Sysco GB launches platform to assist green product sourcing

Sysco GB, the parent company of wholesaler Brakes, has launched One Planet One Table, which is designed to help hospitality operators make menu decisions supported by third-party sustainability certifications.

Developed in partnership with Quantis, a global sustainability consulting firm, the initiative brings together products that carry robust, product specific third-party certifications, helping operators cut through a crowded accreditation landscape and make decisions backed by verified standards. Operators can shop for these certified products through a dedicated One Planet One Table page and filter on the Brakes website.

The programme has been built around the needs of chefs, caterers and hospitality operators who want sustainability to be credible and easy to action. Certifications have been assessed against strict criteria including independent auditing, open enrolment, product level traceability, rigorous standards and relevance to Sysco’s material environmental and social topics.

Only those that meet these requirements have been included, spanning globally recognised schemes including MSC, ASC, Rainforest Alliance, Fairtrade, RSPCA Assured and LEAF Marque, each with different focus criteria. Every certified product page on the Brakes website displays the relevant accreditation, giving transparency over what each certification means and why it matters.

With supply chains responsible for more than 85% of emissions in the food industry, certified sourcing can be paired with Sysco’s product level carbon footprint data to help operators target the largest drivers of environmental impact.

Certified products can also support ESG reporting, provide evidence to support environmental and responsible sourcing claims, meet government buying standards and achieve membership of industry sustainability schemes such as Green Tourism or Green Key.

Many certifications include requirements intended to strengthen long term supply chain resilience, aligning with Sysco GB’s sustainability strategy, Securing the Future of Food. For example, Sysco’s Citavo coffee range includes Fairtrade certified products, which are designed to ensure farmers receive fair prices and better working conditions. Fairtrade standards involve measures to address deforestation risk and encourage climate resilient techniques, including shade grown coffee cultivation which can support local biodiversity.

The programme spans a range of categories including fresh produce, meat, poultry, eggs, disposables, tea, coffee, chocolate, sugar and ice-cream. Plus, Sysco GB’s selection of MSC and ASC certified seafood now exceeds 200 certified products including core cod, haddock and pollock lines.

Pete Statham, head of sustainability for Sysco Europe, said: “Operators want sustainability to be credible, practical and commercially relevant. By using verified third-party accreditations, One Planet One Table helps chefs and caterers to choose products that support their sustainability goals, while delivering great food for their customers.”