Exploringthe Opportunities for Sustainability in the Food Industry

A commercially astute sustainability  expert, Ollie Rosevear has been pushing  boundaries to mitigate the environmental  impact of Fuller, Smith & Turner. He has  been a staunch advocate of cross-industry  collaboration and has led several initiatives  that have brought together key stakeholders  from across the supply chain. 

In an interview with Food Business  Review Europe, Rosevear sheds light on the  importance of sustainable sourcing in the  coffee and tea industry, as well as the best  practices to reduce carbon footprints in the  supply chain. 

What are some of the significant  challenges to achieving  sustainability in the food industry? 

One of the most significant challenges is  addressing climate change. It is essential  for responsible businesses to undertake  efforts to minimize the impact on the  environment and combat climate change.  This involves revising the company’s  operational missions, reducing emissions  during product delivery, optimizing energy  usage, and minimizing the waste generated  from our offerings. A substantial part of  our environmental footprint lies within  our supply chain, so working closely with  suppliers who adapt to sustainable practices  is pivotal to reducing the environmental  impact of our products. Additionally,  climate change can also affect the coffee  production regions, which may disrupt our  sourcing and lead to social repercussions Can you elaborate on some of the strategies for  sustainable sourcing in the coffee and tea industry?  Certifications, such as Rainforest Alliance , ensure that sustainable  farming practices are followed, including responsible water use,  soil preservation, and protection against land use issues. These  practices result in lower environmental impact and higher-quality  beans. Through sustainable sourcing practices, farmers will get a  better yield and guarantee fair compensation for their produce. 

A Substantial Part Of Our Environmental Footprint Lies Within Our Supply Chain, So Working Closely With Suppliers Who Adapt To Sustainable Practices Is Pivotal To Reducing The Environmental Impact Of Our Products

 

Understanding the various stages of the supply chain and  the processes of different partners involved can significantly  contribute to upholding sustainability in your production. This can  include assuring each player follows sustainable practices and uses  efficient machines and recyclable packages. 

What are the best practices for reducing carbon  footprints during the supply chain in the coffee  and tea industry? 

One of the key strategies is shortening the distance between  the farms and the roaster. Since a majority of green coffee is  shipped, cutting down the supply chain can help minimize  marine emissions. Efficiently managing and reducing the  journey from the warehouse to the roasting site is also  crucial. This involves optimizing daily routes and the use of  more sustainable electric vehicles for the transport of goods.  Considering backhaul options for recycling and reusing  products like coffee grounds and cups can further contribute  to reducing carbon footprints. 

What, according to you, are some of the significant  trends and technologies that are going to impact  the coffee and tea space? 

The adoption of regenerative agriculture practices is  expected to become more relevant. These practices will  reduce the chemicals going into the soil and also emphasize  responsible land use and biodiversity. Another emerging  trend that is attracting attention is vertical farming, which  offers a sustainable way to cultivate coffee in a controlled  environment with minimal water inputs. Additionally,  the transition from disposable to reusable options in  the takeaway culture will be influential in reducing the  wasteful impact of coffee. Innovations like AI-driven digital  signatures for cup reuse are set to drive this shift. 

What advice would you give to budding  professionals and peers in the industry? 

Sustainability works best when it’s true commercial  sustainability. Understanding the whole supply chain  process and the key stakeholders associated with it is  crucial. By getting under the skin of the supply chain, you  can help businesses identify opportunities that improve  efficiency and the commerciality of your product while  reducing its environmental impact.