Europe's supply chain facing ecological meltdown
chain could soon become too great for it to bear, leaving the
continent facing severe ecological problems such as
desertification.
Europe's food supply chain could soon become a food demand chain, unable to keep up with the requirements of a growing population.
This is the stark message of a new report compiled by Ethical Corporation Magazine, which blames major consolidation, horizontal and vertical integration and increased global competition for the expected change.
The report, entitled Does the Structure of Europe's Food Supply Chain Work For or Against Our Environmental Objectives?, is due to be launched later this month, and reviews Europe-wide food production, processing and retail networks, focusing on the effects of large-scale consolidation, food clustering and agricultural intensification on markets and the environment.
Data from over 320 accredited pan-European sources has been collated to illustrate the report's key thrust - the shift from a food supply chain to a food demand chain. The report claims to provide industry stakeholders with a clear explanation of the trends that are shaping the future of retail, processing, production, policy, environmental issues and institutional investment in the food system.
"It's all there - everything from the percentage of Spanish land at immediate risk of desertification to the millilitres of kerosene it takes to put an apple in your shop," said John Bodenham, the report's co-author.
"Readers will discover how many grocers are trading in southern Italy and why 1.5 million Polish farmers are about to lose their jobs - more than that, they will discover why there is a link between the two - and what it means for their businesses."
Risk exposure is becoming increasingly concerning for companies involved in large-scale diversification throughout the food supply chain and the report outlines the threats and opportunities presented by vertical integration from seed to supermarket for enterprises contemplating such a move.
The report also evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of Europe's retailers, processors and growers, as well as trends in branding and consumer spending. A detailed analysis of the environmental impact of agricultural intensification and biodiversity issues is also provided.
Copies of the report can be ordered from Ethical Corporation Magazine via telephone on +44 20 7375 7201 or email.
