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This study addresses the critical need to report original and current findings on the global food system's ability to meet the growing natural resource demands of an estimated 9 billion global population. The objective is to provide guidance for researchers in developing strategies to reduce climate change risks in the food and beverage supply. To achieve this, we propose integrating innovative industry insights and digital applications into existing food system models as industrial demonstrators. Our research encompasses six impactful themes, demonstrating effective delivery methodologies. We highlight that human-centred activities and practices, often overlooked in sustainability assessments, hinder improved security and sustainability in the food system. Through our work, we showcase how smarter food production processes, along with active citizen engagement, can achieve desired outcomes outlined in frameworks, such as the Sustainable Development Goals. A crucial aspect is the development of Internet of Things (IoT) platforms, integrating workforce practices into manufacturing activities, and driving the necessary cultural changes for a sustainable food system. This study illuminates challenges faced by the global food system and provides actionable insights and methodologies to guide researchers and industry stakeholders in creating a more sustainable and secure future for food production and consumption.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, it aims to investigate how salt and sugar reduction in foods due to the pressure from the emerging food regulations will affect the physico-electrical properties (PEPs) of orange juice and tomatoes during a selected PEP-dependent thermal processing. Second, the authors are keen to understand how variations in salt and sugar ingredients will affect the time-temperature processing requirements. Design/methodology/approach PEPs of the samples (orange juice and tomatoes) were measured using the KD2 thermal analyser and RS conductivity metre. Both samples with varying salt and sugar levels were subjected to ohmic heating processing using a 10 kW ohmic heater. Dehydration rates and processing times for pasteurisation were obtained. Findings Electrical conductivity increases with added salt in tomato puree but decreases with added sugar in orange juice. Statistical evidence confirmed significant changes in heating rates and processing times of tomatoes and orange juice as their relevant salt and sugar levels change. Reduction in salt content in tomato puree led to increase in time and energy for the thermal processes. While reduction in added sugar in orange juice results led to reduction in processing time and energy requirement for the processing operation. Research limitations/implications The study is limited to small change in salt and sugar variations in order to reflect recommended limits. There were therefore no significant changes in thermal conductivity for the range investigated. Also this study is focussed on two food products. Practical implications Current pressure on the need to reduce salt and sugar in foods necessitates research to increase food processing industry insight into the process and product impacts of such recipe changes, with particular regard to processing efficiency and product safety and quality. Originality/value This study represents an attempt to understand the impact of salt and sugar variations on properties and processing requirements of tomato puree and orange juice.

The European food system serves 480 million people each day with food and drink (Raspor, McKenna & de Vries, 2007). It is of intense current research interest to understand how food purchase choice will impact on resource use, climate change and public health (Deloitte, 2007). It is clear that the current food needs of consumers in developed nations are becoming more complex with consideration of environmental impact, social responsibility, functional foods, nutraceuticals, obesity and food miles, amongst many issues, driving the emergence of new products (UK Cabinet Office Strategy Unit, 2008). The research reported here shows how aspects of food manufacture can enhance the quality control, decrease environmental impact and improve traceability of products in food supply chains. We specifically use examples of accounting for carbon dioxide emissions, water use and food production / transport approaches in supply chains to show how manufacturers can improve their operational awareness of such factors and stimulate innovative solutions. The research presented also considers the impact of developing comprehensive sensory and consumer research when new manufacturing practices are utilised.