On 5 July 2021, the European Commission implemented the European Union (EU) Code of Conduct for Responsible Food Business and Marketing Practices (the Code).
The Code encourages actors 'between the farm and fork' to voluntarily commit to actions that improve their sustainability performance. These actors include food processors, food service operators and retailers.
There is demand for transparency into the sustainability credentials of food products in the EU. The Code (developed by the European Commission) and the 'Eco-score' (developed by the EU private sector) are responding to this demand.
Implications for exporters
Exporters should monitor commitments their importers make in areas such as:
- animal welfare
- sugar reduction
- cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
These actions may affect supply chains and opportunities in the EU market.
The European Commission's website has information for businesses interested in making commitments under the Code.
Summary of the Code
The Code contains seven 'aspirational objectives', including:
- preventing and reducing food loss and waste
- a climate-neutral food chain in Europe by 2050
- sustainable sourcing in food supply chains.
The Code aims to improve sustainability in organisations' operations and throughout the supply chain.
Adherence to this Code is voluntary and complements compliance with existing legal obligations.
The Code is one of the first outcomes of the EU Farm to Fork Strategy.
Signatories to the Code
EU associations and individual companies can become signatories to the Code. They become signatories by making commitments that will contribute towards the Code's objectives.
To date, there are 78 signatories to the Code. These include major brands such as:
- Archer Daniels Midland
- Bayer
- Carrefour
- Coca-Cola Europe
- Colruyt
- Nestlé.
More businesses are expected to follow.
Coca-Cola has given an insight on initiatives that may lay ahead. It has pledged to reduce average added sugars in soft drinks by 10% by 2025. This applies to the EU and the United Kingdom.
