This week’s figures include an eye-watering one on algae production, a valuable one for Nestlé, a cracking one for vegans, and an encouraging one for the organic sector.
1.4%. In Scotland, the fully organic land area was 105,000 hectares in 2024, an increase of 1.4% compared with 2023, and up 26% compared with 2018. Prior to land being considered fully organic, it undergoes a conversion process. In 2024, Scotland had 27,000 hectares in conversion, around double the 2023 figure, according to the latest figures from the Scottish Government. The three main crop types grown organically in Scotland were cereals, other arable crops and vegetables (including potatoes). In 2024, there were 35,000 organically reared cattle in Scotland, representing 2.1% of Scotland’s ‘herd’.
36.5 million. World aquaculture production in 2022 achieved an all-time record of 130.9 million tonnes, up by 8.1 million tonnes from 122.8 million tonnes in 2020. This comprised 94.4 million tonnes (live weight equivalent; worth $295.7bn) of aquatic animals and 36.5 million tonnes (wet weight; worth $17bn) of algae (seaweed and micro-algae), plus a further 2 700 tonnes (worth $138.5m) of shells and pearls, according to the FAO.
$20bn. With a brand value of $20.0bn, Nestlé remains the most valuable food brand globally for the tenth year running, according to a new report from Brand Finance. Lay’s, with a brand value of $12.7 billion, is second. Yili ($11.2bn), Tyson ($9.9bn), and Danone ($8.3 billion) each maintain their 2024 rankings in the top five. Coca-Cola is the world’s most valuable non-alcoholic drinks brand globally for the eleventh year in a row ($46.3bn), more than double that of runner up, Pepsi ($22.6bn).
£3.99. Just Egg, the increasingly popular US plant-based egg alternative, has officially launched in the UK. The mung bean-based egg is promoted as a healthier, more sustainable, and cruelty-free alternative to traditional eggs. Created by Eat Just, the product is being brought to the UK by Vegan Food Group (VFG), which is led by Veganuary founder Matthew Glover. It’s available in Ocado for £3.99.
