A vital, yet overlooked, component of efficient food systems
Food systems have been identified as essential to mitigate and adapt to climate change, but often the focus is on farm-level solutions and consumption. The “hidden middle” - steps such as processing, storage, transportation and distribution - are often overlooked. Yet it is a vital, if under-recognised, driver of transformation in global food systems, generating up to 40% of its economic value and 22% of its GHG emissions.
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The ‘hidden middle’ offers high return on investment
Ignoring the “hidden middle” is no longer an option. Targeted investment and smart policy interventions at the middle of the value chain can unlock a ripple effect of positive economic outcomes – extending well beyond nature restoration and emissions reduction to build sustainable, resilient, and equitable food systems for the future.
Investing in this “hidden middle” results in job creation and economic growth by supporting SMEs, improving farmer livelihoods by giving them access to profitable markets, and securing market stability for farmers and consumers. More efficient food systems will also mitigate climate and nature impacts, enhance food security and nutrition, and reduce food loss and waste.
Tetra Pak has four policy asks so that the full power of the “hidden middle” can be unlocked:
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Redirect climate finance to build more resilient food systems |
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Ensure no trade-offs on food security in policy and investment decisions |
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Recognise and invest in fit-for-purpose packaging as a strategic component of the “hidden middle” |  |
Accelerate adoption of climate-resilient food processing technologies to drive innovation and investment |
Professor Thomas Reardon on the “hidden middle” as the key to global food security
Thomas Reardon is a University Distinguished Professor at Michigan State University and Non-Resident Senior Research Fellow at International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). His work focuses on the rapid transformation of agrifood value chains in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. He coined the term the “Hidden Middle” in 2015 and the “supermarket revolution” in 2003.
