Dive Brief:
- Twenty-five global companies — including food and beverage manufactures Danone, Kellogg, PepsiCo, Nestle and Unilever — have launched FReSH, the Food Reform for Sustainability and Health Program, according to Food Business News.
- FReSH "seeks to accelerate change in global food systems ensuring healthy diets for all with food that is produced responsibly within planetary boundaries," according to Food Business News.
- The program also has five "work streams" that center on creating instructions for healthy and sustainable diets; food production adjustment; food consumption reorientation; improvement of food sourcing and reduction of food waste; and measurement, reporting and communicating progress.
Dive Insight:
The food and beverage manufacturers taking part in FReSH are improving global food sustainability and their image at the same time. Ethically sourced ingredients and sustainable farming methods are a new standard for the majority of shoppers, and Kellogg, PepsiCo Inc.and others are cementing their place as eco-friendly, progressive brands.
Consumers really do care when brands make an effort to improve sustainability, making efforts like FReSH and other initiatives savvy investments for food and beverage companies. The latest Nielsen Global Corporate Sustainability Report shows sales of consumer goods from brands with a demonstrated commitment to sustainability have increased more than 4% globally. Those without a known plan grew less than 1%.
FReSH's guiding principles are not much different than the improvements other groups and business have tried to enact in recent years. Numerous company leaders are putting environmental stewardship and innovation at the heart of their companies’ operations. The Business Roundtable recently released “Create, Grow, Sustain: Leading by Example,” a report by CEOs around the country who are working toward improved sustainability.