Read the Platform’s new Sector Sprint report: “How to unlock nature-positive transformation in the food retail sector?”

With half of the world's GDP relying significantly on nature, biodiversity loss poses significant risks to the global economy. The food retail sector, in particular, contributes significantly to biodiversity loss and global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Due to its unique position within the value chain, the report explores how the food retail sector can play a pivotal role in this nature positive transformation and become a key driver of systemic change.

This report has been developed by the EU Business & Biodiversity Platform,  as part of the workstream aiming to integrate biodiversity into the mainstream of business practices. It addresses the urgent need for nature-positive transformation in the food retail sector. Through sector-level analysis using the ENCORE tool (developed by Global Canopy, UNEP FI and UNEP-WCMC) the significant impacts and dependencies in the mid- and downstream value chain of the food retail sector on biodiversity are explored. The report also provides guidance on nature-positive actions, emphasising the unique opportunity food retailers have to influence consumer behaviour towards sustainable choices and improve waste management practices. 

The development of this report involved stakeholder engagement, including representatives from academia, civil society, investors, and policymakers. Their insights, captured through interviews and workshops, helped develop a report that provides actionable solutions for nature-positive change and provides a unique perspective by focusing on the mid- and downstream supply chain of the food retail sector.

Download the report here.