The Fortune Change the World list is a yearly recognition of companies that have a positive social impact through practices that are part of their core business strategies. Among the top 50 companies that is included in this list is ADM, ranking 27^th.

A leader in food and nutrition, ADM is a pioneer in protein innovation for more than 70 years. They invented textured vegetable protein (TVP®), considered as the first plant-based meat alternative in the market, in the 1950s and 1960s. The first soy-based patty was also introduced by ADM in 1991.

Currently, the company is exploring ways to further optimise their current product portfolio of alternative protein solutions. This involves optimizing taste, texture and functionality and looking at a variety of ways to manufacture the product. Besides using plant-based sources, cell-based, insect protein and microbial fermentation are being explored as well.

These initiatives, help address certain food security issues being faced today. According to research, the world has to produce 60% more food to cater to a growing population. Utilising alternative meat proteins is one solution that can address this challenge. Not only is this a sustainable way of feeding people, but it can help reduce carbon emissions and prevent other environmental issues from worsening.

“The future of food is dependent on finding sustainable and diverse protein sources that will feed the world for years to come,” said Chairman and CEO Juan Luciano. “As a global leader in protein nutrition solutions with tremendous scale and expertise at our fingertips, ADM is uniquely positioned to drive the next wave of protein innovations.”

“As the foundation of food on tables around the world, we recognize the integral role ADM has in advancing a more sustainable food system,” Luciano continued. “ADM is committed to pioneering the science and innovation that are essential to developing the next generation of healthy and nutritious foods for a growing population, and doing so in a sustainable way.”