Ireland drives industry sustainability

The Irish Food Board (Bord Bia) has launched a new sustainability development programme for the country’s food and drink industry.

Known as Origin Green, the project is designed to help Ireland become a world leader in quality, sustainably produced food and drink.

“Global population is set to increase by more than two billion by 2050 and the world will need to produce 70 per cent more food from increasingly limited resources,” says Aidan Cotter, CEO Bord Bia. “Retailers and food manufacturers are looking to suppliers to provide details of the environmental impact associated with their products. Those who can credibly and proactively benchmark their sustainability performance will be better placed to secure long-term business relationships with these retailers and food manufacturers.”

To coincide with the launch of Origin Green, Bord Bia commissioned extensive international trade research with leading retailers, food manufacturers and foodservice organisations, including M&S, Sainburys, Unilever, McDonalds and Subway.

The results revealed that sustainability is aligned to the strategies of leading brands and retailers, with those interviewed confirming that sustainability is no longer viewed as an isolated issue and is becoming heavily integrated into their overall business strategy.

“Food retailers have set out 5-10 year strategies on the sustainability of their supply chain and are looking to suppliers to see how they can help them achieve targets, and demonstrate their sustainability credentials,” says Aidan Cotter. “Origin Green will enable Ireland’s food and drink industry to add proof and commitment to its sustainability claims, and provide the evidence that retailers and foodservice providers around the world are looking for.”

For more information, visit www.origingreen.ie