The Economist, May 16, 2009

The Economist reports that so far the recession has not produced a wholesale retreat from CSR. Instead it has led firms to cut things that were at best peripheral to their business interests and, at worst, a waste of time and money. Self-interest explains why many companies are intent on creating greener supply chains, in spite of the costs. Mars and Cadbury, two confectionery-makers, have separately announced plans to increase the amount of cocoa they source from sustainable sources because both are concerned about future shortages if production practices do not change.

28 April 2009

On 28 April, Nestlé organized the first Annual Forum on Creating Shared Value (CSV) in New York City, in conjunction with the United Nations Office for Partnerships and the Swiss Mission to the United Nations. The forum included some of the world's leading experts in business strategy, nutrition, water, and rural development (notable names in the agenda include Michael E. Porter, C.K. Prahalad, and Jeffrey Sachs). The day-long event dealt with needed action and policy changes at the global and national policy level, opportunities for progress, and the role of business, including the food business, in helping advance solutions to the challenges facing society in water, food, and nutrition security.

Ethical Corporation, 23 February 2009

Major multinational food and drink companies have a powerful role to play as drivers of economic development in sub-Saharan Africa. By sourcing materials from poor countries in the region, for sale in domestic and international markets, these businesses can create jobs for local people and boost agricultural production.

Press Release

GLOBALGAP is committed to understanding the differences in small holder agriculture and reflecting these into the interpretation and application of the standard. The Africa Observer project was started in 2007 to provide more opportunities for smallholder representation in the standard setting process. In 2009 the project widens with practical evaluation of tools and global best practice to facilitate standard implementation by small holders worldwide.

Press Release 8 December 2008

SABMiller, one of the world's leading brewers, today announces its intention to significantly increase its use of local sourcing, as part of a commitment to maximise economic development in the markets where it operates.

SABMiller aims, by 2012, to increase the number of smallholder farmers it buys raw materials from by 15,000. This would be achieved by expanding its current projects in India and Africa, including Tanzania, Zambia and Uganda; taking the model into new markets in Africa and Latin America and introducing new crops to existing programmes.  

(New York, 24 September 2008/UN DPI)

World Business Leaders Hope to Generate New Commitments for Food Sustainability

In a high-level afternoon programme opened by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, animated by former United States President Bill Clinton and activist musician Bob Geldof, and closed by World Bank President Robert Zoellick, the first ever United Nations Private Sector Forum brought business, civic and Government leaders together to work with the world body on a long-term response to the global food crisis and endemic poverty.

(New York, 24 September 2008) - The UN Global Compact Office, in partnership with a broad alliance of UN agencies, today launched Food Sustainability -- A Guide to Private Sector Action at the first UN Private Sector Forum, held at UN Headquarters in New York.

BBC News, 24 Jan 08

Bill Gates has challenged companies to engage in "creative capitalism" that delivers profits and helps the poor.

This "capitalism for the 21st century" had to improve the lives of those who did not benefit from market forces.

GreenBiz.com, 26 November 2007 - A handful of global food companies has joined the Global Reporting Initiative to develop sustainability indicators specific to the food processing industry.

Nestle, Tyson Foods, Bunge and Green Mountain Coffee Roasters are the first members to join the GRI working group.

Planet Retail 1 Aug 07

The corporate affairs director of Carrefour Indonesia, Irawan D. Kadarman, yesterday said that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) will soon be able to place their goods on the retailer's shelves without having to pay a listing fee, with the retailer agreeing to provide access for SMEs as part of its CSR programme. "We will select SMEs with a regular supply capability to sell products that are in line with the tastes of our customers." Carrefour will only take the margin between the supplier price and the retail price as its profit, according to Mr Irawan, adding that four product categories would be eligible for the programme; grocery, fresh food (vegetables, fish), household equipment and textiles.