The latest news, trends, analysis, interviews and podcasts from the global food and beverage industry

This week, Starbucks Canada launched a new collaborative effort to advance sustainability in the dairy sector, in partnership with Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC). Starbucks Canada has committed CAD 500,000 (approx. $364,426) to the initiative so support dairy sustainability-focused projects over the course of this year, rewarding the efforts of Canadian dairy farmers on their path to net zero. The partnership includes three projects, the first – which has already begun – is in collaboration with Farm Credit Canada (FCC) and Lactanet for FCC's Dairy Sustainability Incentive programme. The programme rewards farmers who successfully adopt environmental best management practices and encourages continued sustainable farming by granting annual incentives to customers who meet select criteria. David Wiens, president of Dairy Farmers of Canada, said: "The support of Starbucks will help recognise more farmers' commitment to environmental management and show Canadians that sustainability begins with the people producing their food. When farmers set out to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, we knew we would not go it alone. DFC welcomes Starbucks as they join us on this leg of the journey." Lori Digulla, SVP and general manager for Starbucks Canada, commented: "At Starbucks, we are committed to working alongside others to help our communities thrive and protect the planet. As a company that relies on the dairy sector every day, we have a responsibility to innovate and collaborate to source dairy responsibly and sustainably. With DFC, we hope to combine the best knowledge and resources together to help the farmer community in Canada and ensure a sustainable future of dairy for all." Dairy is an integral part of the Starbucks menu, and supporting the long-term health of the dairy sector is one of the latest efforts in the company's push toward sustainability. Last week, the coffee giant joined the Environmental Defense Fund’s global Dairy Methane Action Alliance, along with Californian dairy brand Clover Sonoma. The alliance first launched in December 2023 at the UN’s climate summit (COP28) in Dubai, with Danone, Bel Group, General Mills, Lactalis USA, Kraft Heinz and Nestlé as its founding members. By joining the initiative, these companies commit by the end of 2024 to annually and publicly disclose methane emissions within their dairy supply chains, with each pledging to create and publish a methane action plan by the end of the year. Starbucks’ action plan will specifically apply to methane in regions where Starbucks directly purchases milk for its stores. Katie Anderson, senior director, business food and forests at Environmental Defense Fund, said: “We’re pleased to welcome Clover Sonoma and Starbucks to the Dairy Methane Action Alliance. With these additions, the alliance now comprises an even wider array of dairy sector players – from regional producers, to processors, to restaurants – and demonstrates that the sector is gaining momentum on methane action.” Angela Anderson, director of Starbucks Sustainable Dairy, added: “As a company, we're committed to supporting farmers as we work together to reduce emissions across our dairy supply chain. We're excited to join the Dairy Methane Action Alliance and collaborate across industries on solutions to advance our resource positive goals.”