Amber Economy: An Economic Framework for Preserving Food Value and Transforming the Global Food System
If something has become clear in recent conversations about food systems, it is this: We are not facing a scarcity problem. We are facing an understanding problem.
In my previous article, I introduced a central idea: the world is not losing food… it is losing value.
And that difference changes everything.
From idea to framework
The concept of Preserving Food Value does not emerge in isolation.
It has been developed through a process of research, reflection, and co-creation with Mónica Colín de Velázquez, within two frameworks that are gaining traction in the global conversation:
From this foundation, we propose a necessary evolution:
moving from an economy that manages waste to an economy that preserves value
This approach reframes how we understand food: not as a transactional commodity, but as an asset with systemic impact.
From global introduction to institutional action
This conversation is not new—but it is now gaining momentum.
The global introduction of this framework took place in New York City during CSW70, within a high-level G100 VIP gathering, where we opened the dialogue with global leaders on the need to rethink food systems through the lens of value.
Today, that conversation is evolving into concrete action.
📍 On May 4th, we will be at the Bogotá International Book Fair (FILBo), where we will officially launch the book that develops this vision and its practical applications.
📍 And on May 5th, we will bring this conversation to an institutional level: The first Preserving Food Value Forum at the Congress of the Republic of Colombia will take place, in collaboration with the Women Economic Forum WEF Colombia,
with the participation of:
- national and international guests
- leaders from the food ecosystem
- public policy actors
- and presidential candidates
This marks an important shift: the conversation is moving from ideas into decision-making spaces.
An open invitation
This is not a concept meant to stay on paper. It is a foundation for collective action. For this reason, we are launching the Global Coalition for Preserving Food Value:
a platform to connect:
- governments
- companies
- academia
- organizations
- and leaders committed to transforming food systems
The invitation is clear:
Move from isolated initiatives to collective action – move from measuring loss to preserving value – move from reacting… to redesigning the system
The question that defines the future
If the world produces enough food… if the resources exist… if the technology is available…
Then the question is no longer technical.
It is conceptual.
Are we building systems that preserve value… or systems that continue to lose it?
For those interested in going deeper into this framework, we invite you to explore the Amber Economy White Papers, available on our website.
Karen Lorena Brugés Solórzano – Co-Author & Co- Architect Food Impact Economy & Amber Economy | Preserving Food Value | Global Coalition for Preservation Food Value | Global Chair, G100 Zero Hunger Mission | President, WEF California | The HungreeApp
