Credit Suisse has joined with J.P. Morgan Asset Management to launch the Credit Suisse JPMorgan Sustainable Nutrition Fund, which invests in companies that address the links between nutrition, health, biodiversity and climate, according to a statement by the firm.
The fund launched this week with AUM of $250m and will have a particular focus on companies making food systems less carbon intensive.
“[The fund] combines the need to address the climate challenges associated with the nutrition industry while seeking attractive returns on investment”, said Lydie Hudson, CEO of sustainability research and investment products, at Credit Suisse.
The fund, which targets the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals two (zero hunger) and 13 (climate action), is a Luxembourg-domiciled Ucits high-conviction global equity portfolio composed of 40-60 stocks and is available to Credit Suisse’s clients exclusively on a daily basis at no investment minimum.
The fund addresses the topic of nutrition with a focus on small and mid-cap innovators across the value chain – from growing, processing to consuming food. Vertical farming, plant-based proteins and food testing are some of the activities that the fund will be investing in through three subthemes: sustainable agriculture, efficient food processes, and sustainable & healthy diets.
“As we transition towards a more sustainable global economy, a focus on sustainable nutrition should sit at the heart of this transition,” said Jennifer Wu, global head of sustainable Investing at J.P. Morgan Asset Management
“This new strategy seeks to make a positive contribution to a healthier future, investing in companies which are seeking to address current inefficiencies in the food value chain by making food systems less carbon intensive and ultimately enabling healthier diets.”
Earlier this year, Credit Suisse and J.P. Morgan Asset Management agreed to partner in the area of sustainable nutrition.
