2030 Sustainability Goals: IFFCO Group Releases 3rd ESG Report

IFFCO Group, a leading multinational FMCG company based in the UAE, has released its third annual Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report, showcasing transformative progress across its global operations. The 2024 edition captures the company’s evolution from strategic planning to tangible delivery, driven by the unveiling of its ambitious Sustainability Strategy 2030.

Introducing a Robust Sustainability Framework

At the heart of this transition lies the Group’s newly introduced strategy, which comprises nine comprehensive ESG programmes. These initiatives are aligned with globally recognised frameworks, including the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), and are accompanied by detailed three-year and six-year roadmaps. Each programme is guided by defined KPIs and backed by specific financial allocations, ensuring cross-functional accountability and measurable outcomes across the business.

Expanding Renewable Energy and Reducing Water Use

IFFCO made substantial headway in reducing its environmental impact over the past year. The Group more than doubled its on-site renewable energy production in 2024, reaching 5,140 MWh, an output capable of powering nearly 480 homes in the UAE for an entire year. Alongside this achievement, IFFCO FMCG also managed to cut water intensity by 8%, underscoring its ongoing commitment to sustainable operations and resource conservation.

Embedding ESG Principles in Organisational Culture

The Group’s commitment to sustainability extended beyond infrastructure and into the very fabric of its workforce. More than 900 employees now have sustainability-linked KPIs embedded in their performance metrics, a 13% year-on-year increase. This strategic move reinforces a company-wide ethos of ownership, transparency, and performance-based responsibility when it comes to ESG goals.

Packaging Innovation for a Greener Future

IFFCO also launched its Consumer Packaging Roadmap 2030, a forward-looking initiative designed to reduce the use of virgin plastic. The roadmap outlines the integration of recycled PET and the broader adoption of renewable and recyclable packaging solutions across the company’s diverse product range. This approach not only supports environmental preservation but also responds to rising consumer demand for sustainable packaging.

Cleaner Logistics and Transportation Transformation

Significant strides were also made in decarbonising the company’s logistics. IFFCO succeeded in reducing the carbon footprint of its transportation activities to just 7% of its total emissions, down from 11% in 2021. This improvement was enabled by strategic logistics optimisation and a shift in the UAE fleet, with 30% now running on B7 biofuels. These measures are in direct alignment with the UAE’s national Net Zero 2050 ambitions.

Advancing Ethical Sourcing with Traceable Palm Oil

A key highlight of the 2024 report is the marked improvement in the traceability of palm oil used by the Group. IFFCO FMCG products achieved 93.6% traceability back to the plantation level, a 9.6 percentage point increase from the previous year. This milestone marks the company’s commitment to sustainable and ethical sourcing practices, as well as its adherence to the NDPE (No Deforestation, No Peat, No Exploitation) guidelines.

Speaking on the significance of these milestones, Rizwan Ahmed, Executive Director at IFFCO Group, noted: “At IFFCO Group, sustainability is a powerful driver of innovation, growth, and long-term value. It is not a side agenda; it is the foundation upon which we are building the future of responsible food manufacturing. The release of our 2024 ESG Report marks a decisive shift from ambition to action, guided by our Sustainability Strategy 2030. This strategy is more than a roadmap; it is a commitment to performance, accountability, and transformation. By embedding ESG principles across our operations, investing in renewable energy, and reimagining packaging and sourcing, we are shaping a future-ready organisation that aligns with the UAE's Net Zero vision and global climate goals. Our progress is a testament to our conviction that long-term value is created by acting with purpose, delivering operational excellence while doing what's right for people, the planet, and future generations.”

Positioning for Future Growth through ESG Integration

The achievements outlined in IFFCO’s latest ESG report underscore the Group’s belief that sustainability is not merely a compliance exercise but a strategic driver of efficiency, innovation, and stakeholder trust. By reshaping its approach to production, procurement, and distribution, IFFCO is positioning itself as a forward-thinking leader in the fast-moving consumer goods sector.

“In 2024, we translated bold ambition into tangible action,” said Dina Epifanova, Group Head of Sustainability. “This was a year of purposeful effort, advancing smarter sourcing, strengthening traceability, and embedding sustainability across every layer of our operations. We are building a resilient foundation for long-term impact, one that creates shared value for our business, empowers our partners, and uplifts the communities we serve.”

Driving Collective Change in the Sustainability Ecosystem

Beyond its own operations, IFFCO continues to actively engage with industry stakeholders, policy-makers, and partners to co-create a more responsible future for food manufacturing. This collaborative approach strengthens the company’s role in shaping broader sustainability agendas, while further embedding ESG considerations into every level of its business and value chain.