NEW TECH FOODS

Ten major global beverage companies have announced the formation of the REfresh Alliance, a consortium aimed at accelerating the adoption of renewable energy across the industry’s supply chain.

This initiative includes players such as Coca-Cola, Diageo, Heineken and Bacardi, among others.

REfresh Alliance seeks to address the pressing issue of Scope 3 emissions, which account for approximately 90% of a beverage company’s carbon footprint.

By collaborating, the consortium aims to remove barriers that suppliers face in adopting renewable energy solutions, providing them with essential education and resources to facilitate this transition.

Managed by Enel X, a leading energy solutions provider, the alliance will leverage its advisory services division to connect participating companies with renewable energy providers.

This partnership is designed to streamline renewable energy transactions and foster a collective approach to decarbonisation within the beverage sector.

Ralf Peters, chief procurement officer of Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, said: “Supporting our supply partners is a key part of our sustainability action. Encouraging them to transition to renewables is one of the most impactful things we can do to help decarbonise their businesses.”

Companies in the REfresh Alliance:

Bacardi

Carlsberg

Constellation Brands

Diageo

Heineken

Molson Coors Beverage Company

Pernod Ricard

The Coca-Cola Company

Whyte & Mackay

The REfresh Alliance has already engaged with over 300 suppliers to discuss their involvement and identify specific areas where support is needed. The initiative aims to create a dedicated educational platform to equip participants with the knowledge required for successful renewable energy adoption.

Hervé Le Faou, chief procurement officer of Heineken, added: “We must work together to identify areas of our supply chains where we can pool our resources to accelerate this transition for our suppliers”.

The consortium plans to launch its efforts primarily in established renewable energy markets in Europe and North America, where existing networks can be usedto maximise impact. As the initiative grows, it aims to expand its reach to other regions and invite additional companies within the beverage industry to participate.

Jane Liang, chief procurement officer of Diageo, commented: “The climate crisis is the most pressing issue of our time and the transition to net zero is becoming increasingly important. However, there is only so much we can do as individual businesses. The REfresh Alliance will drive collective action within the industry to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy.”

The formation of the REfresh Alliance represents a strategic response to the growing demand for sustainable practices within the food and beverage sector. As consumers increasingly prioritise environmental responsibility, industry leaders are recognising the need for collaborative efforts to achieve ambitious sustainability goals.

By pooling resources and sharing best practices, the REfresh Alliance aims to create a robust framework for renewable energy adoption, ultimately supporting the beverage industry’s transition to a more sustainable future.

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