SUN Business Network: Innovating for Nutritional Impact

In an era where sustainability and nutrition are paramount, the SUN Business Network (SBN) is spotlighting innovative solutions from micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that turn waste into nutritional wealth. One such innovation prevents nutrient-rich by-products from cheese production from polluting rivers, inspiring other MSMEs to adopt similar practices and scale up nutrition efforts.

Reybanpac: From Bananas to Dairy Innovation

Reybanpac, a company in Ecuador known for its banana production, has ventured into the dairy sector with a ground-breaking business model. By collecting raw milk from smallholder farmers, Reybanpac produces a range of dairy products, including ultra pasteurized milk, cheese, yogurt, and dairy drinks.

A significant challenge in cheese production is managing the by-product whey, which is nutrient-rich but can severely harm ecosystems if dumped into rivers. Reybanpac found a solution by diverting whey from waste streams to create a low-sugar fortified yogurt. This innovative approach not only protects the environment but also provides lower-income families with access to more nutritious food.

Global Reach: Happy Cow and Beyond

Reybanpac's model isn't isolated. In Kenya, Happy Cow employs a similar strategy, which is also being trialled in Pakistan. This whey-to-yogurt business plan, identified by the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) in collaboration with the SBN, is just one example of how innovative business models can drive both environmental and nutritional benefits.

Amplifying Innovation: Keep IT Cool

Innovation in waste repurposing isn't limited to dairy. In Kenya, Keep IT Cool has turned the problem of waste from slaughtered animals into an opportunity. By gathering unwanted chicken and fish bits, the company sells this waste to firms that feed it to fly larvae, which are then used as raw material for animal feed. This process minimizes waste, reduces costs, and creates more affordable and nutritious meals.

The Role of MSMEs in Scaling Up Nutrition

MSMEs like Keep IT Cool and Reybanpac demonstrate that by-products can be transformed into valuable resources, reducing overall production costs and making nutritious products more affordable. These innovations align with the SUN Movement's goal of reducing malnutrition, particularly among families struggling to make ends meet.

The Impact of MSMEs on Global Nutrition

MSMEs are crucial to the global economy, accounting for 90% of businesses worldwide, providing seven out of ten jobs, and generating half of the global GDP. Their role in food production positions them uniquely to enhance the nutritional quality of diets. By producing safe, nutritious, and affordable products, MSMEs can significantly contribute to scaling up nutrition.

Promoting MSME Innovation

With support from SUN, GAIN’s Business Model Research project has identified over a dozen business models that improve company profitability while boosting nutrition for lower-income families. The SBN, GAIN, and the WFP have collaborated on initiatives like the NutriPitch 2023 competition in Nigeria, which supports companies accelerating access to safe and healthy diets for low-income consumers.

World MSMEs Day: A Call to Action

As we approach the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the theme for World MSMEs Day 2024 underscores the importance of these businesses in achieving sustainable development goals, improving nutrition, and eradicating poverty amid multiple crises. MSMEs hold the key to transforming waste into wealth, ensuring a healthier and more sustainable future for all