IGD launches major framework to drive healthier, sustainable diets across UK

IGD has unveiled a comprehensive ‘Framework for Population Diet Change’ designed to help organizations accelerate the adoption of healthier, more sustainable diets (HSD) and move the UK population’s eating habits closer to the government’s Eatwell Guide. The initiative is a direct response to data showing that less than 0.1% of UK adults currently meet all the recommendations set out in the guide.

The framework identifies seven practical levers that businesses across the food system can utilise to drive diet change while simultaneously delivering  commercial value growth.

IGD emphasises that system-wide change is urgently needed, as current consumer barriers make healthy and sustainable eating “too costly, complex and inconvenient”.

The framework addresses major risks to the industry, including productivity losses from diet-related chronic diseases, estimated at

£116 billion in the UK, and climate-driven disruption. By linking health and sustainability, the approach aims to unlock faster progress. For example, shifting to sustainable diets can cut food-related emissions by 30%, addressing the food system’s responsibility for 30% of UK GHG emissions.

The framework positions the ‘Value case’ — reframing dietary change as a growth opportunity — at its centre, supported by six other key levers:

1. Business integration: embedding commercial ownership, KPIs, and a “healthier basket mindset” across the organization.
2. Data: integrating sales with nutrition data, sharing SKU-level environmental and health metrics, and informing commercial decisions.
3. Supply chain: creating farm-to-fork partnerships, using shared metrics, and reducing exposure to volatility.
4. Innovation: developing products by considering health and environmental impact alongside margin, and introducing next-generation technology.
5. Consumer behaviour: nudging consumers toward healthier choices through strategic placement, promotions, and marketing in both physical stores and digital channels
6. Policy & sector alignment: ensuring joined-up policy implementation and consistent reporting across the sector.

Kirsty Saddler, director of Health & Sustainability Programmes at IGD, commented, “The seven practical levers set out in our framework are proven to work by leading organizations across the food sector. Our aim is to provide businesses with a consistent, practical and strategic approach for long-term progress”.

The full report includes detailed case studies illustrating how companies are successfully utilising each lever.