Leading supermarket brand Tesco, and many of its Welsh suppliers, are working with the Welsh Government on an innovative programme to help food and drink businesses reduce their carbon footprint and to grow sustainably.
The groundbreaking collaboration between government, businesses and retailers is making great strides towards reaching net zero in the food and drink industry.
The initiative is supported by over a hundred Welsh food and drink companies, including household names such as Authentic Curry Company, Penderyn, Edwards – the Welsh Butcher, and Ellis Eggs.
The pilot is helping businesses to measure and reduce their carbon emissions, which is increasingly called for by consumers and financial institutions. There are three phases to the pilot:
- Establishing Protocols: Tailoring carbon measurement protocols for Welsh businesses.
- Setting Baselines: Using a carbon capture tool to establish emission baselines.
- Creating Reduction Plans: Developing expert-guided, industry-specific carbon reduction strategies.
Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, emphasised the importance of this collaboration: “This pilot programme is a significant step for Wales’s food and drink industry. Tesco’s support is invaluable in equipping businesses with the tools to measure and reduce their carbon footprint, enhancing competitiveness and sustainability.”
Tesco, committed to achieving net zero across its value chain by 2050, has already reduced its operational emissions by 61% since 2015.
Enfys Fox, Relationship Manager for Local Sourcing at Tesco, said, “Tesco is committed to building a more sustainable food system, and we’re proud to work alongside the Welsh Government in this transformative pilot programme.Â
“We recognise the role that industry has to play in helping reduce carbon emissions. By supporting our suppliers in baselining their impact and providing actionable strategies to take forward, we are taking important steps to address the climate crisis and ensure a sustainable future for the industry.”
Simon James, Managing Director of Edwards – the Welsh Butcher, highlighted the business benefits: “Participating in this pilot helps us baseline our emissions and develop strategies to reduce them. Sustainable practices are essential for winning future supply contracts.“
This programme creates a blueprint for scaling carbon reduction initiatives across Wales’s food and drink industry.
The benefits are numerous. Participating businesses are being supported to establish protocols and reduce their carbon emissions which will strengthen their position when seeking financing for growth.
When dealing with loan applications, financial institutions often seek proof that businesses are genuinely measuring their carbon emissions. The pilot programme offers this assurance by providing a structured framework for tracking and reporting emissions, equipping businesses with credible data to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability.
Through verified assessments and clear documentation, participants can confidently present their progress, strengthening their case for securing financial support.
For more information, visit gov.wales/foodanddrinkwales
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It’s great to see how collaboration can drive sustainability. The food and drink sector often gets criticized for its environmental impact,so it’s encouraging to know that innovation is leading the way to positive change. What specific partnerships or technologies are showing the most promise right now?