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From farm to fork, our food passes through an extensive network of retailers, processors and producers who transform simple raw materials into the delicious and nutritious food we like to eat...

The food supply chain has never been longer or more complicated, with some of our favourite food items needing to travel halfway around the globe to reach a processor and others requiring temperature-controlled storage to keep them fresh.

With food waste and the impact of food production on the environment becoming a significant issue, policymakers are increasingly focusing their attention on optimising the industry. This means those in the food industry need to ensure their supply chains are accurate and transparent to ensure compliancy and eliminate administrative burdens.

The need to embed sustainability

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A strong environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategy is now a necessity for businesses in the food industry. In addition to shifting regulatory requirements, consumers are increasingly looking for food brands to have traceable and ethical supply chains. So much so, that a recent study shows that organisations seen as ESG leaders are 43% more likely to outperform similar organisation in terms of profitability.

Because of this, it is important that the food industry embeds sustainability practices throughout the supply chain so that they can reduce emissions, lower their carbon footprint, and meet the demands of today’s environmentally and ethically conscious consumers.

Providing valuable insight

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From the invention of the combine harvester to the development of super crops, technology has always played a huge part in food production. Luckily, there are numerous new technologies that can also help make the food value chain more sustainable than ever before. These include artificial intelligence (AI) enabled systems to control things like water usage, and advanced processing equipment to reduce waste and the consumption of resources.

However, for an ESG supply chain strategy to be impactful, it is important that it can be measured and analysed effectively from top to bottom.  ESG Lead provides not only this valuable insight, but actionable steps. Enabling food producers, manufacturers and suppliers to measure, manage, and improve the ESG performance of their business and at every point within the supply chain. Knowledge is power. ESG Lead makes it simple and cost-effective for producers to learn, evaluate, advance, and disclose ESG performance.

Not the time to cut corners

AdobeStock_469197273With the world waking up to the social impact of businesses and legislation progressing, the focus on strong ESG performance has never been more crucial. Consumers are more health and environmentally conscious than ever before. They want ethically produced, sustainable food of known origin.

Building sustainable supply chains is essential for businesses in the food industry. It can eliminate waste, improve reputation, ensure regulatory compliancy, generate tax incentives and increase the bottom line. To be effective, supply chains need to become smart, sustainable, and inclusive. They need to be able to flex and support sustainable local agricultural and food production through direct interaction between producers, businesses, and consumers, to create more resilient communities.

Food supply chains of the future need to produce products that have been manufactured in an environmentally friendly and ethical way, while also dealing with the significant challenges of a growing population, climate change and declining natural resources. Putting the right practices and technology in place is vital. This is not the time to cut corners – invest in your sustainable supply chain today with ESG Lead.

For more information contact: Damien at damien.smith@ecodesk.com