This report explores where and how targeted investments in food value chains can simultaneously deliver strong nutritional impact and measurable environmental benefits, while meeting donor and investor ROI expectations.

More than 3 billion people are affected by micronutrient deficiencies, and one-third of the world's population suffers from anemia and zinc deficiency, particularly in developing countries. Mineral absorption is crucial for nutrient uptake, preventing deficiencies, maintaining mineral balance, supporting growth and development, and enhancing overall health. Inadequate mineral intake and absorption can lead to deficiencies; for example, a lack of iron may cause iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia.

Large-scale food fortification (LSFF) can be one of the most cost-effective ways to address micronutrient deficiencies. However, while the case for society has been made clear, the business case for the private sector has not.

From 2018 to 2023, together with French NGO Gret and a consortium of partners, the Hystra team co-led the design and implementation of the Meriem project, a 5-year effort to develop commercial solutions to prevent malnutrition in urban areas of the Sahel region...

Since 2020, Hystra has been supporting the Rural Support Network of Pakistan (RSPN) to launch and execute a market test in three rural districts of Pakistan, aiming to improve access and uptake of maternal nutrition products, with support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation…

Four out of ten pregnant women worldwide suffer from anemia, which contributes to approximately 20% of maternal deaths. An ever-larger share of pregnant women suffers from other micronutrient deficiencies, as requirements for several vitamins and minerals increase by up to 50% during pregnancy. This is particularly true for women in LMICs…

For several decades, pioneer companies, entrepreneurs and non-profit organizations have attempted to build women networks selling “beneficial” products in their communities, with some level of success…

For traditional fast-moving consumer goods companies, maximizing product penetration can be a sound business strategy, but it cannot suffice for brands…

While we might like to think we are 'loyal' to a brand’s products, the reality is that even established brands have a majority of light users (or very light users)…

“The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s support was the critical catalyst as we looked to expand beyond low-income rural markets to serve low-income urban areas…

As of 2014, malnutrition remains a widespread issue across the globe. Families living at the BoP spend an average of 60%…