The Growth of Grains: The Role of Cereal-based Products in Nourishing A Growing Population
Dr. Mehmood Khan
, PepsiCo's Vice Chairman and Chief Scientific Officer of Global Research and Development
From ancient grains to “advantaged grains” to innovative new “convergence” products that combine grains with dairy, grains are enjoying a well-deserved surge in popularity worldwide. Dr. Khan will discuss the crucial role grains can play in shaping future food and nutrition trends to meet a growing population that is set to reach 9 billion by 2050.
Dr. Khan, M.D., is PepsiCo’s Vice Chairman and Chief Scientific Officer of Global Research and Development. In its global portfolio of food and beverage brands, PepsiCo has 22 different brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.
In his role, Dr. Khan oversees the PepsiCo global Performance with Purpose sustainability initiatives, designed to enhance environmental, human and talent sustainability for the company, and he leads PepsiCo’s research and development (R&D) efforts, creating breakthrough innovations in food, beverages and nutrition—as well as delivery, packaging and production technology—to capture competitive advantage and drive PepsiCo’s businesses forward.
With a strong emphasis on broadening the company’s portfolio of offerings, Dr. Khan sets the priorities for innovation, discovery and development at PepsiCo. As Chair of PepsiCo’s Sustainability Council, Dr. Khan oversees and guides PepsiCo’s sustainability initiatives that help: 1) protect and conserve global water supplies (and provide access to safe water); 2) innovate our packaging to minimize our impact on the environment; 3) eliminate solid waste to landfills from our production facilities; 4) reduce absolute greenhouse gas emissions across our global businesses; and 5) support sustainable agriculture by expanding best practices with our growers and suppliers. Under Dr. Khan’s stewardship, PepsiCo’s Food For Good (an enterprise within the company that utilizes PepsiCo’s delivery vehicles, warehouse facilities and management skills to make nutrition accessible for low-income families in the U.S.) is making a difference in the fight against hunger.
Additionally, Dr. Khan strengthens PepsiCo’s global network, reputation and knowledge base by launching research projects with leading universities and technology companies, as well as by spearheading agricultural and nutrition science initiatives.
