As the income and the average caloric intake of developing country populations increase, a relative shift in diets is taking place. The general pattern of change can be described as a shift towards more 'westernized' diets and away from traditional ones. Accompanying this dietary trend are the substantial and rapid changes in food production, retailing and distribution systems. After reviewing these combined shifts and changes, the paper discusses the implications for rural poverty and food security, food safety and quality but also for diet-related non-communicable diseases and the related, emerging challenges for policymakers.