Towards Net Zero Coalition Releases Key Takeaways Report from 2024 Commodity Masterclasses

The 2024 series focused on five key commodities: Dairy, Potatoes, Cocoa, and Coffee, with sessions led by Ahold Delhaize, Bel Group, Danone, Mondelēz International, and PepsiCo respectively. Each session provided in-depth exploration of commodity-specific challenges, strategies, and innovative initiatives aimed at reducing carbon footprints.

The Key Takeaways Report highlights common challenges faced by the industry, including regional variability, data gaps, financing barriers, and supply chain fragmentation. It also showcases shared solutions such as public-private partnerships, farmer empowerment, and investments in carbon monitoring. Detailed case studies from participating companies offer practical examples of successful decarbonization initiatives.

Key Highlights from the 2024 Sessions:

1. Dairy (Bel Group & Danone): Bel Group implemented carbon diagnostics and regenerative agriculture practices with 700 partner farms, while Danone introduced feed additives like Bovaer and focused on regenerative agriculture to reduce methane emissions and improve soil health.
2. Potatoes (PepsiCo): PepsiCo prioritized renewable energy pilots and low-carbon fertilizers to minimize emissions from farming and storage operations.
3. Cocoa (Mondelēz International): Through its Cocoa Life program, Mondelēz International addressed deforestation and promoted sustainable farming through farm mapping, agroforestry training, and ecosystem service payments.
4. Coffee (Ahold Delhaize): Ahold Delhaize invested in Rainforest Alliance-certified coffee to eliminate land-use changes and focused on reducing packaging emissions through innovative design.

Sharon Bligh, Director of Health and Sustainability at The Consumer Goods Forum. said:

“The Commodity Masterclasses provide a vital platform for collaboration and knowledge sharing within the consumer goods industry. The insights and solutions shared in the 2024 report are crucial for accelerating decarbonization efforts and creating scalable solutions for sustainable food supply chains.“

Looking Ahead to 2025

The Commodity Masterclasses are part of an ongoing series and will continue into 2025, expanding their impact and fostering collaboration to achieve net-zero goals. Organizations interested in hosting future sessions are encouraged to contact the CGF team at [email protected].

For a full list of upcoming sessions and to access the 2024 Key Takeaways Report, visit the CGF’s Commodity Masterclass page.