As a pre-event for the 2021 United Nations Food Systems Summit and the Nutrition for Growth Summit, the 2021 edition of The Consumer Goods Forum’s (CGF) Japan Day took place on Friday 21 May. Over 300 delegates gathered online for the event to get insights and updates on this year’s theme: Global Nutrition. Nutrition is a key part of the CGF Collaboration for Healthier Lives (CHL) agenda, as the Coalition works to help people make healthier decisions every day in every community around the world.

Japan Day panellists, including global and local CGF Board members, academics, and members of the scientific community, convened to share their views on what is needed to improve nutrition for people across the globe, and the role that Japan can play in this space.

The CGF’s Healthier Lives Director, Sharon Bligh, alongside the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition’s  Executive Director, Lawrence Haddad, took to the virtual stage to share global nutrition trends and their collaborative efforts to leverage the workplace to drive improved nutrition, through the Workforce Nutrition Alliance.

Their contributions were followed by a thought-provoking in-person panel with four special guests, moderated by Yukiko Takatori, CGF Japan CHL Steering Committee Co-Chair and General Manager of Sustainability Development Department. at Ajinomoto Co., Inc.

Panellist Dr Teiji Nakamura, Chairman of the Japan Dietetic Association, spoke about the importance of nutrition for Japan’s post-war development and shared his thoughts on diets that help the planet. Dr Yoshiki Ishikawa, Representative Director of Wellbeing for Planet Earth, went on to speak about wellbeing improvement as one of the world’s most critical challenges as we approach the 22nd century.

CGF Board member and Lawson, Inc. CEO, Sadanobu Takemasu, spoke about his company’s role in helping the community, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and presented their initiative on health and wellness. Finally, Takaaki Nishii, CEO of Ajinomoto Co., Inc., presented his company’s mission to contribute to global wellness through efforts such as their “Nutrition Without Compromise” initiative that aims to extend the healthy life expectancy of one billion people.

Sharon Bligh and Ayla Ziz, CHL Co-Chair and SVP Global Sales – Chief Customer Officer at Danone, shared their final remarks to close the event.

The CGF thanks all participants for attending the 2021 Japan Day, the expert speakers for sharing their valuable insights, and the sponsors for contributing to the event’s success.

Learn more about the CGF’s work on driving empowered, healthier consumers globally.