IGD, EY, WRAP: Food system net-zero transition plan underway

Press release

The project will see food businesses across the supply-chain work together, at pace, in response to net-zero ambitions by making a plan that approaches transition with a ‘joined-up’, whole-system view.

The plan will be backed-up by a robust body of data to help drive alignment, prioritisation and action across the food system and its wider ecosystem, including Finance and Government.

The project, consisting of both a long-term plan and framework proposal to 2050, will draw on its partners’ expertise, identifying key emissions drivers, emissions reductions and costs, together with dependencies, risks and mitigation.

Sarah Bradbury, CEO IGD said: ‘There is a high degree of ambition and commitment to reach net-zero across the UK food industry, but no single plan that illustrates the true cost of the system’s transition to it. Therefore, I’m delighted IGD is working with EY and WRAP to develop a sector-wide transition plan, built on the most rigorous data and modelling available, outlining the key actions required and how they can be costed and delivered.’

This will provide clarity on where government support will be required to overcome barriers and will form the framework from which businesses can develop their own individual transition plans.’

David Kennedy, Corporate Sustainability Partner EY said: ‘I am excited to work on developing a net-zero plan for the UK food system. In a highly competitive industry, where carbon reductions typically add costs, and with complex supply chains, this is needed to drive action. It will catalyse the industry to meet its ambitious commitments and play its part in economy-wide decarbonisation.’

Catherine David, Director of Behaviour Change and Business Programmes, WRAP, said: ‘I am thrilled to be working on a sector transition plan for the food and drink sector. At WRAP, we have been working for many years through the Courtauld Commitment to bring businesses together to take data-driven action to transform our food system. Our analysis has confirmed the need for an unprecedented level of collective action if we are to stand any chance of achieving net-zero targets, and this initiative intends to lay the foundations for investment and action at scale and pace for all actors in our food system.’

This sector-wide transition plan builds on the net-zero roadmaps published by BRC, FDF, UK Hospitality and FWD, as well as the NFU’s sector resilience plans and recent work developed by FDF, WRAP and Nestle shared at the Net-Zero Council in April.

As such, the Food System Transition Plan aims to support the sector in forming a collective voice on this burning issue.

For more information, please contact: [email protected]

Ends.

Notes to editors:
1.    IGD is an organisation of two interconnected communities. The profits from Commercial Insight are reinvested into Social Impact, which together work to drive change that makes a tangible difference for society, business and the individual. 
2.    Social Impact from IGD is delivered in four key areas:
a.    People – focussed on giving young people opportunities to develop their employability and life skills, and on building the knowledge and capability of food and consumer goods industry colleagues, to foster an inclusive and productive workforce;
b.    Health – nutrition experts use the latest research and behavioural science to develop practical tools that help the whole industry. IGD is collaborating with and inspiring companies to adopt best practice and implement change;
c.    Sustainability – focused on mobilising the industry to tackle climate change, reduce food waste, increase food surplus redistribution, develop sustainable packaging systems and accelerate the industry’s progress towards net-zero; 
d.    Economics – supporting better strategic planning and decision making, for the benefit of consumers, through economic analysis and engagement with policy makers.
3.    Commercial Insight is delivered through six core areas:
a.    Retail Analysis – providing trusted data and insight, straight from the heart of retail;
b.    ShopperVista – providing insight that creates the foundation for progressive shopper and category thinking;
c.    Events – providing compelling experiences that connect people and ideas together;
d.    MarketTrack – the most trusted, rigorous market read in the retail sector;
e.    Supply Chain Analysis – providing answers and unlocking potential;
f.    Solutions – personalised solutions that address the critical customer and commercial challenges.
4.    All content is owned by IGD. If you use or refer to any content in this press release, please credit IGD
Follow us on Twitter: @fromIGD