Water

More water is used for farming than for anything else. So the Behind the Brands Scorecard looks at what the Big Ten companies say they are doing to disclose and reduce their water use, and to manage water sustainably and responsibly in areas where it is already in short supply. 

We also assess whether companies require consultation with communities on water use and recognize the responsibility to respect communities’ water rights.

How are the scores formed?

We assessed publicly available information on the policies and commitments of the 'Big 10' food companies towards the sourcing of agricultural commodities from developing countries. The Scorecard looks at seven themes, weighing each theme equally. The index tackles some cutting edge issues that will require rigorous debate and dialogue between companies, civil society and industry experts. Find out more...

What do the scores mean?

  1. 8 - 10Good
  2. 6 - 7Fair
  3. 4 - 5Some progress
  4. 2 - 3Poor
  5. 0 - 1Very poor

  1. Nestlé

    Score
    7

    Nestle supports major water initiatives and has the most specific guidance to suppliers on water management. But the company has not set a target to reduce water use in its whole value chain or developed grievance mechanisms in cases where water rights have been violated.

    See how Nestlé score on other issues

  2. Unilever

    Score
    7

    Unilever understands the value of water and the importance of its suppliers reporting on water management. But plenty still to do – a good next step would be setting a target for reduction of water use right through its value chain.

    See how Unilever score on other issues

  3. Coca Cola

    Score
    6

    Coca-Cola demonstrates good understanding of the importance of water and of its own impact on supplies, but it needs to disclose more about whether and how it operates in water-stressed regions.

    See how Coca Cola score on other issues

  4. General Mills

    Score
    6

    General Mills is refreshingly honest about the water it uses. The company has even released its assessments of key watersheds - the first company we have seen to do so. It however has yet to set a target for reduction of water use right through its supply chain.

    See how General Mills score on other issues

  5. Kellogg's

    Score
    5

    Kellogg has set targets to reduce its water use and shares information about the availability of water where it works. However what’s missing is a commitment to reduce water use along its entire supply chain.

    See how Kellogg's score on other issues

  6. PepsiCo

    Score
    5

    PepsiCo’s was the first company to commit to respect the human right to water and is serious about reducing water use. However, the company has more work to do on supply chain management.

    See how PepsiCo score on other issues

  7. Danone

    Score
    4

    The owner of Evian and Volvic resumed reporting key information on water to the public. But big gaps in the company’s approach to water remain - including official recognition of the human right to water.

    See how Danone score on other issues

  8. Mars

    Score
    4

    While not yet a leader, Mars continues to steadily improve on water. This year, the company joined the CEO Water Mandate and began disclosing through CDP water. We are still waiting for guidelines to suppliers on water.

    See how Mars score on other issues

  9. Associated British Foods plc

    Score
    3

    ABF made some limited progress on water last year with particular businesses setting actual targets and disclosing the company’s proportion of its water footprint used for agricultural purposes. That said, the company remains at bottom our our water scorecard. A key gap that remains is no official recognition of the human right to water.

    See how Associated British Foods plc score on other issues

  10. Mondelez

    Score
    2

    Mondelez is a poor performer on water. The company comes in dead last in our water scorecard and it’s the company’s lowest scoring theme. While Mondelez recognizes the importance of water and reports publically through CDP water, there is a lot more work to do.

    See how Mondelez score on other issues