FoodDrinkEurope publishes paper on the path to sustainable food systems

FoodDrinkEurope has published an orientation paper on the path of the food and drink industry towards sustainable food systems.

With the announcement of the European Green Deal, FoodDrinkEurope is said to be stepping forward with the contributions and commitments of the European food and drink industry to create more sustainable food systems.

Over the last decades, the European food and drink industry has allegedly been a responsible and constructive partner in addressing the economic, social, and environmental pillars of sustainability in the food chain. However, growing challenges such as climate change, resource depletion, and malnutrition are said to affect the sector.

FoodDrinkEurope has said, in order to meet the Sustainable Development Goals, it will work collectively to:

• Generate inclusive and sustainable growth
• Meet citizens’ needs and consumer demands, including through: provision of nutritional and environmental information on food and drink products, and supporting healthier and more sustainable diets
• Nurture a sustainable planet, including through: supporting sustainable farming, ensuring more sustainable global sourcing, contributing to the EU climate neutrality target by 2050, and moving towards a more responsible and efficient use of natural resources and a circular economy.

Mella Frewen, Director General of FoodDrinkEurope, said: “Our industry remains as dedicated as ever to achieving more sustainable food systems. Simply put, sustainability is the right thing for our businesses, for our society, and for our planet. With this orientation paper we hope to build on our actions to date and demonstrate our further commitments to delivering a sustainable and healthy future for all.”

A swift transition towards more sustainable food systems requires engagement and co-operation from all actors of the food supply chain, according to FoodDrinkEurope.