REPORT FINDS ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY OF EUROPES FOOD SUPPLY CHAIN AT RISK

Major consolidation, horizontal and vertical integration and increased global competition at all stages of food production are combining to create a shift from a food supply chain to a food demand chain, according to a report to be released mid-August. The emergence of around six global agribusinesses" only serves to exacerbate the trend, the study warns.

LONDON (PRWEB) July 18, 2003 -- Major consolidation, horizontal and vertical integration and increased global competition at all stages of food production are combining to create a shift from a food supply chain to a food demand chain, according to a report to be released mid-August. The emergence of around six global agribusinesses" only serves to exacerbate the trend, the study warns.

The report: "Does the Structure of Europes Food Supply Chain Work For or Against Our Environmental Objectives?", by Ethical Corporation Magazine, reviews Europe-wide food production, processing and retail networks, focusing on the effects of large-scale consolidation, food clustering and agricultural intensification on markets and the environment.

"Most Europeans take it for granted that their food supply chain is environmentally sustainable," said Christina Weiss, the report's principal author. "Our report shows that they shouldn't."

Data from over 320 accredited pan-European sources has been collated to illustrate the reports key thrust -- the shift from a food supply chain to a food demand chain. The report provides industry stakeholders with a clear explanation of the trends that are shaping the future of retail, processing, production, policy, environmental issues and institutional investment in the food system.

Its all there -- everything from the percentage of Spanish land at immediate risk of desertification to the millilitres of kerosene it takes to put an apple in your shop," said John Bodenham, the reports co-author and organiser of the related "European Food Supply Chains 2003 Conference".

Readers will discover how many grocers are trading in Southern Italy and why 1.5 million Polish farmers are about to lose their jobs -- more than that, they will discover why there is a link between the two -- and what it means for their businesses."

Risk exposure is becoming increasingly concerning for companies involved in large-scale diversification throughout the food supply chain -- the report outlines the threats and opportunities presented by vertical integration from seed to supermarket for enterprises contemplating such a move.

The report also evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of Europes retailers, processors and growers, as well as trends in branding and consumer spending. A detailed analysis of the environmental impact of agricultural intensification and biodiversity issues is also provided.

This ground-breaking report will be released to coincide with the announcement of the speaker roster for the "European Food Supply Chains 2003 Conference", to be held in Brussels on November 5-6, 2003. The event will be Europes first-ever independent forum to address the concerns of retailers, processors, growers and environmentalists about the risks to the food supply chain in the EU and beyond.

To receive your free pre-release copy of the report, please contact Kathryn Hingston on +44 (0) 20 7375 7201 / kathryn@ethicalcorp.com. For information on the conference, contact John Bodenham on +44 (0) 20 7375 7500 / john@firstconf.com.

Ethical Corporation Magazine is an independent business information provider and events producer on the issues in and around corporate social, financial and environmental responsibility. Founded in 2001, Ethical Corporation Magazine's mission is to provide balanced, informed, unbiased and useful original content on the issues in and around corporate social, environmental and financial responsibility through publishing and learning events.