First Movers Coalition for Food 2026

A three-step maturity ladder illustrates how companies can move from basic sustainability improvements to connected procurement models capable of embedding resilient, sustainable sourcing across business operations. Moving from pilots to mature models requires new tools to build greater alignment across procurement, sustainability and finance. The principles are simple: start somewhere, learn continuously and build systematically, laying early foundations and accelerating what works. Successful companies advance through three distinct stages, each building on the last (see Figure 2). These reflect progressive levels of integration, investment and cross-functional leadership. Companies often operate across these levels simultaneously – stretching further where the opportunity is largest while focusing on foundational steps elsewhere. The goal is not to reach the highest level in every category, but to advance the actions that matter most. Every company can begin by implementing the fundamentals of resilient, sustainable sourcing and build towards more complex approaches that enable system-level evolution.2.1 Build sourcing maturity to scale up for success Build sourcing maturity in three stages to enable a widespread transition FIGURE 2 Volume of impactLevel 1 Get the basics right Level 2 Step-up performance Level 3 Lead at scale <5% of total, pilot stage >10% of total 30-50%+ Build baseline data; start internal alignment; prove project potential.Shift to real commercial uptake; move towards more structured initiatives.Implement sustainable sourcing at scale, underpinned by partnerships. – Define key metrics – Update procurement processes – Start collaboration with current partners– Establish long-term collaboration – Create cost-sharing models – Draw in external financing– Launch full value chain initiatives, supported by financiers – Send clear demand signals to suppliersWhat it means Example actionsThe principles are simple: start somewhere, learn continuously and build systematically, laying early foundations and accelerating what works. Source: Bain & Company analysis. Level 1 Get the basics right Companies should begin with the core elements that create internal alignment, generate essential data and shift organizational mindsets. This stage enables companies to start with smaller volumes (<5%) to demonstrate potential. Essential elements –Metric integration: Establish and monitor key indicators, such as carbon emission reductions or traceability, and incorporate them into contracts, procurement tools and supplier scorecards. –Expectation signalling: Communicate corporate expectations by updating procurement processes and supplier communications to indicate evolving sustainability requirements. –Partner engagement: Work with current suppliers to understand their sustainability plans and challenges. –Collaboration kick-off: Launch early-stage initiatives with suppliers, focusing on areas such as traceability and regenerative agriculture pilots. First Movers Coalition for Food: CEO Lessons for the Future of Food Procurement 10