--- title: "ESG & Sustainability in Food and Drink: What Businesses Need to Know" description: It may feel counterintuitive to invest in sustainability in a cost of living crisis. But doing so can improve loyalty, drive growth and create savings. image: https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/BLOG%20HEADERS%20-%20Correct%20Size%20(17).png --- [CAREERS](https://www-dev.foodsconnected.com/careers/) [REGISTER](https://app.foodsconnected.com/Register.aspx) [YOUR ACCOUNT](https://app.foodsconnected.com/idsrv/login?ReturnUrl=%2Fidsrv%2Fconnect%2Fauthorize%3Fredirect_uri%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fapp.foodsconnected.com%252FLoginRedirect.aspx%26client_id%3Dcore%26response_type%3Dcode%26scope%3Dcore%2520connected_api%2520offline_access%2520analytics_manager%26code_challenge_method%3DS256%26code_challenge%3Dy6zXsYnI20T4Zzc_s7HmDAt7OlhL2zujgcEkoUtd7sA%26state%3Dwomypx52%26prompt%3D) [![fc-logo](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/Support%20site/fc-logo.svg "fc-logo")](http://foodsconnected.com) - [Our Solutions](https://www.foodsconnected.com/solutions/) - [Food Compliance Software](https://www.foodsconnected.com/solutions/compliance-management-software/) - [Safety Audits & Quality Management](https://www.foodsconnected.com/solutions/safety-and-quality-management-software/) - [Food Procurement Management Software](https://www.foodsconnected.com/solutions/procurement-supply-chain/) - [Food Specifications & NPD](https://www.foodsconnected.com/solutions/specifications-and-npd-software/) - [CSR & Supply Chain Sustainability](https://www.foodsconnected.com/solutions/csr-management-software/) - [Food Traceability Software](https://www.foodsconnected.com/solutions/food-traceability-software/) - [Reporting & Analytics](https://www.foodsconnected.com/solutions/food-software-reporting-tool/) - [HACCP Management Software](https://www.foodsconnected.com/solutions/haccp-software/) - [Meat Processing Software Solution](https://www.foodsconnected.com/solutions/meat-processing-software/) - [Our Services](https://www.foodsconnected.com/our-services/) - [Sectors](https://www.foodsconnected.com/sectors/) - [About Us](https://www.foodsconnected.com/about-us/) - [Blog](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/?_gl=1*8p51p6*_gcl_au*NTI1NDc4NjczLjE3MzM3ODU3ODc.*_ga*MjE3OTA1Njg4LjE3MzM3ODU3ODU.*_ga_X4TZRQCH9W*MTczNjk0MTQ5NC45LjEuMTczNjk0MjY3NC41MS4wLjA.) - [Resources](https://www.foodsconnected.com/resources/) - [Support](https://support.foodsconnected.com/support/home?_gl=1*hrp5ae*_gcl_au*NTI1NDc4NjczLjE3MzM3ODU3ODc.*_ga*MjE3OTA1Njg4LjE3MzM3ODU3ODU.*_ga_X4TZRQCH9W*MTczNjk0MTQ5NC45LjEuMTczNjk0MjY4OC4zNy4wLjA.) [Request a Demo](https://www.foodsconnected.com/request-a-demo) ![Why ESG and sustainability should be prioritised in the food industry amid economic uncertainty](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/BLOG%20HEADERS%20-%20Correct%20Size%20(17).png) [Sustainability](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/tag/sustainability) [Economy](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/tag/economy) # Why ESG and sustainability should be prioritised in the food industry amid economic uncertainty By [Natalie Thorpe](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/author/natalie-thorpe) 29/03/2023 [Back](https://blog.foodsconnected.com) Why ESG and sustainability should be prioritised in the food industry amid economic uncertainty Share [mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https://blog.foodsconnected.com/esg-and-sustainability-in-food-and-drink%20&body=Check%20out%20https://blog.foodsconnected.com/esg-and-sustainability-in-food-and-drink&media=https://4895550.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/4895550/BLOG%20HEADERS%20-%20Correct%20Size%20%2817%29.png](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https://blog.foodsconnected.com/esg-and-sustainability-in-food-and-drink%20&body=Check%20out%20https://blog.foodsconnected.com/esg-and-sustainability-in-food-and-drink&media=https://4895550.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/4895550/BLOG%20HEADERS%20-%20Correct%20Size%20%2817%29.png) [Back to main blog](https://blog.foodsconnected.com) Share [mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https://blog.foodsconnected.com/esg-and-sustainability-in-food-and-drink%20&body=Check%20out%20https://blog.foodsconnected.com/esg-and-sustainability-in-food-and-drink&media=https://4895550.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/4895550/BLOG%20HEADERS%20-%20Correct%20Size%20%2817%29.png](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https://blog.foodsconnected.com/esg-and-sustainability-in-food-and-drink%20&body=Check%20out%20https://blog.foodsconnected.com/esg-and-sustainability-in-food-and-drink&media=https://4895550.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/4895550/BLOG%20HEADERS%20-%20Correct%20Size%20%2817%29.png) The cost of living crisis has significantly impacted consumer priorities. [More than half of households (57%)](https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/personalandhouseholdfinances/expenditure/articles/whatactionsarepeopletakingbecauseoftherisingcostofliving/2022-08-05) report spending less on essentials to manage rising bills across food, fuel and energy. That makes price the most important consideration for many shoppers browsing stores.   But though they have less cash to spend, that doesn’t mean their concerns around climate change, social impact and ethical business practices have completely fallen by the wayside. In fact, 78% of consumers say that sustainability remains important to them, according to NielsenIQ.  This means that despite ongoing uncertainty, food and drink businesses must continue to focus on environmental and social impact.   If you want to understand how businesses and consumers are navigating these economic challenges, this article explores the pivotal role of ESG and sustainability in the food and beverage sector. ---   ## What is ESG? ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance, three critical factors used to evaluate a company’s sustainability and ethical impact. It encompasses how a business operates within the natural environment, leaders’ relationships with employees, customers and suppliers, and a business’s relationship with local communities. - **Environmental**: This concerns companies’ ecological impact. For the food and beverage industry this could involve sustainable procurement, reducing carbon emissions and waste management. - **Social**: This involves companies’ relationships with employees, suppliers, customers, and communities. Examples range from fair labour practices to community engagement and efforts to safeguard consumer health. - **Governance**: This relates to leadership, audits, internal controls, and shareholder rights. In this sector, governance includes ethics, operational transparency, and regulatory compliance for traceability, food safety and quality. ## Why is sustainability important in the food and beverage industry? Sustainability in the food industry is vital for a multitude of reasons, not just in terms of environmental impact but also business ethics and consumer satisfaction. Here are some of the main reasons why sustainable practices are essential for companies’ success in an environmentally conscious market: - **Safeguarding the environment**: Reducing emissions, waste and water usage helps to minimise the ecological footprint of food and beverage production. - **Ethical practices**: Ensuring fair labour practices and the humane treatment of animals in the supply chain is ethically sound and vital for a company’s reputation. - **Resource management**: Promoting the efficient use of resources avoids risks associated with unnecessary waste while enhancing profitability. - **Consumer demand**: Remaining competitive by addressing growing consumer expectations for ethically produced and environmentally friendly products. - **Regulatory compliance**: Helping companies stay ahead of regulations that demand sustainable practices and avoiding penalties or accusations of greenwashing. - **Brand loyalty and market advantage**: Fostering brand trust, consumer loyalty and a competitive edge in a market that values sustainability. ## Prioritising ESG performance Any [corporate social responsibility (CSR) or environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategy](https://marketing.foodsconnected.com/esg-report-trends2022) *needs* to be developed with a solid understanding of the impact of the cost of living crisis on their consumers, of course. Though there are some signs of stabilisation in the global economic outlook, a high percentage of low to medium-income earners continue to bear the brunt of rising household bills. This has dampened consumer confidence and willingness to spend, with many now firmly focused on price and promotions, and willing to trade down from their favourite brands to private label alternatives if it means saving cash.  ## Challenges and barriers for ESG in the food and beverage industry The food and drink industry is navigating a dual challenge: integrating ESG principles amid economic pressures. Rising costs for ingredients, transport, and labour force businesses to reassess investments, slowing innovation and marketing efforts. This financial strain is compounded by the need to address sustainable supply chains, environmental impact, and ethical labour practices. Here’s how companies can address and overcome these challenges effectively: - **Invest in energy-efficient technologies**: While this may involve some up-front expenditures, it should reduce long-term operational costs while minimising environmental impact. - **Prioritise local sourcing**: This will cut transportation costs, boost local economies and consolidate companies’ presence in their community, reinforcing the social aspects of ESG. - **Implement recycling and waste reduction programs**: Turning waste into resources will enhance sustainability, reduce costs and appeal to eco-conscious employees and customers. - **Train employees in sustainable practices**: Embedding sustainable habits into daily operations, based on a culture of learning and continual development, will enhance ESG over the long term. - **Strategic integration of ESG principles**: Tackling immediate financial issues while establishing a foundation for sustained corporate responsibility and environmental stewardship. By implementing these strategies, companies in the food and drink industry can effectively manage ESG challenges, turning economic pressures into opportunities for growth. The role of ESG in the food and drink industry's sustainable evolution It can feel counterintuitive against this backdrop to invest in sustainable solutions. But the reality is doing so can provide businesses with greater brand loyalty, healthier margins and savings in their supply chain.   For one, not only do consumers continue to care about environmental impact, but they remain willing to spend more on those food and drink businesses that reflect these values.   Over the past five years, products making ESG-related claims accounted for 56% of all brand growth, with products making eco-claims averaging 28% cumulative growth, versus 20% for products that made no such claims, [says McKinsey](https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/consumer-packaged-goods/our-insights/consumers-care-about-sustainability-and-back-it-up-with-their-wallets).  Sustainability and ESG performance in the food and drink space should therefore be viewed as an invaluable way to drive growth and recover market share despite uncertainty.    ## The power of a strong overall value proposition Remember though that while many consumers will prioritise brands that have a strong track record on their ESG performance, the cost of living crisis means they’ll do so while looking for a strong overall value proposition at the same time. Food and drink businesses should bear this in mind when mapping out sustainable solutions.   For example, ensure any marketing or communications around the environmental impact of a product share both the benefits for the planet and the benefits for the consumer. Do ethical business practices mean a higher quality product? Do better animal welfare standards contribute to a healthier protein? Or does buying a product allow a consumer to directly benefit their local community?   ## The long-term gains Sustainable solutions aren’t only a source of competitive advantage with consumers either. They can also provide long-term ways to improve the resilience of global supply chains and build in greater efficiencies and therefore savings for food and drink businesses. An upside that is never more important than in a challenging economic climate.   Consider how local sourcing can both reduce carbon footprint and cut shipping costs, for example. Or how longer energy consumption in factories can both slash bills and reduce environmental impact.  --- ## Key takeaways for ESG in the food sector There are numerous reasons, in other words, why food and drink businesses should continue to prioritise their ESG performance and sustainability, despite ongoing uncertainty. Not only does it retain existing customers and attract new ones, but it can improve margins, drive growth and create supply chains more resilient to future shocks. All of which is critical as businesses – and their consumers - navigate the current crisis.  [![BlogCTA2\_ESG whitepaper guide-1](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hs-fs/hubfs/BlogCTA2_ESG%20whitepaper%20guide-1.png?width=2022&height=522&name=BlogCTA2_ESG%20whitepaper%20guide-1.png)](https://marketing.foodsconnected.com/esg-report-trends) Read part 4 in our Cost of Goods series: [Balancing budget cuts and food safety management: strategies for manufacturers, retailers and service providers](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/food-safety-management-strategies) here.  ![Natalie Thorpe](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/Natalie%20Thorpe%20icon-1.png) ###### Natalie Thorpe A graduate of Letterkenny Institute of Technology, Natalie studied Visual Communication and Graphic Design. When she's not creating up new designs for company materials and branding, writing, compiling marketing plans or implementing new UX strategies, you'll find her roaming a deserted beach in search of her disappearing dog, or soaking up different cultures on her globetrotting adventures! [![Free AI report download](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/Free%20AI%20report%20download.png "Free AI report download")](https://marketing.foodsconnected.com/ai-agri-food-attitudes-adoption-ambitions-foods-connected) ##### Stay up to date ### Stay up to date ##### Browse Posts Popular Recent Archive [![NPD in the food industry: 7 critical stages of new product development](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/Blog%20Imagery%20(PI%20AUTOMATED)/Blog%20Headers/shutterstock_1927957907%20(1).jpg)](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/7-stages-of-food-product-development) [NPD in the food industry: 7 critical stages of new product development](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/7-stages-of-food-product-development) [![The importance of good manufacturing practice for food safety](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/Blog%20Imagery%20(PI%20AUTOMATED)/Blog%20Headers/shutterstock_2474442759.jpg)](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/gmp-in-food-industry) [The importance of good manufacturing practice for food safety](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/gmp-in-food-industry) [![Understanding the role of risk management in food safety](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/Blog%20Imagery%20(PI%20AUTOMATED)/Blog%20Headers/shutterstock_1845178195%20(2).jpg)](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/the-role-of-risk-management-in-food-safety) [Understanding the role of risk management in food safety](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/the-role-of-risk-management-in-food-safety) [![A guide to effective quality control in food manufacturing](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/Blog%20Imagery%20(PI%20AUTOMATED)/Blog%20Headers/shutterstock_2133827717%20(1).jpg)](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/quality-control-in-food-manufacturing) [A guide to effective quality control in food manufacturing](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/quality-control-in-food-manufacturing) [![The Best Food Allergy Apps and How They Work](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/Blog%20Imagery%20(PI%20AUTOMATED)/Blog%20Headers/shutterstock_2247276303.jpg)](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/the-best-food-allergy-apps-and-how-they-work) [The Best Food Allergy Apps and How They Work](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/the-best-food-allergy-apps-and-how-they-work) [![Five consumer food apps reshaping retail reporting and analytics](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/five-consumer-food-apps-reshaping-retail-reporting-and-analytics-blog-hero.png)](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/five-consumer-food-apps-reshaping-retail-reporting-and-analytics) [Five consumer food apps reshaping retail reporting and analytics](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/five-consumer-food-apps-reshaping-retail-reporting-and-analytics) [![The Real Cost of Poor Data Visibility in Protein Procurement](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/Why%20Protein%20Procurement%20Needs%20Real-Time%20Data%20Visibility%20blog%20hero%20image.png)](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/the-real-cost-of-poor-data-visibility-in-protein-procurement) [The Real Cost of Poor Data Visibility in Protein Procurement](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/the-real-cost-of-poor-data-visibility-in-protein-procurement) [![AI in food supply chains: why visibility is where it's paying off](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/brcgs%20audit%20overlap%20shutterstock_2742316531.jpg)](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/blog/ai-in-food-supply-chains) [AI in food supply chains: why visibility is where it's paying off](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/blog/ai-in-food-supply-chains) [![Building Food Supply Chain Resilience: A Guide for Procurement Teams](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/supply-chain-resilience-food-procurement-guide-hero-image.png)](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/supply-chain-resilience-food-procurement-guide) [Building Food Supply Chain Resilience: A Guide for Procurement Teams](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/supply-chain-resilience-food-procurement-guide) [![Foods Connected Acquires HarvestMark Quality Insights Platform](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/FOODS%20CONNECTED%20AQUISTION%20-%20DESIGN%20ASSETS%20-%20AUGUST%202026.png)](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/resources/foods-connected-acquires-harvestmark) [Foods Connected Acquires HarvestMark Quality Insights Platform](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/resources/foods-connected-acquires-harvestmark) - [September 2026](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2026/09) - [August 2026](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2026/08) - [July 2026](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2026/07) - [June 2026](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2026/06) - [May 2026](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2026/05) - [April 2026](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2026/04) - [March 2026](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2026/03) - [February 2026](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2026/02) - [January 2026](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2026/01) - [December 2025](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2025/12) - [November 2025](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2025/11) - [October 2025](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2025/10) - [September 2025](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2025/09) - [August 2025](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2025/08) - [July 2025](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2025/07) - [June 2025](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2025/06) - [May 2025](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2025/05) - [April 2025](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2025/04) - [March 2025](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2025/03) - [February 2025](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2025/02) - [January 2025](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2025/01) - [December 2024](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2024/12) - [November 2024](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2024/11) - [October 2024](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2024/10) - [September 2024](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2024/09) - [August 2024](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2024/08) - [July 2024](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2024/07) - [June 2024](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2024/06) - [May 2024](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2024/05) - [April 2024](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2024/04) - [March 2024](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2024/03) - [February 2024](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2024/02) - [January 2024](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2024/01) - [December 2023](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2023/12) - [November 2023](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2023/11) - [October 2023](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2023/10) - [September 2023](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2023/09) - [August 2023](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2023/08) - [July 2023](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2023/07) - [June 2023](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2023/06) - [May 2023](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2023/05) - [April 2023](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2023/04) - [March 2023](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2023/03) - [December 2022](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2022/12) - [November 2022](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2022/11) - [October 2022](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2022/10) Sidebar ### Related Posts [![Foods Connected is updating: a platform built for your future](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/Modernisation%20Landing%20Page%20(for%20review)%20(5).png)](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/foods-connected-is-updating-a-platform-built-for-your-future) 1 min read [Company News](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/tag/company-news) [Digital Transformation](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/tag/digital-transformation) ##### [Foods Connected is updating: a platform built for your future](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/foods-connected-is-updating-a-platform-built-for-your-future) By [Foods Connected team](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/author/foods-connected-team) on 27/03/2026 This year Foods Connected is getting its biggest upgrade yet. We are modernising our tech and delivering significant... [Continue Reading](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/foods-connected-is-updating-a-platform-built-for-your-future) [![The Global Food Supply Chain Under Pressure: Measuring the impact of the rising cost of goods](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/BLOG%20HEADERS%20-%20Correct%20Size%20(16).png)](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/measuring-the-impact-of-the-rising-cost-of-goods) 6 min read [Economy](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/tag/economy) ##### [The Global Food Supply Chain Under Pressure: Measuring the impact of the rising cost of goods](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/measuring-the-impact-of-the-rising-cost-of-goods) By [Natalie Thorpe](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/author/natalie-thorpe) on 01/03/2023 Global food supply chains have faced momentous challenges in recent years. [Continue Reading](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/measuring-the-impact-of-the-rising-cost-of-goods) [![Crustacean Compassion's Snapshot 2025: everything you need to know about the new crustacean welfare report](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/crustacean%20compassion%20report_%20shutterstock_2377756843.jpg)](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/crustacean-compassions-snapshot-2025-benchmark-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-new-crustacean-welfare-report) 7 min read [Industry News](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/tag/industry-news) [Regulations](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/tag/regulations) ##### [Crustacean Compassion's Snapshot 2025: everything you need to know about the new crustacean welfare report](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/crustacean-compassions-snapshot-2025-benchmark-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-new-crustacean-welfare-report) By [Charlotte Maddocks](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/author/charlotte-maddocks) on 27/03/2026 The new Snapshot 2025 report from Crustacean Compassion was released on March 25 2026. Our Agriculture, Welfare &... [Continue Reading](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/crustacean-compassions-snapshot-2025-benchmark-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-new-crustacean-welfare-report) [![The numbers don't lie: what AI is actually delivering for food manufacturers](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/Analytics%20Manager%20update-1.png)](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/what-ai-is-actually-delivering-for-food-manufacturers) 5 min read [Data & Reporting](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/tag/data-reporting) [Artificial Intelligence](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/tag/artificial-intelligence) [Expert Insights](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/tag/expert-insights) ##### [The numbers don't lie: what AI is actually delivering for food manufacturers](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/what-ai-is-actually-delivering-for-food-manufacturers) By [Foods Connected team](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/author/foods-connected-team) on 12/06/2026 49% of food manufacturers are using AI according to our research\*. We take a stat-led look at what that means for the... [Continue Reading](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/what-ai-is-actually-delivering-for-food-manufacturers) [![The quest for total food transparency](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/Blog%20Imagery%20(PI%20AUTOMATED)/Blog%20Headers/Understanding%20an%20agile%20approach%20to%20product%20lifecycle%20managementjpg.jpg)](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/the-quest-for-total-food-transparency) 3 min read [Sustainability](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/tag/sustainability) [Supply Chain Management](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/tag/supply-chain-management) [Food Safety & Quality](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/tag/food-safety-quality) ##### [The quest for total food transparency](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/the-quest-for-total-food-transparency) By [Chris Elliott](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/author/chris-elliott) on 10/08/2021 Each day of each year the world’s food system must try to feed close to 8 billion people and the numbers grow by an... [Continue Reading](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/the-quest-for-total-food-transparency) [![Foods Connected launches new experience Supplier Manager app](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/Big%20Beta%20breaskfast%20header.png)](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/foods-connected-launches-new-supplier-manager-app) 2 min read [Company News](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/tag/company-news) [Digital Transformation](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/tag/digital-transformation) ##### [Foods Connected launches new experience Supplier Manager app](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/foods-connected-launches-new-supplier-manager-app) By [Foods Connected team](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/author/foods-connected-team) on 19/05/2026 After a successful pilot program, Foods Connected has launched its Beta roll-out, starting with its most widely-used... [Continue Reading](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/foods-connected-launches-new-supplier-manager-app) [![Allergen management in QSR: 3 ways to keep your supply chain safe](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/Blog%20Imagery%20(PI%20AUTOMATED)/Blog%20Headers/Allergen%20Management-3%20key%20ways.jpg)](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/allergen-management-in-qsr) 16 min read [Supply Chain Management](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/tag/supply-chain-management) [Allergen Management](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/tag/allergen-management) ##### [Allergen management in QSR: 3 ways to keep your supply chain safe](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/allergen-management-in-qsr) By [Matthew Broadbent](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/author/matthew-broadbent) on 08/05/2025 Allergens and more specifically, the management of them in the supply chain is one of the biggest challenges that faces... [Continue Reading](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/allergen-management-in-qsr) [![5 key findings on traceability in the food industry: a global snapshot](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/Blog%20Imagery%20(PI%20AUTOMATED)/Blog%20Headers/shutterstock_2259314129%20(2).jpg)](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/5-key-findings-on-traceability-in-the-food-industry) 11 min read [Sustainability](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/tag/sustainability) [Supply Chain Management](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/tag/supply-chain-management) [Traceability](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/tag/traceability) [FSMA 204](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/tag/fsma-204) [Artificial Intelligence](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/tag/artificial-intelligence) [EUDR](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/tag/eudr) ##### [5 key findings on traceability in the food industry: a global snapshot](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/5-key-findings-on-traceability-in-the-food-industry) By [Natalie Thorpe](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/author/natalie-thorpe) on 15/05/2024 Foods Connected spoke to 500 industry professionals across the US and the UK about traceability. Here's a first look at... [Continue Reading](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/5-key-findings-on-traceability-in-the-food-industry) [![Meet the team with Keith Cole](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/Blog%20Imagery%20(PI%20AUTOMATED)/Blog%20Headers/Keith%20Cole%20Hi%20Res%20(1).png)](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/meet-the-team-keith-cole) 2 min read [Company News](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/tag/company-news) ##### [Meet the team with Keith Cole](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/meet-the-team-keith-cole) By [Natalie Thorpe](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/author/natalie-thorpe) on 25/04/2023 We caught up with Keith Cole this month, President of Sales, North America at Foods Connected. Keith recently joined... [Continue Reading](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/meet-the-team-keith-cole) [![BBFAW 2025 report: what the farm animal welfare benchmark means for food](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/DSC04994.jpg)](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/bbfaw-2025-report-what-the-farm-animal-welfare-benchmark-means-for-food) 20 min read [Animal Welfare](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/tag/animal-welfare) [Data & Reporting](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/tag/data-reporting) [BBFAW](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/tag/bbfaw) ##### [BBFAW 2025 report: what the farm animal welfare benchmark means for food](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/bbfaw-2025-report-what-the-farm-animal-welfare-benchmark-means-for-food) By [Charlotte Maddocks](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/author/charlotte-maddocks) on 08/05/2026 Our Agriculture, Welfare & Sustainability specialist, Charlotte Maddocks, analyses what the latest farm animal welfare... [Continue Reading](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/bbfaw-2025-report-what-the-farm-animal-welfare-benchmark-means-for-food) ### Stay up to date [![footer-logo-1](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/Imported%20images/footer-logo-1.svg "footer-logo-1")](http://foodsconnected.com) ![](https://www.foodsconnected.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/mintec@4x-8.png)  ![footerawardlogos-1](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported%20sitepage%20images/footerawardlogos-1.png?width=340&height=167&name=footerawardlogos-1.png)  ![Deliotte2022\_Top50-1](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported%20sitepage%20images/Deliotte2022_Top50-1.jpg?width=340&height=162&name=Deliotte2022_Top50-1.jpg)   ###### Company - [Our Services](https://www.foodsconnected.com/our-services/) - [Solutions](https://www.foodsconnected.com/solutions/) - [Sectors](https://www.foodsconnected.com/sectors/) - [About Us](https://www.foodsconnected.com/about-us/) - [Support](https://support.foodsconnected.com/support/home) - [Request a Demo](https://www.foodsconnected.com/request-a-demo/) - [Careers](https://www.foodsconnected.com/careers/) - [Resources](https://www.foodsconnected.com/resources/) ###### Solutions - [Food Compliance Software](https://www.foodsconnected.com/solutions/food-compliance-software/) - [Safety Audits & Quality Management](https://www.foodsconnected.com/solutions/safety-audits-quality-management/) - [Food Procurement Management Software](https://www.foodsconnected.com/solutions/food-procurement-management-software/) - [Food Specifications & NPD](https://www.foodsconnected.com/solutions/food-specifications-npd/) - [CSR & Supply Chain Sustainability](https://www.foodsconnected.com/solutions/csr-supply-chain-sustainability/) - [Food Traceability Software](https://www.foodsconnected.com/solutions/food-traceability-software/) - [Reporting & Analytics](https://www.foodsconnected.com/solutions/reporting-analytics/) - [HACCP Management Software](https://www.foodsconnected.com/solutions/haccp-management-software/) - [Meat Processing Software Solutions](https://www.foodsconnected.com/solutions/meat-processing-software-solutions/) ###### Contact Us - Ground Floor, Old City Factory, Patrick Street, Londonderry, BT48 7EL - [info@foodsconnected.com](mailto:info@foodsconnected.com) ###### Locations Derry | Belfast | Sydney - [Privacy Policy](https://www.foodsconnected.com/privacy-policy/) - [Terms and Conditions](https://www.foodsconnected.com/terms-and-conditions) - [Modern Slavery Act](https://www.foodsconnected.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Modern-Slavery-and-Human-Trafficking-Statement-2021.pdf) - [Cookie Policy](https://www.foodsconnected.com/cookie-policy) - [Diversity and Inclusion Policy](https://www.foodsconnected.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Diversity-Inclusion-Policy.pdf) © 2025 Foods Connected. All rights reserved. - - - - ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "articleSection" : [ "What ESG means for food and drink businesses", "The shift toward responsible sourcing", "Rising expectations from consumers and retailers", "Why supply-chain transparency matters", "How companies can prepare for future ESG demands" ], "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Natalie Thorpe" }, "dateModified" : "2022-11-29", "datePublished" : "2022-11-29", "description" : "This article explores how ESG and sustainability are reshaping the food and drink industry, including rising consumer expectations, reporting requirements, supply-chain pressures and how businesses can prepare for the future.", "headline" : "ESG & Sustainability in Food and Drink", "image" : "https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/esg-and-sustainability-food-and-drink-header.jpg", "keywords" : [ "ESG food industry", "sustainability in food and drink", "food supply chain sustainability", "ESG reporting food sector", "ethical sourcing food industry" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.foodsconnected.com/esg-and-sustainability-in-food-and-drink", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/foodsconnected-logo.png" }, "name" : "Foods Connected" } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "FAQPage", "mainEntity" : [ { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "ESG refers to Environmental, Social and Governance practices that influence how responsibly a food or drink business operates, from supply-chain transparency to ethical sourcing and emissions reporting." }, "name" : "What does ESG mean in the food and drink industry?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Consumers and retailers increasingly expect responsible sourcing, lower environmental impact, reduced waste and clearer transparency throughout the supply chain." }, "name" : "Why is sustainability becoming more important for food businesses?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "ESG drives the need for visibility across multiple tiers, stricter supplier checks, improved data reporting and higher standards for environmental and social responsibility." }, "name" : "How does ESG impact the food supply chain?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Common challenges include fragmented data, inconsistent supplier standards, complex reporting requirements and the need to evidence sustainability claims with verified information." }, "name" : "What challenges do food businesses face when meeting ESG requirements?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Companies can invest in digital tools, strengthen supplier engagement, increase traceability, measure environmental impact and adopt clear reporting frameworks." }, "name" : "How can food businesses prepare for future ESG expectations?" } ] } ```