Blogpost1. It starts at the source
The first link in the chain is the farmer, fisherman or producer. This is where the raw materials are produced, such as coffee beans, cocoa, tea, vegetables or palm oil. It is precisely at this stage that the greatest social and environmental impact often lies: think of issues such as living wages, land use, water consumption and working conditions.
For companies, it is essential to know exactly who is at the start of their chain. But this information is by no means always fully mapped, especially when there are many intermediate links.
2. Trade and procurement
After production, raw materials are usually traded through cooperatives, brokers or importers. Prices are set, contracts concluded. Here, a lot often takes place out of sight of consumers and brands.
It is at this stage that companies need to think about chain transparency: who buys from whom, on what terms, and what are the risks in terms of human rights or environmental damage?
3. Processing and production
Raw materials are then processed in factories or production sites. Examples include roasting coffee, pressing oil or blending ingredients into a finished product. This step is crucial for food safety, product quality and sustainability.
At this stage, labels or certification are also often considered, but this is only one part of a broader sustainability picture.
4. Distribution and sales
Via logistics networks, products reach wholesalers, supermarkets and catering suppliers. At this point, the distance between source and plate is often already thousands of kilometres. How transparent does the information on origin, price structure or impact remain during this journey?
Retailers and brands that want to take responsibility look at traceability, due diligence and the impact they can make through their suppliers at this stage.
5. Consumer
Ultimately, consumers make a choice in-store or online. More and more people want to know where their food comes from and what values are attached to it: is this product fairly produced? Did the farmer make a good living from it? What is the ecological footprint?
Companies that have insight into their chains can better share this information with consumers – building trust and awareness.
Where ImpactBuying comes into the picture
ImpactBuying supports companies at all these stages. Not by taking over the chain, but by providing insight: into suppliers, into risks, and into opportunities for improvement. We do this with data, due diligence processes, stakeholder dialogues and tools for chain transparency.
Together, we make the journey from farm to fork not only transparent, but also fairer and more sustainable.
from farm to fork