Unconventional Agrifood Stories of 2024

Agrifood news in 2024 wasn’t just about fundraising, mergers and acquisitions, and product launches. The year was filled with quirky and off-beat stories that captured our attention and imagination. From soup vandalism to expensive space-brewed sake, here are some of the most memorable moments from the past year:

Soup Attack on the Mona Lisa

In a bold statement for food security, members of the activist group Riposte Alimentaire threw canned soup at the iconic Mona Lisa painting in the Louvre Museum, Paris. The act was a call for sustainable and healthy food practices amidst rising prices and farmer protests in France. Fortunately, the painting was unharmed thanks to its protective glass casing.

Cheetos Bag Disrupts Cave Ecosystem

A tourist’s careless littering of a Cheetos bag at Carlsbad Caverns National Park triggered a chain reaction that altered the cave ecosystem. The processed corn from the bag, combined with cave humidity, led to the growth of mold and the formation of a new food web involving cave-dwelling creatures. This incident serves as a reminder of the impact of human actions on delicate environments.

Organic Dairy’s Expensive Coffee Fundraiser

Mossgiel Organic Dairy in Scotland raised funds for a zero-waste dairy facility by selling £272 ($344) flat whites, each accompanied by 34 shares of the farm. While the coffee itself was no different from their regular menu, the purchase was seen as an investment in sustainable agriculture and a unique way to support climate-friendly initiatives.

Space-Brewed Sake with a Hefty Price Tag

Japanese sake brand Dassai announced plans to ferment a special brew in space aboard the International Space Station. The limited edition sake, priced at 100 million yen ($653,000) for a 100ml bottle, is set to be one of the most expensive drinks in the world. The experiment aims to explore the effects of space environment on fermentation, albeit with no guarantee of success.

Oishii’s Omakase Berry Ventures into Body Wash

Oishii, known for its luxury strawberries, collaborated with iota to create a body wash infused with the essence of their Omakase berry. Promising to deliver Vitamin C and exfoliating properties, the Oishi Berry Body Wash quickly sold out due to its popularity. The unique product signifies a trend of innovative crossovers between agriculture and personal care.