Beyond The Headlines: FAO calls for nutrition security in Sudan, Indonesia to open 5,000 free meal centers

This week in nutrition news, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) called for action on Sudan’s intensifying famine crisis, while the Indonesian government revealed it would open 5,000 distribution centers for its free nutritious meals program. At the same time, Sirio Pharma unveiled plans for a new production facility in Thailand.

Nutrition news

The deputy director-general of the FAO addressed the UN Security Council on Sudan’s escalating famine crisis. Nearly 25 million people in Sudan are experiencing acute food insecurity due to prolonged conflict and displacement, marking the worst situation in the country’s history. Last year, production of essential crops like sorghum and millet fell by 46%, impacting the country’s food supply and economy. The FAO emphasized the urgency of granting humanitarian access and reopening commercial routes to alleviate starvation and urged for immediate collective action to prevent further catastrophe and stabilize the region.

The Indonesian government plans to operationalize five thousand Nutritional Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) by mid-2025 to implement its free nutritious meals program. So far, a thousand SPPG leaders have been trained at the Indonesia Defense University and will manage kitchens to ensure the quality and nutritional standards of the meals distributed.Dymatize partnered with Olympic-medalist and world-renowned tennis player Tommy Paul (Image Credit: Dymatize). Currently, 190 kitchens are active across 26 provinces. The program, launched with a budget of INR₹71 trillion (~US$4.4 billion), targets pregnant women, toddlers, schoolchildren and those at risk of stunting, aiming to boost national health and nutrition.

Business news

Sirio Pharma unveiled plans for a new production facility in Chonburi, Thailand, marking its first manufacturing site in Asia outside of China. This follows a record revenue increase of 42.87% year-on-year in 2023, reaching US$508 million. The new site, Sirio’s eighth globally, will enhance its presence in the rapidly growing APAC market. The company plans to invest up to US$40 million in the facility, which will include advanced gummy production and packaging lines. Additionally, the company will open a new office in Singapore to boost regional customer relations and partnerships. The project awaits regulatory approval, with further details expected in 2025.

Lallemand Health Solutions’ bacteria production plant in Saint-Simon, France, achieved ISO 14001 certification, affirming its commitment to environmental management alongside maintaining operational standards. The certification recognizes the plant’s environmental efforts, which include initiatives for managing water, waste and energy. The company’s VP of operations credited the achievement to the employees’ dedication to íts comprehensive environmental strategy, which involves regular monitoring and updating of performance indicators.

The Functional Chocolate Company unveiled FunCho Kids, a line of botanical-infused chocolates. 

Additionally, the plant secured the Ecovadis label and passed the SMETA 2-pillar audit, demonstrating compliance with social and labor standards. Lallemand said it will continue to integrate ESG values into its operations.

Sports nutrition brand, Dymatize, partnered with Bronze Olympian and world-renowned tennis player Tommy Paul. The partnership, part of Dymatize’s “Formulated for More” campaign, aims to provide insights into elite athletic training and nutrition. The products will also feature in Herrer’s FRWD Gym, benefiting all athletes who train there. Dymatize said it plans extensive promotion for the two-year collaboration.

Backed by Kainos Capital, Wellful acquired Ancient Nutrition from VMG Partners, Hillhouse Investment and other holders, strengthening its health and wellness platform. Ancient Nutrition, a leading brand in natural products known for protein, gut health and greens, merged with Wellful’s distribution to enhance its vitamin, mineral and supplement (VMS) categories. The acquisition positions Wellful as a major player in North America’s independent VMS market, which it said is driven by consumer demand for science-backed health solutions.

Product launches

The Functional Chocolate Company revealed its FunCho Kids line, designed to bring wellness benefits through chocolate to children.A study funded by the National Honey Board found honey to be sweeter than sugar with less calories. The company emphasized that the product was developed to address the health realities of growing families and offers chocolate options infused with botanicals for different health and nutrition needs. These include Carefree Chocolate for relaxation, Brainy Chocolate for cognitive support, Painfree Chocolate for soothing minor aches and Sleepy Chocolate to aid sleep. The chocolates are plant-based, gluten-free, cholesterol-free and free of artificial additives. The company said the new offerings will make wellness enjoyable and accessible for children and help parents easily integrate healthful choices into their kids’ lives.

Scientific studies

A recent study, funded by the National Honey Board and published in the Journal of Food Science, demonstrated that honey can be a more effective sweetener than table sugar and offer the same sweetness with fewer calories. Researchers found that 0.6 tablespoons of honey provide the same sweetness as one tablespoon of sugar but with ten fewer calories due to honey’s unique aromas that enhance perceived sweetness. The study assessed four honey varieties — clover, wildflower, alfalfa and orange blossom — and discovered that honey is 1.7 times sweeter than sugar on a volume basis. This allows for a 40% reduction in honey usage to achieve the same sweetness, resulting in about 21% fewer calories. Sensory evaluations indicated that honey’s aromas could increase sweetness perception by 23% to 43%, depending on the floral source. The research suggests using honey instead of sugar could help reduce caloric intake and added sugars in diets.

Workers offload pallets of sorghum in Sudan (Image Credit: FAO).