The latest ESG sustainability report on large-scale retail could not fail to attract interest. The data show a growing commitment but also gaps to be filled and the need to communicate the result achieved in a clear way, with the aim of involving the entire supply chain. This issue provides a snapshot of the situation and stimulates discussion on a central issue among the insiders, but also the public, who are increasingly careful on the behavior of retailers.
Romagnoli F.lli Spa – a leading Italian company in the horticultural sector, with a strong specialisation in potatoes – pursues a comprehensive sustainability policy. Since 2020, CEO Giulio Romagnoli has been leading his company along a path that is not limited to the Sustainability Report, now in its fifth edition, but also includes ESG ratings, also now in their fifth edition. ‘We are pleased to note that this issue is becoming central to large-scale distribution. Too often, in fact, the issue remains unexplored, without delving into a more concrete and measurable approach, with the risk of nullifying the efforts made by those who, for decades, have chosen to follow a difficult path, but one that promises real change,’ comments Romagnoli.
In the world of large-scale distribution, real sustainability is possible, indeed mandatory, if only because of the European Parliament's recent Green Claims Directive, a measure that aims to combat greenwashing by putting an end to unfounded “environmental claims”. However, what is not yet common practice in Italy is the complete measurability of progress made in this regard, because real sustainability is not only environmental but a complex strategy that encompasses the environment, economy, governance and social impact. This commitment requires measurement, transparency and a consistent path over time, shared according to the principles of Lean Management. "Our results are the fruit of a long journey, long before that sustainability became an imperative for the sector. Over the years, we have invested in building a solid system capable of measuring and improving our ESG performance through concrete tools such as ESG Rating. This indicator, which is increasingly central to the evaluation of companies, goes beyond the preparation of a Sustainability Report – which we continue to produce in accordance with international GRI standards – and certifies statements in verifiable results." A concept of sustainability that integrates parameters such as a solid economy, responsible governance and positive social impact, continues Romagnoli in his analysis of the report published by ESG on the world of large-scale distribution.
"If we do not all move in this direction and objectively quantify what has been achieved, we will be undermining the efforts of many entrepreneurs who have been working for years to ensure a sustainable and competitive production and distribution system for future generations. For this reason, we will soon publish our 5th Sustainability Report and request the 5th ESG Rating from Cerved, confirming the solidity of a path undertaken with consistency and vision," points out Grazia Romagnoli, managing director, with the aim of generating a shared culture to be disseminated and communicated clearly to the general public.
Innovation and people involvement have driven Romagnoli F.lli's development, creating synergy between market needs and the company's ability to offer effective and flexible solutions. Thanks to a constructive approach, each activity translates into new skills that bring value to the entire supply chain, including farms.
‘Our company has always stood out for its commitment, but, like others who have taken up this challenge, we need the right recognition in large-scale distribution,’ points out the CEO, observing that the goal is to give consumers back the real value of the product, where quality is now a prerequisite, the result of research, varietal selection, planning and sustainability extended to all areas of the business. For this reason, ESG sustainability must not remain an intention, but become a strategic asset for the progressive transformation of the industry.
"For years, we have been using ESG ratings as an essential tool for measuring the quality of our choices in the environmental, economic and social spheres. We need to transform this tool into an objective evaluation criterion for the entire supply chain. This is an important and revolutionary step, but it is also a necessary cultural change to ensure a future for the agri-food sector, keeping faith with the promise of transparency, quality, goodness and responsibility towards future generations, through true, visible and verifiable sustainability," concludes Giulio Romagnoli, extending an invitation to the entire supply chain.
