Show Notes:
In this episode of Future Food Cast, host Pam Linemiller engages with Christina O’Keefe, the Head of Sustainability for North America at Kerry. They explore the critical role of sustainability in the food industry, discussing Kerry’s ambitious goals and innovative strategies to promote sustainable nutrition.
Main Topics Discussed:
- Kerry’s Sustainability Strategy: Christina outlines Kerry’s “beyond the horizon” strategy launched in 2020, focusing on aggressive sustainability targets and cross-functional collaboration.
- Sustainable Nutrition: The episode delves into the concept of sustainable nutrition, emphasizing its nutritional, environmental, and social impacts, and how Kerry aims to guide customers along this journey.
- Employee Engagement in Sustainability: Christina shares insights on Kerry’s “Sustainability Essentials” training program, which aims to educate all employees about sustainability and their roles in achieving the company’s goals.
- Tools for Measuring Impact: The discussion includes Kerry’s internal system for calculating product carbon footprints and the development of Nuetriguide for on-pack labelling to help customers meet nutritional standards.
Notable Quotes & Anecdotes:
“Small acts matter” — Christina O’Keefe
Christina reflects on the importance of small steps in sustainability, encouraging listeners to view their actions as opportunities for positive change.
Resources Mentioned:
- Kerry’s Sustainability Essentials Program
- Nutriguide for nutritional labeling
Key Takeaways:
- Importance of Collaboration: Successful sustainability initiatives require cross-departmental collaboration within organizations.
- Empowerment through Education: Educating employees about sustainability fosters a culture of innovation and engagement.
- Measuring Impact: Utilizing tools to quantify sustainability efforts is essential for making informed decisions and driving progress.
- Every Action Counts: Listeners are encouraged to take small, meaningful actions towards sustainability, reinforcing that collective efforts can lead to significant change.
Listeners are invited to reflect on how they can contribute to sustainability in their own lives and organizations, emphasizing that every step, no matter how small, is a step in the right direction.