Nestlé tops Oxfam’s Sustainability Scorecard
Nestlé has retained its number one position in Oxfam’s sustainability scorecard and improved its ratings on land, workers and climate.
Oxfam’s Behind the Brands scorecard ranks 10 food and beverage companies on their policies and commitments to improve food security and sustainability.
Nestlé, in Oxfam’s September update, achieved a score of 61 per cent, up from 54 per cent in February 2013, and was given a “fair” grading in four out of the seven areas.
A statement signed and issued by the Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department of Nestlé Central & West Africa Region and copied to the Ghana News Agency, said
It said Oxfam regularly issues updates on the seven areas including transparency, farmers, women, agricultural workers, access to land, water and climate change.
On the issue of land, the statement said, Oxfam welcomed Nestlé’s revised sourcing guidelines, making Nestlé the first of the food firms in its index to ensure that suppliers get the consent of communities before agreeing land deals for the sourcing of sugar, soy, palm oil and other commodities.
However, Oxfam added that it would also like Nestlé to go further to ensure good practice across its supply chains.
On workers’ issues, it said Oxfam acknowledged that Nestlé recognised workers’ rights, international labour standards and UN business guidelines. And on climate, Nestlé was aware of climate change and recognised requests for suppliers to reduce emissions from farmers.
“Nestlé, along with other major players in the food industry, still have to do more”, it said.
Nestlé, according to the statement, supported the efforts of Oxfam and other NGOs to make progress towards a sustainable food system and supports a co-operative approach by civil society, government and business.
“Last week, Nestlé was named the leading food products company in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index, with a score of 88 per cent doubled the industry average and also achieved the maximum score in the CDP ‘Climate Disclosure Leadership Index’ and the CDP ‘Climate Performance Leadership Index’”, the statement added.
Source: GNA