Navigating the Climate-Conscious Food Landscape: Strategies for Sustainable Supply Chains

The food and beverage industry is facing a complex challenge as it navigates the intersection of environmental regulation and the impacts of climate change. From agricultural commodities linked to global warming to the vulnerability of these same crops to its effects, the industry must adapt to ensure a sustainable future. This article explores how major players are responding, cutting emissions, and making their supply chains more eco-friendly.

Empowering Sustainable Transformation in the Food Sector

Regenerative Agriculture: The Key to Cutting Methane Emissions

Embracing regenerative agriculture is emerging as a crucial strategy for major players in the food industry to reduce their methane emissions. Sarah Lockwood, the global regenerative agriculture director for dairy giant Danone, shares insights on how the company is leveraging these sustainable farming practices to drive down its carbon footprint.

Preparing for the European Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)

The upcoming EUDR legislation is set to have a significant impact on various commodity sectors, including coffee, cocoa, and palm oil. In a panel discussion, industry experts explore the level of preparedness across these industries, the barriers to full compliance, the feasibility of achieving full traceability, and the potential unintended consequences of the regulation.

Cultivating Sustainable Hazelnuts: Ferrero's Innovative Approach

As a relatively niche crop, the large-scale cultivation of hazelnuts presents unique challenges. Dr. Marco Botta from Ferrero Hazelnut Company shares the company's innovative strategies, including the use of pilot plants, strategic partnerships, and the integration of regenerative agriculture practices, to ensure the sustainable production of this key ingredient for their renowned Nutella brand.

Unlocking the Potential of Forgotten Foods in Africa

Africa is home to a wealth of "forgotten" or "orphan" crops, such as pigeon peas, baobab fruit, taro, and Bambara groundnuts, which have been underutilized or neglected in favor of less sustainable and less nutritious alternatives. Mphumuzi Sukati from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) discusses the untapped potential of these forgotten foods to address malnutrition and food insecurity on the continent.

Collective Responsibility and Regenerative Agriculture: Südzucker's Approach

Südzucker, a major player in the industry, has embraced both regenerative agriculture and a collective responsibility approach to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance biodiversity in the cultivation of sugar beet. Geert van Aelst, a representative from Südzucker, shares insights on the benefits of this outcome-oriented strategy.

Navigating the Impacts of Climate Change on Key Commodities

The second panel of the day delves into the impact of climate change on the yields of crucial commodities, including sugar beet, coffee, and cocoa. Experts explore the agricultural methods that can mitigate these challenges, the support available for farmers to adapt, and the potential for drought-resistant crop varieties to address the uncertainties posed by a changing climate.