UAE – New York-based sustainability research firm HowGood has forged a partnership with Majid Al Futtaim, the operator of Carrefour in the UAE, to introduce its climate impact labels on over 2,500 food products across five Carrefour stores in Dubai, including one at COP28.
This collaboration ushers in a new era of transparency in sustainability ratings, distinguishing Carrefour as the sole retailer in the region to openly disclose its products’ sustainability credentials.
This innovative initiative showcases HowGood’s renowned database covering more than 33,000 ingredients and products, offering consumers the ability to assess the climate and social impact of their purchases through three labels.
Utilizing SES-imagotag’s digital shelf edge tags, these labels provide seamless visibility to aid customers in making informed choices.
The first label, the Product Carbon Footprint, quantifies the greenhouse gas emissions of food items from production to display.
The Comprehensive HowGood Sustainability Rating, the second label, ranks products based on their socio-environmental impact using a percentile system. Ratings of ‘Best,’ ‘Great,’ and ‘Good’ indicate the product’s standing compared to others assessed.
Complementing the launch of Carrefour’s Choose Better program at COP28, these labels align with the campaign’s aim to educate, empower, and incentivize customers to make health-conscious and eco-friendly choices.
The Choose Better program focuses on health, environmental, and social aspects, aiming to address the low fruit and vegetable consumption in the Emirati population.
Sheila Chaiban, CMO at Majid Al Futtaim, emphasized the commitment to sustainability through the Choose Better program, offering customers the opportunity to shop smartly while contributing to a healthier and more sustainable environment.
Carrefour has already made significant strides, having reduced emissions by 36% in 2019, with further ambitious targets for emission reductions by 2030 and 2040.
The third label, Product Sustainability Attributes, provides additional insights into various climate concerns, such as water usage, greenhouse gas emissions, ingredient complexity, processing methods, and labor ethics.
HowGood aims to address the significant environmental impact of food systems, especially as the UAE grapples with substantial food wastage, heavy reliance on food imports, and a segment of the population facing undernourishment.
The initiative coincides with an increasing interest in plant-based diets and the growing flexitarian approach among UAE residents.
The labels resonate with health-conscious consumers, aligning with their preferences for clean-label ingredients and minimal processing. Notably, these labels have influenced consumer purchasing decisions in other regions, contributing to an increase in product sales.
Amidst the UN’s inaugural food-focused climate summit at COP28, these initiatives highlight the crucial role of food brands and retailers in promoting transparency and sustainability.
The summit aims to align the agri-food sector with the 1.5°C goal, signaling a pivotal moment for global climate action.
Ethan Soloviev, Chief Innovation Officer at HowGood, underscored the importance of this launch at COP28, signaling the retail industry’s sustainable future and its role in empowering environmentally responsible decision-making.
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