In the wake of increasing global concerns about the environmental impact of food production, several companies and organisations in Singapore are setting noteworthy examples in embracing sustainability practices. With a growing emphasis on ethical and environmentally friendly food production, these entities are reshaping the landscape of the food and health industry in the region.

Among the trailblazers in Singapore, several have been recognized for their commitment to sustainability. Notable names include Eu Yan Sang, FairPrice Group, Holistic Way, Kopitiam, Neo Garden, Sadia, SATS, Woh Hup all of which have been singled out by Influential Brands, based on a study conducted in Singapore in 2023. 

These brands will be honoured for their outstanding achievements in branding and business leadership during the upcoming 2024 CEO Summit scheduled for 15th March. The event will take place at the prestigious Fullerton Hotel and will be attended by a distinguished gathering of 250 senior executives from various sectors across Asia.

Recognising that sustainability efforts demand collaboration across all stages of the food process, from production to consumption, these companies exemplify the collaborative spirit necessary for a more sustainable and resilient food industry. Some of the insights gathered by a study conducted by Influential Brands on Sustainability in the Food Industry provide a comprehensive overview across different segments of the Food Ecosystem.

Food Ingredients:
Sadia and Woh Hup are exemplary brands that stand out for their unwavering commitment to sustainability in their respective fields. 

Sadia, celebrated for its commitment to responsible sourcing and ethical practices in poultry production, showcases a dedication to sustainability. In response to recent changes and ongoing efforts, Sadia highlights its focus on reducing sodium and saturated fat, diversifying its product portfolio, and investing in research and technological platforms, particularly in Brazil. Aligning with its parent company BRF’s global commitment, Sadia emphasises a sustainability policy, transparent reporting, and engagement with stakeholders to create long-term value and positive impact. 

This unified approach by Sadia and BRF underscores their commitment to shaping a sustainable and responsible future in the food industry, addressing consumer preferences while minimising environmental impact. 

On the other hand, Woh Hup, a distinguished food manufacturing company, stands as a beacon of excellence in the realms of food safety, quality, and innovation. Adhering to the stringent Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) standard, the company meticulously navigates its New Product Development (NPD) process, ensuring each product meets regulatory, safety, and quality benchmarks. Automation integration enhances operational efficiency and consistency, while a recent brand revitalisation, featuring vibrant packaging and strategic social media campaigns reflects Woh Hup’s adaptability to dynamic market trends. 

Noteworthy, the company has embarked on a transformative journey towards sustainability, offering a diverse range of healthier instant noodle options, recognized by the Health Promotion Board (HPB)’s Healthier Choice label. This paradigm shift underscores Woh Hup’s commitment to not only delivering a delightful culinary experience but also promoting healthier lifestyles and environmental responsibility in its industry.

Food Retailers (Grocery and Ready to Eat):

FairPrice Group leads the retail sector in sustainability, focusing on eco-friendly packaging and promoting local and organic produce. In 2019, FPG introduced charges for disposable plastic bags, the first supermarket in Singapore to do so. 

Annual campaigns like Share-a-Textbook, and comprehensive food waste reduction programs with partners like The Food Bank Singapore highlight FPG’s dedication to promoting sustainability, sharing, and circularity, and nourishing underprivileged individuals and families. The company actively reduces its ecological footprint, setting an example for responsible retail. 

Kopitiam pioneers sustainable practices in the food and beverage industry, ethically sourcing ingredients and minimising food waste. This commitment positions Kopitiam as a trailblazer in fostering eco-conscious initiatives within the sector. 

Neo Garden, a pioneering force in the catering industry, showcases a commitment to innovation and sustainability. The company’s recent efforts include the integration of state-of-the-art machinery, exemplified by the Robotic Main Course Machine, automating cooking processes to ensure consistent, high-quality dishes while reducing manual tasks. In response to sustainability inquiries, Neo Garden emphasises its internal supply chain, with nearly 90% of ingredients manufactured locally, minimising the carbon footprint associated with transportation. 

The establishment of a sustainability taskforce in 2023 underscores their dedication to a more sustainable future, focusing on reducing food waste through meticulous inventory management and efficient menu planning. Neo Garden’s exploration of eco-friendly packaging and the active introduction of plant-based options highlight its ongoing commitment to making healthier food consumption both accessible and environmentally responsible. 

SATS, an air cargo champion, hub handler of the future, and the leading Asian aviation food solutions provider delivering quality at scale. In the food business, SATS leverages its heritage of culinary expertise, high food safety standards, and proven food technologies to produce food solutions on a large-scale basis. SATS provides inflight catering to world-class airlines and caters to government, commercial institutions, and major supermarkets, from raw protein to processed branded products and more. In addition, the SATS Global Innovation Hub, the centre of excellence in innovation, delivers insights and expertise in sustainable food packaging through design thinking and a sustainability-focused approach. increase productivity and improve services, SATS drives innovation through our culinary research and development (R&D) expertise, and accelerates technology implementation in our kitchens. 

SATS incorporates sustainability considerations into vendor selection and encourages suppliers to adopt Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. Collaborating with Global Compact Network Singapore (GCNS) and Enterprise Singapore, SATS educates and supports strategic food suppliers on sustainability. Efforts also extend to strengthening the nation’s food security and showcasing locally sourced ingredients in ready-to-eat meals.

Other ongoing efforts in sustainability in their food business include their ambitions to halve their food waste intensity in our Singapore operations, as well as to introduce 100% sustainable food packaging by 2030.

Food Supplements:

Holistic Way, a leader in promoting health and sustainability, details its recent changes and ongoing efforts in response to consumer needs and environmental consciousness. The company invests significantly in research and development to enhance the efficacy and safety of its products, incorporating innovative technologies to improve the overall customer experience. 

Holistic Way also prioritises changes in branding, updating product packaging and marketing strategies to resonate better with consumers while ensuring transparency through clear labelling. In terms of sustainability initiatives, the company emphasises ongoing in-house research and development efforts to create more sustainable supplements, including exploring plant-based ingredients and eco-friendly packaging solutions. 

The recent launch of products in recyclable carton boxes underscores Holistic Way’s commitment to a clean environment and its dedication to changing the way people consume healthier food through eco-conscious practices. 

Eu Yan Sang, likewise, takes a leadership role in sustainable sourcing within the traditional Chinese medicine industry. The company prioritises the sustainable harvesting of herbs, ensuring that its practices align with environmental consciousness. 

By advocating for sustainable sourcing and promoting environmentally conscious practices, Eu Yan Sang demonstrates how traditional practices and modern sustainability coexist, setting an example for the broader health and wellness industry.

Julie Kurtz, a Research Analyst with The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) shares that the global food system faces a pressing plastic problem, with macro- and micro-plastic pollution threatening aquatic and agricultural ecosystems, jeopardising food security. 

Food and beverage companies contribute significantly to plastic pollution, accounting for 23 percent of the estimated $75 billion annual environmental damage caused by plastics. Single-use plastic production, largely derived from fossil fuels, poses a substantial challenge, with only nine percent of plastic waste being recycled. Plastics infiltrate oceans, impacting marine life and fisheries, while also entering the human food chain through seafood consumption. 

Plastics in livestock pose health risks, affecting productivity and contaminating meat and milk products. Communities near plastic production facilities suffer higher rates of health issues. 

Over 127 countries have implemented some form of regulation on single-use plastics, but comprehensive solutions, including bans, consumer incentives for reusable alternatives, and circular-economy regulations, are crucial to combatting the plastic crisis and safeguarding global food systems. IFPRI acknowledges the integral connection between plastic pollution and its mission to end hunger, emphasising the need for sustainable policies to address this crisis. 

IFPRI’s Sustainability Task Force has initiated efforts to reduce plastic usage within the organisation, advocating for broader plastic reduction and regulation initiatives globally.

As these companies continue to lead the charge in sustainable practices, they contribute to our planet’s well-being and inspire others to follow suit. These entities’ commitment to sustainability principles reflects a positive shift towards a greener and more responsible future for the food and health industry in Singapore and Southeast Asia.

The interconnected nature of sustainability and food underscores the imperative to harmonise agricultural practices with environmental preservation and societal well-being for a resilient and nourished world. Their dedication to making a difference sets a high standard for the entire industry, marking a transformative journey towards a more sustainable and ethical approach to food production and consumption.

About INFLUENTIAL BRANDS®  

Influential Brands® is a think-tank, research, and business recognition platform to celebrate “Champion of Excellence.” 

Deeply embedded in our beliefs, is the need to foster a culture that honours the exemplary practices of leading companies in Asia, as well as their commitment to distinction.  We delight in rejoicing with organisations over their successful business efforts that have added value and left a significant impression in their respective industries.  Through this, we hope to contribute to the knowledge pool of best practices so that companies can produce quality and meaningful businesses that influence and impact our environment, living standards, lifestyles, and future.

Website: www.influentialbrands.com