In a landmark collaboration aimed at addressing critical challenges in global supply chains, FoodChain ID, a leading provider of certification services and technology for the agriculture and food industry, has partnered with &Wider, a due diligence data company specializing in worker engagement and responsible sourcing. This partnership introduces a cutting-edge service focused on risk-based monitoring and auditing of worker conditions and engagement. The initiative responds to growing demands from global brands seeking to monitor and mitigate potential worker-related issues within their supply chains while adhering to stringent regulatory requirements, including those outlined in the European Union’s (EU) Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) and Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).
Addressing Global Challenges in Supply Chain Sustainability
The modern food and agriculture industries face mounting pressure to ensure ethical practices across their supply chains. From labor rights violations to environmental concerns, companies are increasingly expected to demonstrate accountability and transparency. The CSDDD mandates that large companies conduct due diligence to identify and address adverse human rights impacts, alongside environmental issues, both within their operations and among suppliers. Similarly, the CSRD requires comprehensive disclosures and audits on various business areas, including social impact, for all companies operating in the EU market.
This regulatory landscape underscores the need for robust solutions that enable businesses to proactively manage risks and uphold their commitments to sustainability. FoodChain ID and &Wider have risen to this challenge by combining their expertise to deliver a service that not only meets these regulatory demands but also empowers companies to foster safer, more equitable workplaces.
A Synergistic Partnership for Enhanced Transparency
At the heart of this partnership is a shared commitment to leveraging technology and data to drive meaningful change. FoodChain ID brings over 25 years of experience in sustainability services and auditing, making it a trusted name in ensuring compliance and transparency across the global food supply chain. With a mission to make the food supply chain safe and transparent, the company offers unparalleled expertise in global sustainability certifications and audit processes.
&Wider complements this expertise with its innovative approach to measuring worker engagement and monitoring working conditions. The company’s scalable technology provides unprecedented visibility into supply chains, enabling businesses to identify potential risks and take corrective action. By conducting surveys that assess working conditions, &Wider delivers actionable data that informs targeted social audits conducted by independent auditors like FoodChain ID. This collaborative process ensures that companies receive accurate, reliable insights to enhance their risk assessment capabilities, detect supplier issues early, and support their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals.
Dr. Chetan Parmar, Senior Vice President of Technical Services for Europe and Asia at FoodChain ID, emphasizes the significance of this partnership: “FoodChain ID brings over 25 years of experience in sustainability services and auditing to our collaboration with &Wider. Together, we aim to help companies comply with the CSDDD and CSRD. In fact, the CSRD mandates audits to ensure the credibility and accuracy of social metrics disclosed by companies, and our partnership is uniquely positioned to meet this need.”
Lea Esterhuizen, founder and CEO of &Wider, adds, “The EU Directives require robust data management systems for transparent and accountable risk prevention and mitigation of potential worker exploitation. The &Wider methodology exposes working conditions along global supply chains to protect workers and businesses. Our partnership with FoodChain ID allows us to scale these efforts and drive meaningful improvements across industries.
Empowering Businesses to Meet Regulatory and Ethical Standards
The new service offered by FoodChain ID and &Wider addresses several key priorities for businesses navigating the complexities of modern supply chains. First and foremost, it provides enhanced risk assessment tools that enable companies to identify and address potential worker-related issues before they escalate. By offering ongoing data collection and analysis, the service supports companies in meeting their ESG objectives and maintaining compliance with evolving regulations.
Additionally, the partnership equips businesses with the information needed to fulfill reporting requirements under the CSDDD and CSRD. These directives emphasize the importance of credible, auditable data to substantiate claims about social impact and sustainability. Through their combined efforts, FoodChain ID and &Wider deliver a solution that not only meets these standards but also fosters trust among stakeholders, including consumers, investors, and regulatory bodies.
A Commitment to Protecting Workers and Brands
One of the most compelling aspects of this partnership is its focus on protecting both workers and brands. By shining a light on working conditions across global supply chains, the collaboration seeks to prevent exploitation and promote fair labor practices. This dual focus benefits workers by ensuring safer, more equitable workplaces, while also safeguarding brands from reputational risks associated with unethical practices.
The &Wider methodology is particularly noteworthy for its ability to capture the experiences of vulnerable workers, who are often the most affected by labor rights violations. By incorporating these voices into their data collection and analysis, &Wider provides a holistic view of working conditions that drives targeted interventions and systemic improvements.
About FoodChain ID
FoodChain ID is a trusted partner to over 30,000 companies worldwide, offering technology-enabled solutions and technical expertise to keep the food supply chain safe, compliant, and transparent. With a comprehensive suite of services spanning regulatory compliance, food safety certification, product certification, testing, and product development, FoodChain ID plays a pivotal role in advancing sustainability and accountability across the global food industry. For more information, visit www.foodchainid.com.
About &Wider
&Wider is a pioneering human rights data provider dedicated to monitoring human rights along global supply chains. Active in 68 countries and 12 sectors, including industries considered high-risk, &Wider combines accurate, reliable data with actionable insights to support businesses in driving meaningful improvements. Since 2014, the company has been at the forefront of efforts to promote transparency and accountability in supply chain management. To learn more about &Wider,
