Sustainability has become increasingly important for food firms, not least as consumers demand products that leave a minimal food print at all stages of the supply chain.
However some companies have rushed to express green credentials which may not necessarily stand up to scrutiny, leading to accusations of ‘greenwashing’.
The summit, the first organised by consultancy Organic Monitor on this topic, will look at industry best practices, and present case studies of firms that have met ethical and environmental challenges – successfully and legitimately.
The eco-labelling and certification space is crowded with organisations intended to help consumers assess and chose products that meet their ethical preferences. However there is considerable debate about whether so many schemes are required – and whether a holistic approach is required that takes into account sustainability at all levels of the supply chain.
Indeed, a new Roundtable on Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) is being launched this month, and its first task will be to review the gamut current sustainability assessment methodologies.
Delegates will be asked to consider this question in a discussion entitled ‘Sustainable pathways: convergence or divergence’.
Investment and supply chain
Other sessions at the summit will include a look at how companies can maximise and measure their sustainable investments – including ethical financing, investment sources, sustainable investment in developing countries, poverty eradication and government and policy initiatives.
Two other sessions will look at sustainable supply chains; and marketing and industry issues.
More information on the summit, which takes place in Amsterdam on 25 – 27 June (including a post-conference workshop on building sustainable supply chains), is available at www.sustainablefoodssummit.com