Frequent Asked Questions

Scope 3 targets cannot be met without action on diets For most retailers, around 90% of emissions sit in Scope 3, driven overwhelmingly by agricultural supply chains. WWF's What's in Store for the Planet is unequivocal that hitting Scope 3 targets will not be possible without action on diets, and with livestock-based products currently accounting for the vast majority of UK retail protein sales, there is a significant opportunity to act. Retailers that measure, disclose and set targets on their protein mix are increasingly recognised as serious about aligning with climate science, and those already moving in this direction are demonstrating that it is both commercially viable and operationally achievable. Diversifying protein-source foods is a commercial imperative Climate change is the greatest threat to the UK food system, and retailers that remain heavily exposed to animal-based supply chains face growing input cost volatility, with beef and pork forecast to see the greatest future price increases, and the feed required for UK poultry subject to similar pressures. A more diversified protein offer provides a natural hedge, spreading supply chain risk and building resilience against climate-driven shocks. In this way sustainability equates to long term commercial performance.  The UK grocery sector has already made meaningful commitments on sustainability, and several retailers are demonstrating that a more diversified protein offer is commercially viable. Lidl GB surpassed its 2025 target of a 400% increase in own-brand meat-free and plant-based milk sales, achieving 694%.  This move is essential for the health of people and planet Adopting plant-rich diets is the single most effective intervention to reduce food system greenhouse gas emissions and is critical to reducing biodiversity loss. Plant-rich diets are also associated with lower risk of cardiovascular disease, premature mortality, and type 2 diabetes, with huge savings for healthcare systems globally. Research shows that the majority of UK consumers want to eat more healthily and sustainably, incorporating more plant proteins into their diet, while 66% of UK citizens are open to the idea of reducing their meat consumption.  Europe is moving and UK retailers risk being left behind Across Europe, leading retailers have already set ambitious protein split targets and are beginning to deliver against them. Carrefour exceeded its target of €500 million in plant-based sales, originally set for 2026, in 2024, and expanded its goal to €650 million. Ahold Delhaize has expanded the scope of its target for all its European retailers to achieve 50% plant-based protein sales by 2030. Plant- Rich Europe: A Joint Path for Retailers and Society is now calling on all major European retailers to have 60% of protein sales from plant-based sources by 2035 at the latest. UK retailers that delay risk falling behind both their European competitors and the trajectory of expected regulation.