New Report on the EU Code of Conduct: Progress, Challenges, and Recommendations

In July 2021, the European Commission launched the EU Code of Conduct on Responsible Food Business and Marketing Practices, which was signed by companies and associations committed to promoting sustainability in their activities. The Code was co-designed by a task force consisting of EU Commission and EU-level associations, including NGOs and academic institutions. 

Euro Coop, Vice-Chair of the task force, and six of its members signed the Code as frontrunners. The Code, which is one of the 27 actions outlined in the EU Farm to Fork Strategy, aims to promote sustainable food systems by outlining seven common objectives and indicative actions for businesses in the food industry, retail, food service, and hospitality sectors. By signing the Code, companies have an opportunity to showcase their commitment to sustainable food practices and Europe's leadership in promoting food sustainability. 

The Code of Conduct had been signed by more than 100 EU food chain representatives, international organizations, NGOs, consumer groups, trade unions, and academics. Euro Coop fully supports the transition to sustainable food systems as it has long committed to. Being member-owned enterprises, consumer co-operatives put particular attention to their local communities in order to guarantee a holistic approach to sustainability by which environmental and social priorities are embedded into their operations. 

However, a recent study released by the EU Commission has identified several areas that require attention to further build on the progress made so far. The study recommends that signatories be more ambitious and specific with their commitments and suggests that the Code can be used as a catalyst for making and reporting on ambitious new commitments.

The report, which analyses the actions taken by the companies in the first year of the initiative, indicates that the participants have made a total of 488 commitments across the seven identified objectives by the Commission. Among these objectives, the most popular ones are achieving a climate-neutral food chain (93 commitments), a circular and resource-efficient food chain (92 commitments), healthy, balanced, and sustainable diets (83 commitments), and sustainable sourcing (82 commitments). 

However, the report suggests that more stakeholder engagement is needed to promote sustainable food practices: certain countries and sectors are underrepresented among the signatories, and there is room for growth in the signatories' diversity. The Code offers flexibility for industry associations, and the study recommends that they review the activities of those associations that have submitted concrete commitments and explore whether they could become active in similar ways. Associations would also be well-placed to facilitate cooperative commitments involving different sectors.

The study suggests fine-tuning aspects of the process and format for monitoring and reporting on commitments. The reporting deadline can be pushed back, and clearer guidance can be provided regarding the content of reports. 

The EU Code of Conduct has gained significant momentum since its launch, and the study provides useful insights into the progress made and areas that require further attention. With the implementation of the study's recommendations, the Code can play a crucial role in driving the transition towards sustainable food systems. It is essential to have a broader representation of signatories, more ambitious commitments, and better monitoring and reporting processes to promote sustainability in the food industry.

EU Code of Conduct on Responsible Food Business and Marketing Practices

Read the new report