**Scotland**: The Scotland Food & Drink Partnership has released a guide to aid food producers in aligning with sustainability objectives set by customers, amid an industry shift towards Science-Based Targets in the pursuit of Net Zero. The guide aims to enhance competitiveness and simplify sustainability reporting.
The Scotland Food & Drink Partnership has unveiled a new guide aimed at assisting Scottish food producers in aligning with the sustainability goals of their customers. This initiative, part of the organisation’s Net Zero Commitment, was launched today and is a response to the growing emphasis on sustainability within the food industry, particularly from UK national retailers and foodservice companies.
The comprehensive guide has been developed through extensive engagement with industry stakeholders, focusing on the varying priorities and goals of different businesses. The research reveals that Science-Based Targets (SBT) are increasingly becoming the benchmark for sustainability efforts in the sector. This trend suggests that Scottish producers who wish to seize profitable opportunities within retail and foodservice must proactively adjust their practices to meet these emerging standards.
Iain Clunie, Director of the Net Zero Commitment Programme, highlighted the complexities faced by suppliers in the current landscape. “Navigating Net Zero can be challenging, especially for suppliers managing different sustainability expectations from retail and foodservice customers,” he said. Clunie noted that many companies have set ambitious targets, making it crucial for producers to understand the implications these targets may have on their operations.
The guide is designed to clarify customer expectations regarding sustainability, offering Scottish producers insights that could enhance their competitiveness. Clunie emphasised that “proactively meeting or exceeding these requirements will give Scottish producers a competitive advantage in an often challenging sales environment.”
Additionally, the collaborative spirit of the initiative is noteworthy, as companies engaged during the research phase expressed their dedication to simplifying sustainability reporting throughout the supply chain. This collaboration is intended to ease the burden on producers while helping them align with the sustainability aspirations of their customers.
For those interested in exploring the guide further, it is accessible online at the provided link.
Source: Noah Wire Services



