SSCI Takes Part in Global Responsible Sourcing Conversation at International Sustainability Summit

May 23, 2024 /3BL/ - The Consumer Goods Forum’s Sustainable Supply Chain Initiative (SSCI) was prominently featured in the global responsible sourcing dialogue at the International Sustainability Summit, held at the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel in Vancouver, British Columbia on 26 April 2024.

The event, hosted by the Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) in partnership with the International Federation for Produce Standards and the Global Coalition of Fresh Produce, brought together industry leaders to advance discussions on sustainability in the global fresh produce industry.

Dr. Yogendra Chaudhry (Yogi), SSCI Benchmark Leader (and VP of Professional Services & ESG at ECO Canada), represented SSCI on a panel titled “The State of Sustainability - Efforts Impacting Global Produce Supply Chains.” The panel included notable voices such as Cheryl Sullivan of International Featured Standards (IFS), Richard Schouten from the Fresh Produce Centre (Groenten Fruit Huis), and Erika Luna from the International Institute for Sustainable Development.

Yogi highlighted the critical importance of developing standardised sustainability practices and reporting mechanisms to enhance transparency and accountability across global supply chains. His insights on challenges and opportunities within business strategies resonated with the summit's goal of fostering a unified approach to sustainability in the fresh produce sector.

You can replay the session here.

The summit, which featured a series of keynote speeches, panel discussions, and breakout sessions, addressed key challenges and opportunities in achieving a globally sustainable produce supply chain. Participants engaged in shaping a Draft Fresh Produce Sustainability Charter, focusing on environmental, social, and governance themes. This charter aims to harmonise practices, mitigate risks, and prioritise actions toward sustainability.

The SSCI has been an integral part of global conversations, driving forward responsible procurement and due diligence alongside partners and stakeholders. As SSCI continues to grow, it looks forward to expanding these efforts across all regions and all sectors, further embedding sustainability into the fabric of global supply chains.

Key takeaways from the summit include the identification of guiding principles for industry practices, ongoing activities to support sustainability, and leading risks to harmonisation. These findings will inform a comprehensive Summit Report, scheduled for release in Q2 2024, aimed at promoting sustainability, advocating for supportive initiatives, and accelerating the adoption of sustainable practices in the fresh produce industry.

For more details on the summit proceedings and to access presentation slides and session recordings, please visit the International Sustainability Summit’s website.

About the Consumer Goods Forum’s Sustainable Supply Chain Initiative (SSCI):

The Consumer Goods Forum (CGF) Sustainable Supply Chain Initiative (SSCI) builds trust in sustainability standards worldwide by benchmarking third-party auditing and certification programmes and recognising schemes that meet social and environmental industry sustainability expectations. By providing an open-source list of recognised programmes, the SSCI delivers clear guidance on which schemes cover key sustainability criteria and apply relevant verification practices. The SSCI improves transparency in the market, facilitates decision-making on schemes at both buyer and supplier level, and sets responsible sourcing expectations for the industry. For more information, visit www.tcgfssci.com.