Presentation
As the French government is expected to unveil its National Strategy for Food, Nutrition and Climate (Stratégie nationale pour l’alimentation, la nutrition et le climat, SNANC), this Study examines the role that food retailers can play in promoting healthy and sustainable food, and outlines ways to support the sector by analysing its constraints, strategies and scope for action.
Key Messages
- Whether for shifting the balance between animal and plant-based products or increasing the number of products from sustainable production methods, food retailers are not currently meeting the challenge of Europe’s environmental and food transition. Yet their influence on household food practices is decisive, making it essential to mobilize this sector.
- In addition, the food retail business model has inherent weaknesses, being based on long, internationally dispersed value chains and low operating margins that depend on high sales volumes. These vulnerabilities are further compounded by a growing succession of ecological, economic, health and geopolitical crises.
- Public authorities have a legitimate role to play in providing the food retail sector with a better framework for achieving sustainability objectives, in line with existing policies (commercial relations, food waste, consumer information and protection) and building on current private initiatives.
- The current context is favourable, as the environmental imperative aligns with other ongoing changes that are already pushing food retailers to reinvent themselves. The SNANC offers an excellent opportunity to plan the sector’s contribution to environmental and health objectives through to 2030, while supporting it in meeting the challenges of the transition.
