The overlooked “S” in ESG: It’s time for businesses to step up to the food, health, and wellbeing plate
Our ambition is to become a world leader in Sustainable Food Systems by 2030.
In corporate boardrooms and during investment discussions, ESG has become a dominant marker for evaluating business sustainability. Yet, while environmental concerns often take centre stage and governance is driven by regulatory obligations, the seemingly silent “S” – Social Responsibility – remains an afterthought.
This is particularly significant in the food industry, where its impact sits at the heart of many pressing social challenges – from rising obesity to ethical supply chains. Businesses that fail to integrate social responsibility into their core strategies risk reputational damage and financial instability in an increasingly conscious market.
At the Sustainable Food Conference 2025 in London, UK, a critical question was raised: Are businesses truly embracing social sustainability in their long-term strategies, or are they merely box-ticking? Furthermore, how can they turn social responsibility into a driver of financial success rather than a compliance burden?
ESG is more than just an investor framework
Businesses and the public often view ESG differently. During our panel discussion at the conference, an audience member noted:
“If you asked the average person on the street what ESG's purpose is, they wouldn't say it's to inform investors. They'd say it's to protect people, the environment, and society.”
This perspective highlights a potential disconnect. While businesses and stakeholders often see ESG as an investor framework, this narrow view risks neglecting its real-world impact. In food and agriculture, social issues like fair wages, working conditions and food security are not just ethical concerns but business essentials.
This duality presents a challenge for companies, but also an undeniable opportunity. Those that recognise the increasing importance of social sustainability will be better positioned for long-term growth and public trust.
The food industry: A critical yet undervalued sector
As outlined in Food Vision 2030, Ireland's agri-food sector is pivotal, employing over 137,500 farms and contributing €14.2 billion in exports in 2020. Despite its resilience and vast societal impact, it hasn't always received the policy focus it deserves.
Unlike other European countries, where food producers regularly advocate for policy changes, Ireland's food sector has struggled to gain similar visibility. Bord Bia and Origin Green have made significant strides in promoting sustainable food production, but challenges remain. Often, we take our food system for granted, overlooking the immense progress made over the past century in increasing food availability, variety, and affordability.
One pressing issue is the hidden cost of poor diets. Obesity and diet-related illnesses cost the Irish economy an estimated €1.1 billion per year in healthcare expenses. Meanwhile, around 8% of Irish households experience food poverty.
This concern extends into the workplace. A small example is the way food is offered in office environments. While cakes, pastries and pizzas frequent office kitchens as morale boosters, excessive reliance on these can inadvertently contribute to poor health outcomes, undermining broader wellbeing initiatives.
To align workplace practices with ESG commitments, companies need to adopt a holistic approach to employee health. Office food policies should support long-term wellbeing rather than short-term gratification. A workplace that prioritises social sustainability recognises that small, everyday decisions – such as the food available in kitchens and meetings – can significantly impact employee health, productivity and job satisfaction. If Ireland is to tackle the hidden costs of poor diets, action is needed at every level.
Things are changing, and there’s a new source of capital
As businesses reassess their role in promoting better food choices, investors are also recognising those that do. One significant shift in ESG investing relates to Ireland's growing focus on sustainable investment strategies. Under Food Vision 2030, Ireland has set ambitious sustainability goals, driving more capital toward businesses committed to ethical and sustainable practices.
Government-backed funds, as well as private investors, are increasingly looking to support companies that align with national sustainability targets. This shift is driven by both the Climate Action Plan and Ireland's National Food Strategy, aiming to position Ireland as a leader in sustainable food production. For businesses, embedding social responsibility into core strategies isn't just about reputation; it's about financial viability.
Conclusion: The time for action is now
The overlooked “S” in ESG is no longer something businesses can afford to sideline. As discussions at the Sustainable Food Conference 2025 highlighted, social sustainability in the food industry is a moral obligation and a business imperative.
Businesses that fail to act risk falling behind, as social responsibility is no longer optional; it's a financial, ethical, and strategic necessity. Those who embrace it today will lead the industry tomorrow.
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