The Coller FAIRR Protein Producer Index has conducted research into the meat, dairy and fish industries, indicating shortfalls in the industry’s ability to meet sustainability commitments. The Index has assessed 60 publicly-listed animal protein producers with a combined market value of $324bn. Many of these producers supply to well-known brands like McDonald’s, Tesco, Nestlé and Walmart.

The research has found that 77 per cent of animal protein producers do not measure all of their GHG emissions and do not have meaningful targets to reduce them. While McDonald’s, Nestlé and Walmart have all publicly committed to reducing emissions, their meat and dairy suppliers like Vensky’s, Hormel, LDC and Cal-Maine Foods have made no such commitments. Zero net deforestation is another promise made by companies like Walmart, though suppliers like Sanderson Farms and Cranswick have made no such commitments. While B2C brands are making public sustainability promises, these commitments do not make their way up the supply chain, which is responsible for some of the most significant GHG contributions, deforestation and water waste and pollution.

The Index ranked the companies by level of assessed risk. Out of these companies, 65 per cent are ranked in the “high risk" category for overall sustainability performance. Ninety-four per cent of meat and dairy companies are ranked in the “high risk” category for water pollution. Asia is assessed to be the poorest performing region, with 75 per cent of the bottom 20 performing firms hailing from Asia, while Europe is assessed to be the best performer. However, many B2C European businesses source their products from these “high risk” firms, keeping them and their "high risk" practices in business. The industry has seen some movement in the direction of sustainability, with 25 per cent of animal protein producers assessed by the Index reporting investments in alternative proteins like plant-based meat substitutes. Some of these producers are still ranked “medium risk” by the Index.

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