Market Overview

The Germany dairy alternatives market represents one of Europe’s most dynamic and rapidly evolving food sectors, driven by changing consumer preferences, environmental consciousness, and health awareness. German consumers are increasingly embracing plant-based alternatives to traditional dairy products, creating substantial opportunities for manufacturers and retailers across the country. The market encompasses a diverse range of products including plant-based milk, cheese alternatives, yogurt substitutes, and butter replacements derived from various sources such as oats, almonds, soy, and coconut.

Market dynamics indicate robust growth momentum, with the sector experiencing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.2% over recent years. This expansion reflects Germany’s position as a leading market for sustainable food products within the European Union. The country’s well-established retail infrastructure, combined with strong consumer purchasing power and environmental awareness, creates an ideal environment for dairy alternative products to flourish.

Consumer adoption patterns reveal that approximately 34% of German households regularly purchase dairy alternatives, with younger demographics showing particularly strong preference for plant-based options. The market benefits from increasing availability across multiple retail channels, from traditional supermarkets to specialized health food stores and online platforms. Product innovation continues to drive market expansion, with manufacturers developing increasingly sophisticated alternatives that closely mimic the taste, texture, and nutritional profiles of conventional dairy products.

Meaning

The Germany dairy alternatives market refers to the comprehensive ecosystem of plant-based and non-dairy products designed to replace traditional dairy items in German consumers’ diets. This market encompasses all commercially available alternatives to cow’s milk and dairy-derived products, including beverages, spreads, desserts, and cooking ingredients sourced from plants, nuts, grains, and legumes.

Market scope includes both direct dairy substitutes and innovative products that serve similar nutritional and culinary functions. The sector represents a fundamental shift in German food consumption patterns, reflecting evolving attitudes toward health, sustainability, and animal welfare. Product categories span from basic milk alternatives to complex cheese and yogurt substitutes that utilize advanced food technology to achieve desired taste and texture profiles.

Industry definition encompasses manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and supporting service providers who contribute to bringing dairy alternative products to German consumers. The market includes both domestic production facilities and imported products that meet German food safety and quality standards. Regulatory framework governs product labeling, nutritional claims, and marketing practices specific to dairy alternatives within Germany’s food industry landscape.

Executive Summary

Germany’s dairy alternatives sector demonstrates exceptional growth potential, positioning itself as a cornerstone of the country’s evolving food industry. The market benefits from strong consumer demand driven by health consciousness, environmental concerns, and dietary preferences that favor plant-based nutrition. Key growth drivers include increasing lactose intolerance awareness, rising vegan and vegetarian populations, and growing concern about the environmental impact of traditional dairy farming.

Market penetration has reached significant levels, with oat-based products leading the segment and accounting for approximately 42% of total dairy alternative consumption in Germany. The competitive landscape features both established multinational corporations and innovative startups, creating a dynamic environment that fosters continuous product development and market expansion. Retail distribution has evolved to include comprehensive coverage across discount chains, premium supermarkets, and specialized organic retailers.

Strategic opportunities emerge from technological advancements in food processing, increasing consumer willingness to pay premium prices for quality alternatives, and expanding applications in foodservice and industrial sectors. The market faces challenges related to taste preferences, price sensitivity, and regulatory considerations, but overall trajectory remains strongly positive with sustained growth expected throughout the forecast period.

Key Market Insights

Consumer behavior analysis reveals several critical insights that shape the Germany dairy alternatives market landscape. Primary motivations for choosing dairy alternatives include health benefits, environmental sustainability, and ethical considerations regarding animal welfare. German consumers demonstrate sophisticated understanding of nutritional differences between various plant-based options, influencing purchasing decisions and brand loyalty patterns.

1. Health-Conscious Consumption: Growing awareness of lactose intolerance and dairy sensitivities drives market demand
2. Environmental Sustainability: Carbon footprint concerns motivate eco-friendly product choices
3. Premium Quality Expectations: German consumers prioritize taste and texture quality in alternative products
4. Nutritional Fortification: Demand for vitamin and mineral enriched dairy alternatives increases
5. Convenience Factor: Ready-to-consume formats gain popularity among busy urban consumers
6. Local Sourcing Preference: Support for domestically produced plant-based ingredients
7. Innovation Acceptance: Openness to novel ingredients and processing technologies
8. Price Sensitivity Balance: Willingness to pay premiums for superior quality products

Market segmentation insights demonstrate that younger consumers aged 25-40 represent the most active purchaser demographic, while older consumers show increasing adoption rates. Regional variations exist across Germany, with urban areas showing higher consumption rates compared to rural regions, though this gap continues to narrow as product availability expands.

Market Drivers

Health and wellness trends serve as the primary catalyst driving Germany’s dairy alternatives market expansion. Increasing awareness of lactose intolerance, which affects approximately 15% of the German population, creates substantial demand for suitable alternatives. Nutritional benefits associated with plant-based diets, including reduced cholesterol and increased fiber intake, resonate strongly with health-conscious German consumers who prioritize preventive healthcare approaches.

Environmental consciousness represents another powerful market driver, as German consumers increasingly recognize the environmental impact of traditional dairy farming. Sustainability concerns related to greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, and land utilization motivate consumers to seek eco-friendly alternatives. The country’s strong environmental movement and government support for sustainable practices amplify these trends, creating favorable conditions for dairy alternative adoption.

Technological advancements in food processing enable manufacturers to develop products that closely replicate the taste, texture, and nutritional profiles of traditional dairy items. Innovation in plant protein extraction and fermentation technologies allows for creation of sophisticated alternatives that meet German quality standards. Product diversification continues expanding, with new categories such as plant-based ice cream, cream cheese, and specialty cooking ingredients entering the market regularly.

Demographic shifts toward younger, urban populations with higher disposable incomes support market growth. Lifestyle changes including increased focus on fitness, wellness, and ethical consumption align perfectly with dairy alternative positioning. Cultural acceptance of plant-based diets has grown significantly, supported by celebrity endorsements, social media influence, and mainstream media coverage of health and environmental benefits.

Market Restraints

Price sensitivity remains a significant constraint for the Germany dairy alternatives market, as plant-based products typically command premium prices compared to conventional dairy items. Cost considerations particularly impact price-conscious consumers and large families, potentially limiting market penetration across certain demographic segments. Manufacturing complexities and specialized ingredients contribute to higher production costs that translate into elevated retail prices.

Taste and texture challenges continue to present obstacles for broader market acceptance. While significant improvements have been achieved, some consumers remain dissatisfied with the sensory experience of dairy alternatives compared to traditional products. Quality inconsistencies between brands and product batches can undermine consumer confidence and repeat purchase behavior, particularly among first-time users who may form lasting negative impressions.

Nutritional concerns arise from differences in protein content, vitamin absorption, and mineral availability between plant-based and dairy products. Consumer education gaps regarding proper nutrition planning when replacing dairy products can create hesitation among health-conscious buyers. Some dairy alternatives require fortification to match the nutritional profile of milk, raising questions about processing methods and ingredient authenticity.

Regulatory complexities surrounding labeling and marketing claims create challenges for manufacturers and potential confusion for consumers. Traditional dairy industry resistance through lobbying efforts and competitive pricing strategies can limit market expansion opportunities. Supply chain limitations for certain plant-based ingredients may constrain production capacity and contribute to price volatility during peak demand periods.

Market Opportunities

Product innovation opportunities abound in the Germany dairy alternatives market, particularly in developing specialized formulations for specific consumer needs. Functional foods that combine dairy alternatives with additional health benefits such as probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, or enhanced protein content represent significant growth potential. Customization trends create opportunities for personalized nutrition solutions and targeted demographic products.

Foodservice sector expansion presents substantial opportunities as restaurants, cafes, and institutional food providers increasingly incorporate dairy alternatives into their offerings. Professional kitchen applications require products with specific functional properties for cooking, baking, and beverage preparation, creating specialized market segments with higher value potential. B2B partnerships with food manufacturers can drive volume growth through ingredient supply relationships.

Geographic expansion within Germany offers opportunities to penetrate underserved rural markets and smaller cities where dairy alternative availability remains limited. E-commerce growth enables direct-to-consumer sales channels that can reach previously inaccessible customer segments while providing valuable consumer data for product development. Subscription models and bulk purchasing options can improve customer retention and lifetime value.

Technology integration through smart packaging, traceability systems, and digital marketing platforms creates opportunities for enhanced consumer engagement and brand differentiation. Sustainability certifications and transparent supply chain communications can command premium pricing among environmentally conscious consumers. Strategic partnerships with health professionals, fitness influencers, and environmental organizations can expand market reach and credibility.

Market Dynamics

Competitive intensity in the Germany dairy alternatives market continues escalating as both established food companies and innovative startups compete for market share. Market consolidation trends emerge as larger corporations acquire successful smaller brands to expand their plant-based portfolios and distribution capabilities. Innovation cycles accelerate with companies investing heavily in research and development to create superior products that address taste, nutrition, and functionality challenges.

Consumer loyalty patterns demonstrate that successful brands can achieve strong repeat purchase rates, but initial trial remains crucial for market entry. Brand switching behavior occurs frequently as consumers experiment with different products and ingredients to find preferred options. Premium positioning strategies prove effective when supported by superior quality and clear value propositions that justify higher prices.

Supply chain evolution reflects increasing sophistication as manufacturers develop dedicated sourcing relationships for plant-based ingredients and invest in specialized processing equipment. Vertical integration strategies allow some companies to control quality and costs more effectively while ensuring consistent supply availability. Sustainability initiatives throughout the supply chain become competitive differentiators and cost optimization opportunities.

Regulatory landscape changes influence market dynamics through evolving labeling requirements, health claims regulations, and environmental standards. Industry collaboration increases as companies work together on sustainability initiatives, ingredient sourcing, and market education efforts. Technology adoption accelerates across the value chain, from precision agriculture for ingredient production to advanced processing techniques and smart packaging solutions.

Research Methodology

Comprehensive market analysis for the Germany dairy alternatives sector employs multiple research methodologies to ensure accurate and actionable insights. Primary research includes extensive consumer surveys, focus groups, and in-depth interviews with key stakeholders across the value chain, from manufacturers to retailers to end consumers. Data collection encompasses both quantitative metrics and qualitative insights to provide a complete market understanding.

Secondary research incorporates analysis of industry reports, government statistics, trade association data, and academic studies relevant to dairy alternatives and plant-based food markets. Market sizing methodologies utilize multiple approaches including top-down analysis from total food market data and bottom-up calculations based on product category performance and retail channel analysis.

Competitive intelligence gathering involves systematic monitoring of major market participants, product launches, pricing strategies, and marketing campaigns. Trend analysis examines historical data patterns, seasonal variations, and emerging consumer behavior shifts that influence market dynamics. Expert interviews with industry professionals, nutritionists, and retail buyers provide specialized insights into market challenges and opportunities.

Data validation processes ensure research accuracy through cross-referencing multiple sources, statistical analysis techniques, and peer review procedures. Forecasting models incorporate economic indicators, demographic trends, and regulatory developments that may impact future market performance. Regional analysis methodology accounts for geographic variations in consumer preferences, distribution channels, and competitive landscapes across different German states and urban centers.

Regional Analysis

Northern Germany demonstrates strong market penetration for dairy alternatives, with cities like Hamburg and Bremen showing adoption rates of approximately 38% among urban households. Consumer preferences in this region favor oat-based products, reflecting the area’s agricultural heritage and environmental consciousness. Retail infrastructure includes comprehensive coverage through both traditional supermarket chains and specialized organic retailers that cater to health-conscious consumers.

Western Germany represents the largest market segment, encompassing major metropolitan areas including Cologne, Düsseldorf, and the Ruhr region. Market characteristics include high consumer purchasing power, diverse demographic composition, and strong presence of international food retailers. Product diversity reaches its peak in this region, with consumers having access to the widest range of dairy alternative brands and product categories.

Southern Germany shows distinctive consumption patterns influenced by traditional food culture and premium quality expectations. Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg demonstrate growing acceptance of dairy alternatives, particularly among younger urban populations in Munich and Stuttgart. Organic product preference runs strong in this region, with approximately 45% of dairy alternative purchases focusing on certified organic options.

Eastern Germany presents emerging market opportunities with rapidly growing adoption rates as economic development continues. Berlin leads the region in dairy alternative consumption, serving as a trendsetting market for innovative products and brands. Market development in smaller eastern cities shows significant potential as distribution networks expand and consumer awareness increases through targeted marketing efforts.

Competitive Landscape

Market leadership in Germany’s dairy alternatives sector features a diverse mix of international corporations, regional specialists, and innovative startups competing across multiple product categories. Competitive positioning strategies vary from premium quality focus to value-oriented approaches, creating opportunities for different business models to succeed within the expanding market.

1. Oatly – Swedish pioneer maintaining strong market presence through innovative oat-based products and distinctive brand positioning
2. Alpro – European leader offering comprehensive plant-based portfolio with extensive retail distribution
3. Provamel – Organic specialist focusing on premium quality alternatives with sustainable sourcing
4. Natumi – German company emphasizing local production and traditional food values
5. Joya – Austrian brand expanding German presence through innovative product development
6. Kölln – Traditional German oats producer leveraging expertise for dairy alternative expansion
7. Berief – Emerging brand focusing on functional nutrition and health benefits
8. Made with Luve – Innovative startup developing lupine-based alternatives with unique positioning

Competitive strategies increasingly focus on product differentiation through taste improvement, nutritional enhancement, and sustainability credentials. Brand building efforts emphasize consumer education, lifestyle marketing, and partnership development with health and environmental organizations. Distribution expansion remains critical for market share growth, with companies investing in relationships with major retail chains and foodservice operators.

Segmentation

Product-based segmentation reveals distinct market dynamics across different dairy alternative categories within Germany. Plant-based milk dominates the market, representing the largest segment with diverse options including oat, almond, soy, rice, and coconut varieties. Yogurt alternatives show rapid growth as manufacturers improve texture and taste profiles while adding probiotic benefits that appeal to health-conscious consumers.

By ingredient source:

• Oat-based products: Leading segment with strong consumer preference and local ingredient sourcing advantages
• Almond alternatives: Premium positioning with focus on taste and nutritional benefits
• Soy-based options: Traditional segment maintaining steady market share through protein content advantages
• Coconut products: Growing popularity in specialty applications and dessert categories
• Rice alternatives: Hypoallergenic positioning for consumers with multiple food sensitivities

Distribution channel segmentation shows supermarkets and hypermarkets commanding approximately 62% of total sales volume, while online channels experience the fastest growth rates. Specialty health food stores maintain important market positions for premium and organic products, while discount retailers increasingly expand their dairy alternative offerings to capture price-sensitive consumers.

Consumer demographic segmentation identifies key target groups including health-conscious millennials, environmentally aware families, and individuals with dietary restrictions. Usage occasion segmentation encompasses daily consumption, cooking and baking applications, and specialty dietary needs, each requiring different product formulations and marketing approaches.

Category-wise Insights

Plant-based milk category demonstrates the most mature market development with established consumer acceptance and broad retail availability. Oat milk leads this segment, benefiting from superior taste profiles, local ingredient sourcing, and strong environmental credentials that resonate with German consumers. Innovation focus centers on protein enhancement, vitamin fortification, and organic certification to justify premium pricing strategies.

Cheese alternatives represent the fastest-growing category, though from a smaller base, as manufacturers overcome technical challenges related to melting properties and flavor development. Nut-based formulations show particular promise for premium positioning, while fermentation technologies enable more authentic taste and texture profiles. Application-specific products for pizza, sandwiches, and cooking applications drive category expansion.

Yogurt and dessert alternatives benefit from successful probiotic integration and diverse flavor offerings that appeal to different consumer preferences. Coconut-based products excel in dessert applications, while soy and oat formulations dominate the daily consumption segment. Packaging innovations including portion control and on-the-go formats support market growth among busy urban consumers.

Butter and spread alternatives show steady growth as baking and cooking applications expand. Functional benefits such as reduced saturated fat content and added vitamins create competitive advantages over traditional dairy butter. Professional foodservice adoption drives volume growth as restaurants and bakeries incorporate plant-based alternatives into their operations.

Key Benefits for Industry Participants and Stakeholders

Manufacturers benefit from expanding market opportunities that allow for premium pricing strategies and brand differentiation in the competitive food industry. Innovation capabilities in dairy alternatives create sustainable competitive advantages and opportunities for intellectual property development. Market growth provides volume expansion potential that can improve manufacturing efficiency and economies of scale across production facilities.

Retailers gain access to high-margin product categories that attract affluent, health-conscious consumers who typically demonstrate strong brand loyalty and higher basket values. Category management opportunities allow retailers to optimize shelf space allocation and promotional strategies to maximize profitability. Consumer traffic increases as dairy alternatives serve as destination categories that drive store visits and cross-selling opportunities.

Consumers benefit from expanded choice, improved nutrition options, and products that align with personal values regarding health, environment, and animal welfare. Health advantages include reduced cholesterol intake, increased fiber consumption, and options for individuals with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies. Environmental benefits support sustainable lifestyle choices that reduce carbon footprint and resource consumption.

Supply chain partners including ingredient suppliers, packaging companies, and logistics providers benefit from new business opportunities in growing market segments. Agricultural producers can diversify crop portfolios to include oats, almonds, and other plants used in dairy alternatives. Technology providers find opportunities to develop specialized processing equipment and packaging solutions for plant-based products.

SWOT Analysis

Strengths:

• Strong Consumer Demand: Growing health consciousness and environmental awareness drive sustained market growth
• Product Innovation: Continuous improvement in taste, texture, and nutritional profiles enhances consumer acceptance
• Premium Positioning: Ability to command higher prices through value-added benefits and quality differentiation
• Retail Support: Comprehensive distribution network with strong retailer commitment to category expansion

Weaknesses:

• Price Sensitivity: Higher costs compared to traditional dairy products limit mass market penetration
• Taste Challenges: Some products still fail to match conventional dairy taste expectations
• Nutritional Gaps: Certain alternatives lack complete protein profiles and require fortification
• Supply Chain Complexity: Specialized ingredients and processing create operational challenges

Opportunities:

• Market Expansion: Significant growth potential in underserved geographic regions and demographic segments
• Product Development: Innovation opportunities in functional foods and specialized applications
• Foodservice Growth: Expanding adoption in restaurants, cafes, and institutional food service
• Export Potential: German market success can support international expansion strategies

Threats:

• Traditional Dairy Competition: Aggressive pricing and marketing from established dairy industry
• Regulatory Changes: Potential restrictions on labeling and health claims
• Economic Sensitivity: Consumer spending reduction during economic downturns may impact premium products
• Ingredient Volatility: Price fluctuations in plant-based raw materials affect profitability

Market Key Trends

Functional nutrition integration emerges as a dominant trend, with manufacturers incorporating probiotics, vitamins, minerals, and other health-promoting ingredients into dairy alternatives. Personalized nutrition approaches gain traction as consumers seek products tailored to specific dietary needs, fitness goals, and health conditions. Clean label movement drives demand for products with minimal, recognizable ingredients and transparent production processes.

Sustainability focus intensifies across the value chain, from regenerative agriculture practices for ingredient sourcing to carbon-neutral packaging and distribution. Local sourcing initiatives gain popularity as consumers prefer products made with regionally grown ingredients that support local economies and reduce transportation impacts. Circular economy principles influence packaging design and waste reduction strategies throughout the industry.

Technology advancement in food processing enables creation of more sophisticated products that closely mimic traditional dairy characteristics. Fermentation technologies allow for development of complex flavors and improved nutritional profiles through beneficial bacteria cultivation. Precision agriculture techniques optimize ingredient quality and consistency while reducing environmental impact of raw material production.

Digital engagement transforms marketing and consumer education approaches, with brands leveraging social media, influencer partnerships, and direct-to-consumer platforms to build relationships and gather feedback. Subscription services and personalized delivery options cater to convenience-seeking consumers while providing valuable consumption data for product development. Transparency initiatives including blockchain traceability and virtual farm tours enhance consumer trust and brand authenticity.

Key Industry Developments

Manufacturing capacity expansion accelerates across Germany as companies invest in dedicated production facilities for dairy alternatives. Strategic partnerships between traditional food companies and innovative startups create synergies that combine established distribution networks with cutting-edge product development capabilities. Acquisition activity increases as larger corporations seek to expand their plant-based portfolios through targeted purchases of successful smaller brands.

Regulatory developments include updated labeling guidelines that provide clarity for manufacturers while ensuring consumer protection and accurate product information. Industry standards emerge for quality, safety, and environmental impact measurement, creating frameworks for consistent product evaluation and improvement. Research collaborations between universities, government agencies, and private companies advance scientific understanding of plant-based nutrition and processing technologies.

Retail innovation includes dedicated plant-based sections in supermarkets, improved merchandising strategies, and enhanced staff training to support consumer education and product recommendations. Foodservice integration expands as major restaurant chains, coffee shops, and institutional food providers incorporate dairy alternatives into their standard offerings. Export market development sees German dairy alternative brands expanding into neighboring European countries and international markets.

Investment activity in the sector reaches new levels as venture capital, private equity, and strategic investors recognize the long-term growth potential of plant-based foods. Technology licensing agreements facilitate knowledge transfer and accelerate innovation adoption across the industry. Sustainability certifications become increasingly important for market access and consumer acceptance, driving industry-wide improvements in environmental performance.

Analyst Suggestions

Market entry strategies should prioritize product differentiation through superior taste, texture, or nutritional benefits rather than competing solely on price. MarkWide Research analysis indicates that successful brands focus on specific consumer segments and develop deep understanding of their preferences and purchasing behaviors. Innovation investment remains critical for long-term success, with companies allocating significant resources to research and development activities.

Distribution strategy optimization requires balanced approach between traditional retail channels and emerging direct-to-consumer platforms. Partnership development with established food retailers, foodservice operators, and ingredient suppliers can accelerate market penetration and reduce operational risks. Brand building investments should emphasize consumer education, lifestyle marketing, and authentic sustainability messaging that resonates with target demographics.

Operational excellence becomes increasingly important as market competition intensifies and consumer expectations rise. Supply chain optimization through vertical integration, strategic sourcing partnerships, and technology adoption can improve cost structure and quality consistency. Sustainability integration throughout operations creates competitive advantages and supports premium positioning strategies.

Geographic expansion within Germany should target underserved markets while maintaining strong positions in established urban centers. Product portfolio diversification across multiple categories and price points can capture broader consumer segments and reduce market risks. Data analytics capabilities enable better understanding of consumer behavior, market trends, and operational performance for informed decision-making.

Future Outlook

Long-term growth prospects for Germany’s dairy alternatives market remain exceptionally positive, supported by fundamental demographic, environmental, and health trends that show no signs of reversal. Market maturation will likely bring increased competition and price pressure, but also expanded consumer acceptance and mainstream adoption across all demographic segments. Innovation acceleration through advanced food technology will continue improving product quality and expanding application possibilities.

Consumer behavior evolution suggests that dairy alternatives will transition from specialty products to mainstream food staples within the next decade. Generational shifts favor plant-based options, with younger consumers showing strong preference for sustainable and health-conscious food choices. Market penetration rates are projected to reach 55% of German households within the next five years as product availability and quality continue improving.

Technology integration will enable more sophisticated products that closely replicate or exceed the functionality of traditional dairy items. Personalization trends will drive development of customized nutrition solutions and targeted health benefit formulations. Sustainability requirements will become increasingly stringent, pushing the industry toward more environmentally friendly production methods and packaging solutions.

Market consolidation may occur as successful brands scale operations and acquire smaller competitors, but innovation opportunities will continue attracting new entrants. International expansion from the German market base will provide growth opportunities for established brands. Regulatory evolution will likely support market growth through clearer guidelines and potential incentives for sustainable food production, according to MWR projections for the European food industry landscape.

Conclusion

Germany’s dairy alternatives market represents a transformative force in the country’s food industry, driven by powerful consumer trends toward health, sustainability, and ethical consumption. The market demonstrates robust growth momentum with strong fundamentals including increasing consumer acceptance, expanding retail distribution, and continuous product innovation that addresses taste, nutrition, and functionality challenges.

Strategic opportunities abound for companies that can successfully navigate the competitive landscape through differentiated products, effective marketing, and operational excellence. Market dynamics favor brands that combine superior product quality with authentic sustainability credentials and clear consumer value propositions. The sector’s evolution from niche specialty to mainstream category creates substantial opportunities for both established food companies and innovative startups.

Future success in this market will depend on continued innovation, strategic partnerships, and deep understanding of evolving consumer preferences. Industry participants who invest in technology, sustainability, and consumer education while maintaining focus on product quality and operational efficiency are best positioned to capture the significant growth opportunities ahead. The Germany dairy alternatives market stands as a compelling example of how consumer-driven change can reshape traditional food categories and create new value for all stakeholders in the food system.