1 IN 3 CONSUMERS BELIEVE THAT RESPONSIBLY AND LOCALLY SOURCED INGREDIENTS MAKE A BRAND SUSTAINABLE , AND NEARLY HALF OF THESE PEOPLE CONSIDER THESE TO BE EXTREMELY IMPORTANT ATTRIBUTES
TATE & LYLE PLC
1 IN 3 CONSUMERS BELIEVE THAT RESPONSIBLY AND LOCALLY SOURCED INGREDIENTS MAKE A BRAND SUSTAINABLE , AND NEARLY HALF OF THESE PEOPLE CONSIDER THESE TO BE EXTREMELY IMPORTANT ATTRIBUTES
NIELSENIQ SUSTAINABILITY REPORT , 2023
Regenerative agriculture is an approach to farming that seeks to improve natural resources , specifically soil health
Aligning views : Why care about sustainable sourcing ? Pierce sees organisations ’ own ambitions to reduce and eventually eliminate their impacts as being aligned with those who consume their goods .
“ Consumers have indicated that they ’ re more interested in sustainable products . Investors , employees and future talent also want to see clear evidence that businesses are acting in society ’ s best interests .”
“ Investors especially want to be assured that companies are strengthening resilience to climate change and that it ’ s part of the planning and risk assessment process . Ultimately , I believe the companies that most value sustainability will be successful , but everyone needs to act with urgency to mitigate the worst effects of climate change ,” Pierce explains .
With motivations clearly aligned , how can companies communicate what they ’ re doing ? As reporting standards and metrics vary greatly , Pierce believes certification through respected schemes and transparent ESG reporting must be leveraged until a unified approach to disclosures is developed , and it isn ’ t on the horizon .
“ In some cases , companies make use of on-pack certification like Fairtrade or Rainforest Alliance where consumers have a level of trust if only a vague understanding of what it represents ,” says Pierce .
“ Everyone has their own take on what counts as ‘ sustainable ’. I see this as an opportunity to come together and collectively agree on what responsible sourcing looks like so we and our customers can help consumers understand it .”
34 June 2023