Greetings, food enthusiasts! Have you ever paused to ponder the origins of our food? Well, brace yourselves for some exciting news – Where Food Comes From Inc. has officially acquired the Upcycled Certified Program from the Upcycled Food Association. This development is a game-changer for the upcycling movement, signifying a burgeoning demand for sustainable food practices.

But what exactly is upcycling? It involves the transformation of unwanted or unused food products into something new and valuable. This not only reduces food waste but also breathes new life into ingredients that would have otherwise ended up in the bin. Now, with Where Food Comes From Inc. at the helm of the Upcycled Certified Program, we can anticipate a wave of thrilling advancements in the realm of upcycled food.

The Upcycled Certified Program has been creating ripples in the food industry, with 93 companies and over 480 products already certified to the standard. This includes major players such as Del Monte and Kerry Ingredients, diverting a staggering 390,000 tons of food waste annually since the program’s launch in 2021. With Where Food Comes From Inc. on board, one can only imagine the exponential growth these numbers will witness.

In recent years, upcycling has emerged as a major food trend, gaining attention from consumers seeking sustainable options. In fact, data from retail insights firm SPINs indicates that over half of consumers are more inclined to purchase products labelled as Upcycled Certified. This serves as a testament to the rising support for the upcycled food movement, hinting at a flourishing future.

According to John Saunders, the chairman and CEO of Where Food Comes From, “The upcycled food movement aligns closely with broader sustainability trends in the United States and around the world.” Backed by their expertise in food verification and a customer base of over 17,000, Where Food Comes From Inc. is ideally positioned to propel Upcycled Certified to new heights. Their aim is to streamline and lower the cost for brands, grocery retailers, and foodservice operators to engage with the standard, ultimately making it more accessible for consumers to support the upcycled food movement.

However, this acquisition isn’t solely about the business aspect. Angie Crone, CEO of the Upcycled Food Association, believes it’s about reshaping the food system into one that treasures food and avoids wastage. Given the scale of the food waste crisis and the growing issue of food insecurity, upcycled food undoubtedly has a pivotal role to play in paving the way for a more sustainable future.

The Upcycled Standard, developed by the Upcycled Food Association, is designed to foster the upcycled food economy and reduce food waste. It’s all about using ingredients that would have otherwise been discarded to create new and innovative products. With the backing of Where Food Comes From Inc., we can anticipate more industry players joining the cause and making a positive impact on the issue of food waste.

So, the next time you find yourself perusing the aisles of a grocery store, keep an eye out for products adorned with the Upcycled Certified seal. Not only are you championing sustainable practices, but you’re also playing a part in curbing food waste and contributing to a more eco-friendly food system. With the upcycled food industry estimated to be worth over £46 billion and on the rise, it’s evident that this marks just the beginning of the upcycling revolution. Brace yourselves for a whole new universe of upcycled food!