Tesco chief executive Ken Murphy calls on government to help retail by meeting net-zero climate targets

Speaking at the Reuters Impact event in London, Murphy said green innovation in the food industry could be transformational in cutting food costs, carbon emissions, protecting the UK’s food security and stimulating growth in sustainable technologies.

Murphy warned that the government must do more to support retail’s transition to sustainability solutions, as the UK’s level of investment remains well below the average for OECD countries.

“As we work to protect customers and suppliers from rising costs today, we must also do all we can to safeguard the shopping basket from shocks tomorrow,” said Murphy.

“That means building a more resilient, sustainable and productive food system. One that guarantees customers a long-term supply of quality, affordable food as well as improving the economy and world they live in.”

Murphy gave his speech on the day that Tesco unveiled plans to expand the supermarket’s trial of low-carbon fertilisers in the UK.

Tesco will partner with suppliers to drive a tenfold increase in hectares being cultivated using low-carbon alternatives for next year’s growing season. Murphy also committed to sharing the findings of the trial with other food businesses.

“As we work to protect customers and suppliers from rising costs today, we must also do all we can to safeguard the shopping basket from shocks tomorrow,” he added.

“That means building a more resilient, sustainable and productive food system. One that guarantees customers a long-term supply of quality, affordable food as well as improving the economy and world they live in.”

While Murphy said trials like low-carbon fertiliser represented a “huge potential” for retailers to make a positive impact, he said that more needed to be done politically for real progress to be made.

“To realise the full benefits, we need to see action beyond our supply chain, too,” he said. “We’ll only get there through cross-industry and cross-part collaboration. We all need to drive towards the same goal, and be better at sharing learnings and resources on the way.”