AtSource by Olam: Hardwiring supply chains to focus on sustainability for storytelling potential

28 Aug 2020 --- Olam says that it is not enough just to inform consumers and customers about its traceability strides, it wants to actively provide them with data access via its B2B AtSource platform that reports the social and environmental footprints of a product’s journey. This then helps to create interesting and informative narratives that play into the storytelling trend as consumers are increasingly captivated by the stories behind their food and beverage products.

“We’re seeing increased demand for traceability across our supply chain and ingredients portfolio as customers take more of an interest in the stories behind the food and drink they enjoy. Manufacturers look to ensure quality and guarantee that the highest standards are being met when it comes to sourcing their products,” Andrew Brooks, Head of Sustainability at Olam Cocoa, tells FoodIngredientsFirst. 

AtSource by Olam is a sustainable and traceable sourcing solution that provides environmental and social insights into the journey of agricultural raw materials.“Consumers want to know more about the story behind their products: where they have come from, how they are sourced and what the social and environmental impact has been. They increasingly expect companies to do their part to solve some of the big societal and environmental issues we all face,” he says. 

Traceability, transparency, storytelling and more will be discussed during the forthcoming webinar – “Hardwire your supply chain sustainability ambitions with AtSource by Olam” – which also delves into how consumer interest in traceable food ingredients has never been as big as they are today.

It features speakers Roole van Popple, CEO of AtSource, Olam International, and Kunal Vadgama, AtSource Program Manager.

A sustainable and traceable sourcing solution
AtSource by Olam is a sustainable and traceable sourcing solution that provides environmental and social insights into the journey of agricultural raw materials and food ingredients from the farm to manufacturing and retail customers. This enhances Olam’s ability to assess and positively influence the environmental footprint of the millions of farmers in the company’s supply chain, the vast majority of whom are smallholders growing crops such as cocoa, coffee and cashew in emerging markets.

“[AtSource] provides unprecedented transparency on where their cocoa beans have come from, as well as the social and environmental impact they have had on their journey, from the farm right through to processing,” Brooks underscores.

The platform has three tiers: 

• AtSource Entry Tier: Reassures customers that suppliers are engaged in responsible sourcing principles and practices under the Olam Supplier Code. The company provides country-level social and environmental risk-screening. 
• AtSource Plus: Focuses on 12 core sustainability topics, with over 80 indicators, starting at farmer group level. Granular traceability and advanced environmental footprinting. track right from the farm through to logistics, processing and delivery.
• AtSource Infinity: Delivers a net positive impact at scale to significantly regenerate landscapes in which farmers prosper and communities thrive. Such programs can ultimately benefit wider populations and the earth’s ecosystems.

By Gaynor Selby