This study investigates the experiences of stakeholders in the Australian investment sector regarding the integration of nutrition and obesity prevention considerations within institutional investment decision-making regarding food companies. The study finds that few investment institutions factor in nutritional considerations on their investment decisions and that such considerations have yet to become institutionalised.

The research highlights several key challenges and opportunities for increasing the consideration of nutrition and obesity prevention regarding institutional investment decision-making, including training of employees on nutrition-related topics, the need for further demonstration of financial and regulatory risks associated with ESG issues, and improvements to the quality and availability of ESG data and its ratings.

Recommendations for increased consideration of ESG issues in investment decision-making include factoring in ESG considerations, adopting an active management style, highlighting investment opportunities in healthier food companies, and enabling investment in food-related ventures. Exercising voice through collective action, developing a regulatory framework governing sustainable finance activities, and demonstrating clear financial risks associated with nutrition and obesity are among the other recommendations.

The study also underscores that client or superannuation fund member demand for ESG considerations could increase investor attention on such issues. Participants in the study also emphasised the crucial role of vocal advocacy and media coverage for promoting institutional investment decision-making that includes ESG policies and practices.