Pivot Factors for Sustainability

By: Jeanne von Zastrow, Senior Director for Sustainability, Food Marketing Institute

According to Merriam-Webster, one definition of the word “pivot” is: “a person, thing, or factor having a major or central role, function, or effect.” Andrew Winston, author of the Big Pivot, kicked off the 2014 Global Sustainability Summit in Boston by addressing significant factors impacting the food retail industry’s ability to take their sustainability programs to the next level. According to Winston, there are three megatrends causing us and our businesses to pivot, including:
 
1.    Connected and Open Society – If our kids ask how many stars are in the galaxy, the answer is easily accessed via our phones. Similarly, if a consumer asks a tough question of their supermarket, these days they expect an answer.
 
2.    Leaner Operations – We’re headed towards 9 billion people on the planet, which means we have to do more with less. This means finding a better way to run our businesses more efficiently and dynamically.
 
3.    Climate Change – Devastating weather events are more common. Businesses, including food retailers, have to take the lead on sustainability to strengthen their business instead of just ignoring the warning signs.
 
Winston presented strategies for addressing these factors, including changing our vision, partnering differently and redefining values. For more sustainability information and resources from FMI, visit www.fmi.org/industry-topics/sustainability.