The pressure on SME food companies is rapidly increasing when it comes to sustainability policies. Retailers are imposing stricter requirements, certification standards are being tightened and customers are demanding transparency on provenance, environmental impact and social responsibility. Whether you develop sustainable packaging, produce plant-based products or work in dairy, sooner or later you will have to deal with ESG reporting obligation.
Many companies experience this chain pressure on a daily basis. Procurement conversations in which sustainability is suddenly on the table. Certifications that require new evidence. Retailers asking for substantiated claims and chain information. The question is: how do you deal with that? In this blog you will read how to approach sustainability reporting not just as an obligation, but use it as a strategic lever for trust, access to markets and commercial advantage.
Retailers are professionalizing their sustainability requirements at lightning speed. Large supermarket chains are demanding reports from suppliers on CO2 emissions, energy consumption, origin of ingredients and working conditions in the chain. Producers are given a dossier of questionnaires, due diligence formats and requests for proof in sustainability claims.
Not only retail, but also corporate customers in foodservice and export markets set ESG requirements. Think requirements around palm oil use, carbon footprints, water consumption or social audits. Those who cannot provide this information quickly and in a structured manner run the risk of dropping out of the chain or missing out on orders.
Moreover, sustainability reporting is mandatory for more and more links in the chain. Even if you do not yet fall under that obligation, the burden of proof falls on your organization because you are part of the chain. The result: those who are not prepared with ESG reporting, for example, suffer from time pressure, stress around audits and frustration in customer relations.
Why a proactive ESG approach pays off
Especially in a sector with so much chain dependence, transparency is worth its weight in gold. Anyone who has their ESG reporting in order can quickly answer questions from clients or auditors. That inspires confidence. It shows that you have a grip on your impact and are willing to take responsibility for sustainability. And that pays off.
In addition, a good ESG structure saves time and stress. No collecting endless Excel sheets during audits, but one clear source of truth. No ambiguity with client questions, but a story that rings true. With the right ESG consultant and tooling, you build a foundation that inspires confidence and takes work off your hands.
The smart way for food companies
A successful ESG approach starts with an overview. What is already there? What is required? And what is material for your organization, i.e. really relevant to report on? The first step is an ESG quick scan, with which you quickly map out where you stand as an organization. Then you and your team determine the most important themes, for example through a materiality analysis. Your story then follows: what do you want to achieve, which KPIs do you link to it, and how do you demonstrate progress?
Good ESG reporting is aligned with standards such as GRI, VSME or ESRS, but translates these to your own organizational context. You don't have to provide every data point. Instead, choose what is relevant and make your report credible. For example, show how you deal with packaging materials, energy use, employee working conditions or your supplier policies.
In this way, ESG does not become a paper obligation, but a way to strengthen your story as a sustainable producer.
This is how Planet YesPlanet Yes is there for SMEs in the food sector that want to take sustainability seriously, without it paralyzing their organization. Our ESG consultants have experience in food and know what is going on in practice. They help you structure workflows, prioritize and report in a way that suits your organization.
Our software allows you to collect, monitor and share data on a single platform. No separate spreadsheets, but one central environment in which your ESG profile takes shape. Think dashboards, reports, audit trails and KPI overviews. This saves time and prevents mistakes. Moreover, you are prepared for questions from clients, audits or new obligations that may arise.
Whether you are just starting out or have already taken steps: we help you along. And always with an eye on opportunities. Because ESG reporting is not just compliance, it is also positioning, growth and trust.
Sustainability pressure in the food sector is inevitable. But how you deal with it is up to you. With the right approach, ESG reporting becomes not a burden, but a lever. For trust, for commercial clout, and for access to new markets.
Want to know how your organization can use ESG as a growth accelerator? Then schedule a meeting with an ESG consultant from Planet Yes. Discover how our workflows, software and advice help you get a handle on commitments, performance and opportunities with a single reporting structure.