The current global population is nearly 6 billion with 50% living in Asia. A large proportion 
of those living in developing countries face daily food shortages as a result of environmental 
impacts or political instability, while in the developed world there is a food surplus. For 
developing countries the drive is to develop drought and pest resistant crops, which also 
maximize yield. In developed countries, the food industry is driven by consumer demand 
which is currently for fresher and healthier foodstuffs. 
 and the demand for 
fresh food has increased by 10% in the last few years.