One-third of the greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) generated by humans are related to the food production sector, notes SustainabilityMag.

Having sustainable food producers is crucial due to the significant impact of food production on greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs), especially considering that one-third of human-generated GHGs can be attributed to the food production sector.

This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for a transformation in how we grow, manufacture, and select our food.

By transitioning to sustainable food manufacturing practices, businesses can mitigate the environmental impact associated with food production. Sustainable food producers prioritize resource efficiency, waste reduction, and renewable energy sources, thereby reducing GHG emissions.

They adopt innovative technologies and methodologies to minimize their carbon footprint and promote sustainable agriculture.

Therefore, SustainabilityMag has gathered the top 10 sustainable food producers to ensure that tonight's dinner does not harm the environment.

10. Cauldron

Headquarters: Bristol, United Kingdom

Established: 1981

Known for tofu, falafel, and vegetarian sausages, Cauldron aims to achieve a net-positive status by 2030. Meanwhile, the company is actively involved in supporting offset projects in the UK, Brazil, Nicaragua, and Nigeria.

According to a spokesperson from Cauldron, the company has successfully transitioned to using 100% renewable electricity in all its factories. Additionally, they have made significant progress in ensuring that 97% of their packaging is recyclable.

9. Venchi

Headquarters: Castelletto Stura, Italy

Established: 1878

In a recent interview with Manufacturing Digital, Venchi's Marketing Director, Cècile Osti, discussed how the luxury chocolate brand is moving towards sustainability. She said, "Venchi's investments dedicated to reducing its environmental impact have steadily increased over the years, focusing on continuous improvement in production processes and careful selection of materials and suppliers."

8. Dr Schär

Headquarters: Burgstall, Italy

Established: 1981

Dr. Schär is committed to sustainability by protecting minor crops, promoting biodiversity, and implementing ethical practices. The company prioritizes biodiversity conservation by promoting the cultivation of lesser-known crops like buckwheat, sorghum, and millet. Sustainable farming practices are encouraged, and a deforestation-free supply chain is sought after. Additionally, Dr. Schär exclusively sources cage-free eggs, demonstrating their commitment to animal welfare.

7. Alpro

Headquarters: Gent, Oost-Vlaanderen

Established: 1980

As a company, Alpro ensures that its soy is 100% ProTerra certified, a label exclusively awarded to ecologically sustainable, socially responsible, and non-GMO soybeans. Their commitment to sustainability is evident, as there is absolutely no deforestation linked to their soy production.

Sue Garfitt, CEO of Alpro, adds: "We need to change the way we look at food production and consumption. Our brand's mission is to promote more flexible diets. We want to continue to offer more options, and that's why innovation is at the core of what we do at Alpro."

6.Natural Food Riverside

Headquarters: North York, Canada

Established: 2013

Being a certified B Corp, Riverside Natural Foods is a trusted sustainable food producer. Known for popular granola and MadeGood snacks, the company believes that the food chain needs a complete business transformation for society to thrive in the 21st century. The company is dedicated to reducing emissions from Scope 1, 2, and 3 and reuses, recycles, or composts 90% of its waste.

5. Cargill

Headquarters: Wayzata, Minnesota, USA

Established: 1865

Cargill is driven by the ambition to establish the most sustainable global food supply chains. They actively strive to incorporate new sustainable practices at all levels, from small family farms to global maritime routes, with the goal of minimizing their ecological footprint and safeguarding people's well-being. Recognizing the multiple impacts of their business, Cargill has identified key priorities that encompass ESG considerations.

4.Innocent Drinks

Headquarters: London, United Kingdom

Established: 1998

Designed with sustainable production as its central focus, Innocent's state-of-the-art, carbon-neutral factory, built at a cost of $250 million USD, is an impressive testament. Located in the Netherlands, this facility, called the "blender," is powered by solar panels and wind turbines, positioning it as the most environmentally friendly healthy beverage factory in the world.

With its sustainable energy sources, the blender has the capacity to produce up to 300 million liters of beverages annually. Innocent's commitment to sustainable practices is evident in the creation of this innovative factory.

3. Danone

Headquarters: Paris, France

Established: 1919

Over 50% of Danone's global sales are covered by B Corp certification, indicating that the company has made significant progress in meeting the highest social and environmental criteria.

In the Nutricia Cuijk facility, specialized production processes are applied to enable Danone to produce foods for special medical purposes.

"The Nutricia Cuijk facility is a significant investment in achieving One Planet. One Health. We will produce food for vulnerable infants, and we are doing everything we can to maintain a healthy and clean environment for future generations," said Véronique Penchienati-Bosetta, Executive Vice President of Danone Specialized Nutrition.

2. Nestle

Headquarters: Vevey, Switzerland

Established: 1866

Nestlé uses scientific advancements and technological innovations to create products that prioritize both individual health and environmental well-being. The company is committed to achieving net-zero emissions and is dedicated to supporting regeneration efforts. As part of this commitment, Nestlé actively helps farmers grow high-quality, low-carbon-emission ingredients while maintaining a profound respect for the delicate balance of nature.

"Our organic growth was strong, with widespread market share gains, following disciplined execution, rapid innovation, and increased digitalization," said Mark Schneider, CEO of Nestlé, about Nestlé's 2021 performance.

1. Unilever

Headquarters: London, United Kingdom

Established: 1872

Unilever, a global food product manufacturer, acknowledges its role in shaping a fair and equitable global food system. In line with this responsibility, the company has launched the "Future Foods" initiative, aimed at empowering consumers to make choices that minimize their environmental footprint. Within the Future Foods initiative, Unilever has committed to:

By 2025, they aim to reduce food waste in their direct operations, from factory to shelf, by 50%.

Unilever will continue efforts to reduce calories, salt, and sugar in all its products. This ongoing commitment underscores their dedication to promoting healthier choices and improving the overall nutritional value of their offerings.

Through the Future Foods initiative, Unilever demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing environmental concerns and promoting a healthier lifestyle.