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Food, Beverage and Consumer Goods

Responsible for feeding and clothing the world and providing everyday products for cleaning, washing, entertainment and leisure, this system touches on the life of every person on the planet. With a huge supply chain and high labour intensity, the system comes with a significant environmental and social footprint.

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Broad base of action but work to do

Compared to all survey respondents, more food, beverage and consumer goods companies are acting on the SDGs, with 87 per cent taking action compared to an average of 84 per cent. Despite this, only 21 per cent of respondents believe their system is moving fast enough to meet the SDGs


Enhanced supply chain focus

Compared to other systems, the food, beverage and consumer goods system has a greater focus on responsible supply chain issues. Some 60  per cent of system respondents use supplier risk assessments to improve supply chain understanding,  compared to only 40 per cent for all systems combined. Research suggests this enhanced focus is linked to the need for  the industry to demonstrate social compliance and ethical practices.

Social focus

Although interviewees reported that the social SDGs were high priorities for the system,  recognition of the challenge only stands at around 50 per cent. This  shows more work is required to engage companies on the change required to deliver these SDGs. 


Sustainable transition needs 

Given the dynamics of this system, including relying on complex global supply chains and large workforces, collaboration across the value chain and  partnerships with Governments and industry groups will be essential for delivering meaningful change. Digitalization and Science Based Targets are just some of the leverage points identified to create a supportive foundation for transition.