Author Nicola Twilley discusses the impact of refrigeration on the economy, investment opportunities in refrigeration, and why Unilever gave up on ice cream. The conversation also covers a new technology changing how we eat fruits and vegetables.
Observing dietary changes in fridges predicts market trends for successful investments.
Increased perishable food purchasing during economic stress leads to food wastage and fridge hoarding behaviors.
Deep dives
Investing in Emerging Markets Through Fridge Analysis
Investors like Tassos Stasopoulos delve into examining people's fridges to predict market trends. By observing the dietary changes of individuals moving up the socioeconomic ladder, valuable insights for investment can be gained. Through ethnographic immersions, looking at items like processed dairy in fridges, investors can anticipate consumer preferences and tailor their investments accordingly, leading to successful market strategies.
Impact of Economic Stress on Consumer Behavior
Economic stress triggers increased purchasing of perishable foods as a psychological response to ensure food security. This behavior leads to higher levels of food wastage as individuals store more than they can consume due to perceived scarcity. Fridge hoarding reflects a primitive instinct for survival, where the refrigerator symbolizes safety and abundance, influencing how individuals interact with and stock their fridges.
Revolutionizing Produce Preservation Without Refrigeration
Advancements in preserving produce without refrigeration offer promising alternatives for enhancing produce flavor and nutritional value. Innovations like Appeal's self-assembling coating, derived from food waste, can extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables while maintaining flavor and nutrients at room temperature. This technology addresses the limitations of refrigeration in preserving taste and nutrients in produce, potentially revolutionizing the way we store and enjoy fresh produce.
Nicola Twilley is the author of “Frostbite: How Refrigeration Changed Our Food, Our Planet, and Ourselves” and the co-host of Gastropod. Ricky Mulvey caught up with Twilley for a conversation about:
- The cold chain and our economy.
- Finding investment opportunities inside of refrigerators.
- And one reason why Unilever gave up on ice cream.
- A new technology changing how we eat fruits and vegetables.