Collaborating to unlock new business models in the food system

As climate volatility, geopolitical uncertainty and tighter margins put growing pressure on food systems, businesses need new ways to share risk and support long-term investment across the value chain. This report explores how collaboration can unlock new business models that move beyond transactional relationships and better align commercial incentives. Drawing on independent Economist Enterprise research, industry insights and real-world examples, it examines approaches ranging from long-term purchasing agreements and shared investment to outcome-linked finance and landscape-scale partnerships, and identifies what it takes to make these models commercially viable, durable and scalable.