ATNi launches updated methodology for the Global Index 2027
2 September 20262 September 2026 — ATNi (Access to Nutrition initiative) has published the updated methodology for the Global Index 2027, introducing their adapted approach to assessing how the world’s largest food and beverage manufacturers contribute to healthier food systems.
Drawing on lessons from previous Indexes, consultation with ATNi’s Expert Group and other experts, and the latest scientific developments, the revised methodology places greater emphasis on independently measured performance, transparency and corporate accountability. The Global Index 2027 will assess 25 of the world’s largest food and beverage manufacturers, representing approximately 30% of global packaged food and beverage sales.
Overview of key changes:
- A more streamlined framework, focusing on topics with clear international guidance and robust evidence
- Greater emphasis on independent company performance metrics, alongside company disclosures
- Introduction of a food systems lens across the Index framework
- Expanded Product Profile analysis, including an unscored assessment of food processing
- A pilot assessment of the environmental impacts of product portfolios in selected markets
- A new independent assessment of the relative affordability of healthier and less healthy products
- A new independent assessment of companies’ marketing practices on company-owned social media channels
- A new indicator on responsible tax behaviour and tax transparency
Shift towards independent performance assessments
One of the most significant developments in the Global Index 2027 is the increased use of independent performance assessments. While the Index continues to evaluate company governance, policies and commitments, it now places greater emphasis on measurable outcomes. New independent assessments will examine the relative affordability of healthier products and companies’ marketing practices on social media, alongside ATNi’s established Product Profile assessment. This move reflects ATNi’s commitment to providing stakeholders with a more objective picture of company performance and impact.
“We want the Global Index to reflect not only what companies commit to, but what they actually deliver through action and measurable outcomes. Guided by international guidelines and scientific expert advice, our team is creating new evidence to show where companies stand and where more urgent action is needed to support a healthier food environment.”
— Dr. Brenda de Kok, Head of Research, ATNi
Driving healthier food systems
The Global Index remains ATNi’s flagship benchmark for evaluating the nutrition-related performance of the global food and beverage industry. By strengthening the use of independent evidence and focusing on where companies can have the greatest impact, the Global Index 2027 aims to provide investors, companies, policymakers and civil society with actionable insights that support healthier, more sustainable and more equitable food systems.