SCOPE OF WGS2025

In bringing together key players and experts, the International Whole Grain Summit with the subtitle "Driving whole grain adoption throughout the food supply chain" aims to seek innovative ideas that translate the available scientific and technological knowledge into application, enabling and motivating an increase in the availability of affordable and appetizing whole grain products in a diversity of markets. As the only international conference on whole grains, and with its highly interactive, discussion-based format, this meeting allows ample opportunity for participants across sectors and nationalities to share ideas and best-practices while simultaneously creating a clear action plan to increase whole grain consumption and create lasting change in our food landscape.

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Why are whole grains key to a sustainable diet?
We know that increasing whole grain intake presents a profound public health opportunity. Decades of scientific studies and nutrition research have clearly demonstrated the link between increased whole grain consumption and reduced risk of many diseases. But, despite overwhelming evidence that we should be eating more whole grains, populations around the world struggle to meet recommended levels of intake. The Global Burden of Diseases Study found that "low intake of whole grains was the leading dietary risk factor for [disability-adjusted life-years] among men and women and the leading dietary risk factor for mortality among women" ahead of high sodium intake, high trans-fat intake, and high sugar-sweetened-beverage intake. Repeated health economics studies, including several conducted by the Whole Grain Initiative, show that there is an enormous healthcare cost savings potential associated with increasing whole grain intake and thereby reducing rates of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer.  Beyond the opportunities for improved public health, whole grains take a leading role in sustainable diets. The commission of scientists involved in the EAT Lancet report, concluded that almost one-third of all calories should come from whole grains if we are to maximize both human and environmental health. When we think about timely issues such as food security and the challenges brought by climate change, it seems obvious that we should be choosing grains in their entirety, utilizing the best, most-nutritious parts of the grain.
Why should I attend the International Whole Grain Summit?
The Whole Grain Summit is not a typical scientific conference. Its unique format is the key to its success, and it provides active, complementary roles for both science and industry to play alongside each other. We’re willing to bet you won’t attend another event this year that creates as much actionable momentum as this one will, and our past events have an impressive record of success to back this up. On the second day and in the morning of the third day of the Summit event, participants engage in a highly interactive series of Deep Thematic World Café-style discussions and workshops on action planning. Prepared questions are used to start lively conversations about the most effective ways to translate science into application, always keeping focus on the end goal of increasing global whole grain intake. Through collaboration and intense brainstorming with participants from all different sectors, nations, and perspectives, conclusions are gradually reached through the course of the day. The quality of the results and the moments of clarity and insight offered by these discussions cannot be understated. The conclusions from 2017 Whole Grain Summit roundtable discussions provided a list of key actions and ignited the formation of the Whole Grain Initiative (WGI). The WGI immediately got to work pursuing a strategy of action and advocacy at every level to advance whole grain intake and push the industry forward. This is an opportunity for you – whether you’re a scientist, a manufacturer, a retailer or wholesaler, a miller, a contract caterer, a dietitian, or a policymaker – to get in the same room with movers and shakers from across sectors and create a common action plan that drives whole grain adoption throughout the food supply chain.
What is the difference between an interesting conversation and one that truly matters? What further plans do we have?

Deep Thematic World Cafe

A place to have conversations that truly matter.


Encourages Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration 

Participants engage in rotating small groups (6-10 people) to discuss core topics, fostering diverse, cross-disciplinary exchanges.




Stimulates Creative Problem-Solving 

Each table focuses on a specific issue, with participants sharing ideas and writing them down to spark creative solutions.

Facilitates Knowledge Sharing 

Discussions are documented on paper or flipcharts, capturing insights from various perspectives and ensuring valuable knowledge is shared.

Maximizes Participant Engagement

Participants rotate between tables, engaging in multiple discussions to broaden their understanding and foster diverse connections.



Focused and Productive Discussions

 Moderators guide discussions to stay on topic and ensure conversations lead to actionable ideas.

Actionable Results and Outcomes

Key takeaways are summarized and presented to the full group, turning ideas into concrete steps for future action.

What Has the Whole Grain Initiative Accomplished So Far?

The Whole Grain Initiative is an impressive example of what happens when we harness the power of thought leadership and inter-disciplinary collaboration. Its accomplishments include the following:

The Whole Grain Definitions working group

Succeeded in developing and publishing consensus definitions of whole grain ingredients and whole grain foods with input from 45 experts representing 19 countries. Further they pursued adoption of these standards by ISO with plans to approach CODEX adoption next.

The Health Economics working group

Published four economic studies (one, two, three, & four) evaluating the healthcare cost savings impact of increasing whole grain intake. The results of savings in healthcare cost savings were similar and significant for US, Australia, and Finland for the chronic diseases studied.

The Communications and Partnership working group

Secured recognition for International Whole Grain Day and hosted its sixth annual campaign in November 2024, with events held at the EU Parliament and in Australia, and with promotional campaigns carried out across European and American markets.

The Food Policy working group

Pursued persistent science-based advocacy work in whole grain labeling and regulations. Created a Whole Grain Fact Sheet which highlights the latest research on whole grains and health.
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The Whole Grain Intake Recommendations working group

Progressed toward the completion of a substantial literature review and meta-analysis project and is working to establish the scientific evidence for a quantitative intake recommendation that maximizes the positive health outcomes achievable with increased whole grain intake.

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The Asia-Pacific working group

Just got its start this year and is already engaged in creating an Asia-focused strategy for increasing whole grain intake. They will be looking to increase consumer education and awareness and encourage greater availability of whole grain food choices


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Every action makes a difference.

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