The proliferation of certification schemes for food products was one of the key issues debated at the Sustainable Foods Summit, held in São Paulo at the end of March. Organised by Organics Monitor, the event attracted 140 senior executives who gathered to discuss various topics surrounding sustainability and certification.
Luis Fernando Pinto from Imaflora told the assembled delegates that the high inspection and certification costs and accompanying bureaucracy of multiple standards was proving a major barrier for sustainable food production.
Many participants agreed that harmonisation or mutual recognition of standards was the way forward. However, Augusto Freire of Cert ID likened the elusive solution to the Loch Ness monster, saying “everyone is talking about it, but no one sees it”.
A number of speakers stated the challenges in developing internal markets for sustainable foods within Latin America. Ming Liu from IPD Organics in Brazil said consumer knowledge of organic and sustainable products was a major hurdle.
“Although consumers are aware, few could correctly state what organic production means,” she noted.
Raising domestic production levels was another hurdle according to Cassio Franco Moreira of the Brazilian Organic Coffee Association. About a third of the Brazilian organic products market was supplied by imports.
Two leading Brazilian retailers shared their sustainability experiences. Wal-Mart said zero waste, renewable energy and sustainable products were its key priorities. The retailer has made pledges to source sustainable soy, beef and wood in Brazil.
Pão de Açúcar, meanwhile, is focusing on marketing sustainable foods under its private label. Its Taeq brand is leading in terms of organic food sales. The supermarket has also introducing a reverse logistics programme that removes packaging from waste streams.
Sustainability is high on the agenda for Brazilian food companies and retailers, however their priorities differ from those in other regions. Biodiversity, especially the preservation of the Amazon, is of particular importance in the country. Packaging, waste reduction, and renewable energy are also key sustainability issues. However, sustainable agriculture, food waste, local markets and transparency in supply chains are areas that warrant greater attention. Organics Monitor said subsequent editions of the Sustainable Foods Summit will focus on these key areas.