Research company the Aberdeen Group has found that sustainability in the food supply chain has become a crucial issue to the top performers in the sector.
Following increased awareness among consumers of the impact that food has on the planet, Aberdeen research has found that the top food manufacturers and distributors are now proactively working to ensure that sustainability is at the top of their agenda.
Sustainability initiatives and corporate responsibility is used by the top companies, the research said, to, "increase food safety and quality, dramatically reduce costs and waste; build customer and stakeholder loyalty and awareness and achieve social and environmental stewardship".
Many businesses in the UK will already be aware of the benefits of improving the ethical credentials of their supply chain.
Those who wish to improve their credentials without missing out on days worth of management hours, however, could contract a third-party supply chain management company to ensure that all possible avenues are covered and that the company benefits from making as many adaptations to its business as possible.
Over half (56 per cent) of respondents to the research conducted by the Aberdeen Group said that "competitive advantage" was the most compelling reason behind their decision to focus on sustainability.
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