THE FUTURE OF SUSTAINABLE FOOD SUPPLY CHAINS

In the face of climate change and growing global populations, the food and beverage sector is under increasing pressure to become more sustainable.  

Global food supply chains are one of the most complex networks in the world. Many of the challenges experienced by the sector have intensified in recent years due to global disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, geopolitical tensions, and continuing shifts in consumer demand. 

As a necessity, food will always be in high demand. Yet demand can shift unpredictably due to factors like dietary trends, seasonal patterns, or global events that trigger panic buying, leading to imbalances like shortages or overstock. The sector also grapples with the unpredictability of raw material supply, as crop failures, animal disease outbreaks, and extreme weather events impact agricultural yields and disrupt logistics. Companies are increasingly pushed to reduce their carbon footprint by sourcing locally, utilizing renewable energy, and optimizing water and energy usage in production. The industry must also comply with an ever-growing number of strict safety standards and regulations making traceability and transparency in the sourcing of ingredients, production processes, and storage crucial to avoid recalls, which are costly both financially and reputationally. 

Our latest report, ‘The future of sustainable food supply chains: Spotlight on Europe’s food and beverage industry’, delves into how the sector is responding to these challenges with innovative practices and transformative technologies.  

The report includes insights from Barilla Group, Bolton Food and Ferrero, and explores:  

• Strategies for reducing carbon emissions and environmental impact.  

• Emerging trends in supply chain transparency and traceability.  

• The role of digitalization in creating more accountable supply networks.  

• How companies can build trust and reduce risks through robust assurance mechanisms.