New analysis shows major food companies are addressing climate risk and opportunities

BOSTON – A new Ceres’ analysis highlights four key areas where dozens of the largest food companies operating in North America are working to reduce emissions, better assess climate risk, and seize opportunities in a more resilient food system. 

Notably, Ceres’ Food Emissions 50 Company Benchmark shows that companies are increasingly disclosing detailed information about the primary sources of their supply chain emissions, which often account for 95% of a food companies’ overall emissions footprint. Specifically, more companies are outlining the products and activities that contribute most to these emissions, largely those related to agriculture like raising livestock, and land use change, such as clearing forests for food production.  

This finding is one of the main takeaways identified by Ceres from its latest analysis of the 50 companies engaged in the Food Emissions 50 initiative. The benchmark assessed companies on the quality of their emissions disclosures, reduction goals, and transition plans based on corporate public disclosures and 2024 CDP reporting data.  

Ceres found: 

• Stronger supply chain disclosure: 30 of the 50 companies report agricultural emissions in their supply chain disclosure, and 22 include emissions from land use change. 

• More sophisticated climate scenario analysis: 16 companies have conducted scenario analyses to help them identify operational, supply chain, and market transition risks, as well as business opportunities to build a more resilient food system.  

• Opportunity in reducing potent agriculture emissions: Companies are starting to set reduction goals specific to gases, such as methane and nitrous oxide, that have a potent warming effect.  

• Major companies quantifying reduction strategies: Five companies have detailed, quantified reduction strategies that outline systematic approaches to meeting their goals, managing risk, and leading in value creation.  

“Ceres’ new analysis provides important insights into where major companies are taking critical steps to reduce planet-warming emissions and how that progress can be accelerated across the food sector,” said Carolyn Ching, director of research, food and forests, at Ceres. “While much work remains to increase resiliency across agricultural supply chains, the findings can help inform business strategies to mitigate financial risk for companies and their investors and unlock new opportunities to ensure long-term value.” 

New benchmark pinpoints food sector progress 

One noteworthy finding included industry giants such as Kraft Heinz and JM Smucker reporting agriculture and land use emissions, which represents a significant step forward. By disclosing the largest supply chain emission sources in their value chains, companies can better position themselves to set clear goals for lowering emissions and develop transition plans to achieve their goals. 

Another finding included General Mills and Ahold Delhaize publishing transition plans that quantify strategies to reduce emissions across operations and supply chains to meet their climate goals. These strategies demonstrate the companies have a high level of preparedness to transition the sector to a sustainable and resilient economy. And, importantly, they set examples that other companies can follow to ensure the sector’s production and profitability into the future. 

While these are areas of demonstrated progress, there is an opportunity for more food companies to take steps to reduce emissions and benefit from a resilient transition. In particular, addressing potent methane and nitrous oxide gases – which have a far greater warming potential than carbon dioxide – offers companies a powerful advantage to cut risk quickly and cost effectively and strengthen supply chain resilience. 

The Food Emissions 50 initiative supports investors in engaging 50 of the largest food companies operating in North America to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the food sector and capitalize on opportunities in the transition to a more resilient food system. In 2025, Ceres updated the list of Food Emissions 50 companies to include global companies that generate significant revenue in North America.  

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About Ceres 

Ceres is a nonprofit advocacy organization working to accelerate the transition to a cleaner, more just, and resilient economy. With data-driven research and expert analysis, we inspire investors and companies to act on the world's sustainability challenges and advocate for market and policy solutions. Together, our efforts transform industries, unlock new business opportunities, and foster innovation and job growth – proving that sustainability is the bottom line. For more information, visit ceres.org.