Food & Drink 2024 | 11 Sustainability is a vital factor to consider when operating in this industry, as modern agriculture has been a significant driver of climate change and the loss of biodiversity. De La Tierra is working relentlessly to promote the shift towards sustainable practices across the industry by helping firms design and implement sustainable strategies, comprehensive ESH reporting, and continual innovation. This shift cannot be performed overnight, however; Athanasios tells us that moving from an extractive, linear model to a circular or regenerative model requires open, honest conversations with each member of the supply chain, from its producers to consumers. For instance, producers can not be penalised for environmental costs whilst consumers are rewarding cheap production practices that ignore environmental and health impact. This shift requires changing the perceptions of every component and ensuring that the inequitable distribution of wealth within the food system is appropriately confronted. “Reconnecting with nature is essential, and it is heartening to see food movements growing in the UK and worldwide,” says Athanasios. “Concepts like agroecology and food sovereignty resonate strongly as they champion holistic, community-focused approaches. Ultimately, we need a new era of storytelling – one that honours the diverse knowledge and lived experiences of farming communities. Often, the solutions to our current challenges lie in the wisdom of ancient practices, ready to be rediscovered and adapted for a more sustainable future.” We learn that, moving forward, Athanasios plans to continue promoting sustainability across the industry by combining the expertise of De La Tierra with his start-up, Cubos Solutions. Recognising the growing complexity and demand of mandatory and voluntary reporting standards and frameworks within the sustainability space, Athanasios spotted an opportunity to bring clarity and value to this field. After researching and exploring his ideas with prospective clients, he launched Cubos Solutions to aid companies in effectively navigating sustainability reporting. Cubos Solutions specialises in baseline and double materiality assessments through a streamlined five-step process, covering from client onboarding to comprehensive reporting. This area is highly competitive, but Cubos Solutions offers uniquely whitelabel solutions for consultancy firms, enabling smaller consultancies to offer these services to SMEs, for whom large consulting firms are often too generic or cost-prohibitive. The start-up’s effective tools are built upon authoritative frameworks and industry expertise, ensuring that clients have all the support they need to start a prosperous sustainability journey. “Though Cubos Solutions is still new, we’ve achieved strong initial traction and revenue with well-known brands, leveraging the reputation and network built through De La Tierra,” Athanasios concludes. “Our early success underscores the demand for accessible, impactful sustainability solutions, and we are excited to expand our reach as a trusted partner in the industry.” Contact: Athanasios Mandis Web Address: https://www.de-la-tierra.com/ Located in Canterbury, Kent, De La Tierra is a consultancy firm founded upon two decades of experience in international agriculture. A key market player, De La Tierra aims to provide its clientele with effective solutions that facilitate sustainability across the agrifood sector. Following the firm’s recognition in the Food and Drink Awards 2024, we speak with Founder and Director, Athanasios Mandis, to find out more. Best Agrifood Sustainability Consultancy Firm 2024 – UK e La Tierra was initially established in 2012 with the aim of trading fresh produce and ingredients. More than a decade later, the company has evolved to operate within three distinct pillars: trade, postharvest solutions to reduce food waste, and consultancy, with its consultancy arm flourishing particularly over the last five years. Whilst its earlier consultancy projects had been focused on supply chain optimisation and standards implementation to secure market access, the vast majority of De La Tierra’s current consultancy work lies in the field of sustainability. The company supports a diverse range of clients, both in the UK and internationally, including a number of well-known brands, established firms, and certification scheme owners. The company is helmed by Athanasios Mandis, who strives to empower farming communities around the world. His background, consisting of undergraduate studies in agricultural engineering and postgraduate studies in sustainable development, has enabled Athanasios to establish a strong foundation upon which to base his evolving career. “I have cultivated a diverse product and service mix, which gives my business resilience against systemic shocks,” Athanasios reflects. “However, it is the collaborative relationships I have built with clients and partners that remain my ultimate source of strength and innovation. There are valuable lessons within these relationships that, if one pays attention, offer insights to stay ahead of the curve.” Athanasios drives De La Tierra to success through this innovative approach, leveraging his relationships to develop ideas into initiatives. Such examples include supporting farming communities in their transition to regenerative agriculture and driving sustainable impact through baseline and double materiality assessments for sustainability reporting. D Nov24047
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