Aug 14, 2022

IFPA joins consumer goods sustainability initiative

The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) has joined the Consumer Goods Forum Sustainable Supply Chain Initiative, a coalition committed to building trust in consumer goods.

The Sustainable Supply Chain Initiative (SSCI) recognizes third-party auditing, monitoring and certification programs that address sustainability requirements and apply validation and governance of these standards. Representing IFPA will be Tamara Muruetagoiena, director of sustainability.

“IFPA is committed to providing expertise and business solutions in sustainability, technology, supply chain and other key issues facing the global produce and floral community,” IFPA CEO Cathy Burns said in a news release. “Consumer Goods Forum (CGF) and its SSCI is the trusted source in benchmarking and sustainability standards. We look forward to joining the Sustainable Supply Chain Initiative Steering Committee where Tamara can provide perspectives and insights from our industry as internationally recognized standards are created and adopted.”

The SSCI uses the same approach as the CGF’s Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) for recognizing standards. In its role as a member of the SSCI Coalition, IFPA will provide expertise in sustainable practices and the challenges, opportunities and constraints of the produce industry.

“Our industry has never shied away from challenges, and prides itself on growing the food that is good for the people, and for our planet,” said Chief Science Officer at IFPA, Dr. Max Teplitski. “To make the most impact in the sustainability space, we must work with all stakeholders to streamline and benchmark sustainability audit requirements.  There should be no additional burden for those who choose to adopt sustainability practices”.

The other members of the Coalition are:  AEON, Ahold Delhaize, Asia Pulp & Paper, Danone, EMD, Kerry Group, Land O’Lakes, McCormick, Merck Animal Health, METRO AG, Naturipe, Nestlé, PepsiCo, Procter & Gamble, Sainsbury’s, Tan-Viet, Tesco, The Coca-Cola Co., The J.M. Smucker Co., The Kellogg Co. and Unilever.

“As sustainability continues to evolve, we see so many new standards and audits that the SSCI is a critical resource for members of not only produce but all of the food industry to vet and validate these requirements,” Muruetagoiena said.  “I’m thrilled that produce is recognized as an essential industry in establishing these standards and I am most looking forward to ensuring that not only is produce at the table – but that our expertise and challenges are heard.”