A new analysis from Ceres reveals that many of North America’s largest food companies are making measurable progress in reducing emissions and disclosing climate-related risks, yet significant opportunities remain—particularly in addressing potent agricultural greenhouse gases like methane and nitrous oxide.
The findings come from the Food Emissions 50 Company Benchmark, part of Ceres’ broader Food Emissions 50 initiative, which evaluates the public climate disclosures and transition strategies of 50 of the region’s most influential food companies based on 2024 CDP data and corporate filings.
“Ceres’ new analysis provides important insights into where major companies are taking critical steps to reduce planet-warming emissions and how that progress can be accelerated across the food sector,” said Carolyn Ching, director of research, food and forests, at Ceres. “While much work remains to increase resiliency across agricultural supply chains, the findings can help inform business strategies to mitigate financial risk for companies and their investors and unlock new opportunities to ensure long-term value.”
The research identifies four key areas where companies are showing progress—and where further action is urgently needed:
Key Findings from the 2025 Food Emissions 50 Benchmark:
- Improved agricultural supply chain disclosure
- 30 of 50 companies now report agriculture-related emissions
- 22 include land use change emissions, such as deforestation for food production
- More advanced climate scenario analysis
- 16 companies conducted scenariomodeling to assess climate-related operational and market risks
- These companies are identifying opportunities to build a more resilient food system
- Targeting potent agricultural emissions
- More companies are setting emissions reduction goals for methane and nitrous oxide, two of the most impactful warming gases
- These gases offer a high-leverage opportunity for fast, cost-effective climate action
- Detailed transition plans emerging
- 5 companies—including Kraft Heinz and JMSmucker—have quantified, strategic emission reduction plans
- These include clear steps for managing risk and creating long-term value
Company Highlights:
- Kraft Heinz and JMSmucker are now reporting detailed emissions tied to agriculture and land use—categories that typically account for up to 95% of food sector emissions.
- General Mills and Ahold Delhaize have published comprehensive transition plans, including quantified strategies to cut emissions across their operations and supply chains—signaling strong climate readiness.
