the causes of both micronutrient deficiencies and obesity.
  • Only six  of the 20 companies provide nutritional information on front of pack (FOP) in a numerical format for key nutrients. 

The findings of the 2023 India Index show that the F&B industry has the  responsibility and a significant opportunity to further embed nutrition into their core business and to improve product offerings, making them healthier and more affordable for all consumers.

The report provides recommendations for companies, investors and policymakers. Read the report for more details.

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