Although global rates of anemia have been decreasing, the prevalence of anemia has remained constant in Peru and, in some demographics, has even increased. In response to this challenge, Nutri-H, a local company, has developed cookies enriched with locally sourced ingredients to combat anemia. It has partnered with the government to distribute these cookies to the most vulnerable groups, including children, adolescent women, and pregnant women. Following successful results that demonstrated increased hemoglobin levels in seven Peruvian communities, municipalities are now collaborating with Nutri-H to expand the distribution of these cookies through 22 anti-anemia programs across the country.
This report analyzes the mechanisms that contributed to the unique corporate structure of Nutri-H, which combines elements of both the public and private sectors to encourage the distribution of its products to those in need. It also explores how Nutri-H cookies are an example of a low-cost, low-tech innovation that repurposes food industry waste products to provide a sustainable solution to anemia.
