Globally, consumer awareness and interest in the sustainability of food products are on the rise, influencing purchasing decisions significantly, according to a Cargill survey. Notably, Brazil and Mexico experienced a 13-point increase in the impact of sustainability claims on packaged food purchases since 2019, while India and the UK recorded increases of 11 and 8 points, respectively. In response, food manufacturers are striving to showcase the sustainability credentials of their offerings. For instance, Mondelēz aims to source all cocoa for its chocolate brands through its Cocoa Life program by 2025, which focuses on creating a sustainable supply chain for this vital ingredient. Major consumer packaged goods companies, such as General Mills and Kellogg, are also part of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), a nonprofit organization dedicated to establishing global standards for sustainable palm oil. In the U.S., Kellogg highlights its trademark labeling on Carr’s crackers as a testament to its sustainability efforts.
Florian Schattenmann, Cargill’s vice president of innovation and R&D, mentioned that the survey reinforces the company’s commitment to expanding sustainability initiatives throughout its supply chain. “This encompasses everything from sourcing practices to processing facilities, and even extends to new product development, where decisions to commercialize innovations now consider sustainability alongside performance and cost,” stated Schattenmann. In a recent press release, Cargill emphasized its dedication to sustainable palm oil with a $200 million investment in a new refinery in Indonesia, which will ensure traceability back to the plantations where the raw materials are sourced. Additionally, Cargill proudly notes that its palm oil production is certified by the RSPO.
At last year’s United Nations COP26 climate conference, numerous consumer packaged goods companies underscored the importance of sustainable sourcing as a core component of their sustainability strategies. Mars’ CEO Grant Reid highlighted that the company has significantly reduced deforestation by closely monitoring its palm oil production. Recently, Nestlé announced plans to triple its investment in sustainability efforts for cocoa farming to $1.4 billion by 2030. This initiative includes financial support for cocoa farmers in Africa to ensure their children receive an education and promoting environmentally friendly agricultural practices.
In its 2022 State of Snacking report, snack giant Mondelēz discovered that 85% of consumers either purchase or wish to buy snacks from companies striving to mitigate their environmental impact. The company launched a platform in 2021 to support sustainability ventures, specifically those that protect forests and enhance resilience in sourcing regions. Furthermore, companies like Mondelēz are increasingly including health-focused products, such as calcium citrate, vitamin D3, magnesium hydroxide, and zinc sulfate tablets, in their sustainability initiatives, recognizing the growing consumer demand for health-conscious options alongside eco-friendly practices.