The investors, which include Aviva's fund arm and several Swedish state pension funds, sent a letter to food companies on Sept 23 urging them to address the significant risks associated with industrial farming and to explore plant-based protein sources. Kraft Heinz, Nestle, Unilever, Tesco, and Walmart were among the companies contacted, according to a statement from the Farm Animal Investment Risk & Return Initiative, which organized the investor group. Jeremy Coller, founder of the FAIRR initiative and chief investment officer at Coller Capital, stated that the world's heavy reliance on factory farming for protein production could lead to financial, social, and environmental crises. He highlighted issues such as pollution from intensive livestock farming, low safety and welfare standards, and the industry's inability to meet the growing global demand for protein. Coller emphasized that investors are interested in knowing if major food companies have plans to address these concerns and take advantage of the rapidly expanding plant-based protein market, which is projected to grow by 8.4 percent annually over the next five years. The campaign is based on a study conducted by Oxford University which suggests that reducing meat consumption could save $1.5 trillion in healthcare and climate change-related costs by 2050. Companies can take action now to promote more sustainable diets by decreasing reliance on meat and increasing the market for plant-based protein alternatives. This will also help companies strengthen their protein supply chains against future disruptions. Other companies contacted by FAIRR include General Mills, Mondelez International, Ahold-Delhaize, The Co-operative Group, Costco Wholesale Corporation, Kroger Company, Marks & Spencer, Wm Morrison Supermarkets, Ocado, Sainsbury's, and Whole Foods Market.