How are food companies bridging the gap between climate ambitions and operational realities?

The urgency of corporate climate action has never been clearer, and businesses are increasingly recognizing the need to transition toward more sustainable practices. According to our latest barometer on the climate strategies of food companies, 57% of companies have already formalized a climate roadmap, with an additional 39% in the process of doing so. Yet, despite these promising commitments, the challenge lies in translating ambition into concrete action.

The implementation gap: challenges in moving from plans to execution

While corporate leaders are setting ambitious climate targets, execution remains a significant hurdle. Only 17% of companies have allocated a specific budget per action lever, underscoring a disconnect between strategic objectives and practical implementation. This signals that while ambition is a strong driver, it is not enough to ensure measurable progress.

Key obstacles identified in the report include:

• Commercial viability concerns: 58% of companies struggle to effectively communicate and capitalize on their sustainability efforts from a business perspective.
• Lack of monitoring tools: Only 14% have dedicated tools to track and manage their climate action plans, despite 61% having the capability to measure their carbon footprint.

Regulations and B2B pressures: the primary catalysts for change

External forces are playing a crucial role in accelerating corporate climate strategies. Regulatory requirements, particularly the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), along with increasing pressure from B2B clients, are among the strongest motivators for action:

• 66% of companies cite regulation as a key driver of change.
• 56% highlight B2B client expectations as a major factor in climate strategy adoption.

Notably, large corporations (those with over 10,000 employees) are leading the charge. Nearly a quarter (24%) have already structured their transition plans to align with CSRD requirements, compared to just 10% of the overall sample.

A cross-functional effort: mobilizing key business functions

The path to decarbonization requires broad organizational engagement. Our study finds that beyond the sustainability (CSR) teams, several other departments are actively involved in implementing climate strategies:

• Procurement (78%) – Ensuring sustainable sourcing practices and supplier engagement.
• Production (42%) – Driving efficiency and reducing emissions in manufacturing.
• Supply Chain (38%) – Integrating low-carbon logistics and distribution.
• Marketing (30%) – Raising consumer awareness through sustainability-driven messaging and environmental impact labeling.

Among the priority areas identified, agricultural transformation and sustainable sourcing stand out, with 73% of respondents emphasizing their importance. Additionally, environmental labeling is emerging as a strategic tool to educate and influence consumer behavior, further demonstrating the growing role of marketing in climate action.

Given the central role of Procurement in driving sustainable transformation, we have also published a white paper on the challenges and opportunities for Procurement teams to better support sustainability teams. This resource explores how Procurement can align supplier engagement with climate goals, optimize sourcing decisions, and navigate evolving regulatory requirements.

The road ahead: turning commitment into measurable progress

The findings of this report highlight the collective momentum behind corporate climate initiatives, but also the critical gaps that must be addressed to ensure meaningful impact. Companies must:

• Secure dedicated budgets for climate action to move beyond ambition.
• Invest in effective monitoring tools to track progress and optimize strategies.
• Leverage cross-functional collaboration to embed sustainability across all business functions.
• Adapt to regulatory shifts and B2B expectations, ensuring compliance while unlocking new business opportunities.

As regulatory pressures intensify and stakeholder expectations rise, companies that take proactive, well-structured action will not only meet compliance requirements but also strengthen their competitive edge in an evolving market.

Download the full report to explore the key insights and strategies shaping the future of corporate climate action.