Chapter 1: Unilever's Ice Cream Division Splits

Greetings, Food Junglers! It’s been a challenging week, marked by increasing geopolitical tensions and rising global temperatures. Although these issues are daunting, they require our attention. Let’s dive in.

This week’s highlights include:

🍦 Unilever's separation from its ice cream division.

🚰 The escalating water crisis in Afghanistan.

⛑️ Gaza faces severe food shortages.

🏷️ Stricter food labeling regulations in the US.

🍫 A sustainable chocolate company makes waves.

Unilever's Ice Cream Breakup: Business Implications

Unilever has announced the separation of its ice cream division, a move that will impact around 7,500 jobs, aiming to save approximately $870 million in the next three years. Ben & Jerry's, a subsidiary of Unilever, is expected to benefit, especially given its history of clashing with Unilever over its political stance and governance.

Despite this strategic move, Unilever recognizes that the ice cream sector is not as lucrative as before. In-store freezers are responsible for 10% of the company's greenhouse gas emissions, while ice cream sales have been declining.

Watch these healthy ice cream recipes that are low in calories and sugar!

Climate Concerns: Afghanistan's Growing Water Crisis

According to a report from the UN's World Food Programme, 15.3 million individuals in Afghanistan are grappling with severe food insecurity due to extreme heat damaging agricultural infrastructure. Currently, 75% of the nation’s 34 provinces are experiencing dire drought conditions, affecting a sector that contributes 30% to the country’s GDP.

Critics have pointed to the inadequate support being provided by the Taliban, the governing group in the region. Once known for its rich agricultural produce, farmers are now resorting to loans to purchase basic necessities like flour.

Learn how to create low-calorie ice cream that still tastes great!

Supply Chain Crisis: Famine in Gaza

Reports indicate that famine is "imminent" in Gaza, which is still recovering from recent conflicts. Currently, 70% of the population in northern Gaza is facing critical food shortages, significantly surpassing the 20% threshold that defines famine.

Despite recent aid efforts, including 200 tons of food shipped from Cyprus, the situation remains dire, with significant challenges in logistics complicating further assistance.

Chapter 2: Policy Changes and Sustainable Practices

US Food Labeling Regulations Tighten

In a notable policy shift, the US Department of Agriculture has finalized a rule that mandates eggs, meat, and poultry products can only carry the "Made in the USA" label if they are raised, slaughtered, and processed domestically. This regulation, set to take effect on January 1, 2026, aims to increase transparency for consumers and support local farmers.

However, this decision has faced backlash from Canadian farmers who argue it could disrupt existing supply chains and add financial strain during challenging economic times.

A Sustainable Chocolate Option for Easter

On a brighter note, I’d like to recommend Alter Eco, a chocolate brand founded by Mathieu Senard and Edouard Rollet. Based in California, this company focuses on the welfare of its cocoa farmers and environmental sustainability. Alter Eco is not only USDA Certified Organic and Fair Trade Certified but also Carbon Neutral Certified. Their transparency about sourcing and profit distribution is commendable.

Additionally, they were pioneers in launching a commercially compostable candy wrapper for their chocolate truffles, making them a Food Jungle favorite! ✅

Before You Go…

• Zimbabwe's maize harvest is projected to drop to 1.1 million tons this year.
• Chipotle plans a 50-for-1 stock split to enhance share accessibility.
• PepsiCo will exclusively provide beverages for all Subway locations in the US.
• The US Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against Campbell Soup for excessive bacterial contamination in a river feeding Lake Erie.
• A group of Nestlé shareholders is pushing for better sales of healthier food options.