Global retailers shelving methane action: new report

A major new report says the world’s leading supermarkets of “backpedalling” on methane emissions and creating a “leadership vacuum” that threatens global climate targets.

The study, Shelved Again: Supermarkets’ Missing Action on Methane, released today by the Changing Markets Foundation and Mighty Earth, warns that despite a combined annual revenue of $2 trillion, not one of the 20 major retailers assessed has set a specific target to reduce methane.

For food and drink manufacturers, the findings signal an inevitable shift in procurement standards as retailers come under fire for their supply chain (Scope 3) footprints.

Key findings: a transatlantic divide

While European retailers led the rankings, the report suggests even the “top performers” are doing the bare minimum.

• UK & Europe: Tesco, Lidl, and Ahold Delhaize took the top spots, though all scored just above 40%. Asda recorded the UK’s sharpest decline, dropping 7.5 points since last year.
• United States: performance was significantly lower, with Walmart and Costco scoring under 10 points. Publix and Albertsons both scored zero.
• The progress outlier: Germany’s Edeka-Verbund was noted as the most improved, gaining 17.5 points.

The “super-pollutant” in the supply chain

Methane is roughly 80 times more potent than CO₂ over a 20-year period, with agriculture accounting for 42% of human-made emissions. Because the majority of these emissions stem from meat and dairy production, manufacturers in these categories are now firmly in the crosshairs.

“Supermarkets are uniquely positioned to support a shift to diets with less meat and more plants, yet they have shelved ambition for a second year running,” said Jurjen de Waal, senior director at Mighty Earth.

The report highlights a growing “transparency gap.” While 11 retailers disclose overall greenhouse gas data, only Albert Heijn currently breaks out specific methane figures. Campaigners argue this is a choice to withhold data rather than a lack of capability — a choice that is becoming increasingly risky for their suppliers.

The “Supply Chain Squeeze” is expected to manifest in three ways:

1. Rigorous data requests: as retailers move toward science-based targets, manufacturers will be required to provide granular data on methane intensity at the farm level.
2. The 60/40 Split: the report advocates for a “Protein Transition,” urging retailers to shift to a 60% plant-based and 40% animal-based sales split by 2030. This could trigger a radical reallocation of shelf space.
3. Manufacturing outpacing retail: some producers are already ahead of the curve. Danone has nearly met its 30% reduction goal five years early, while Brazilian meatpacker Marfrig has become the first in its sector to set a dedicated 33% methane reduction target.

A material financial risk

With 150 nations now signed to the Global Methane Pledge, the report warns that methane is now a “material risk” — operationally, regulatorily, and financially.