Water Roadmap Annual Report 2024

Launched in 2021 the Water Roadmap is the delivery framework for the Courtauld Commitment 2030 water target that 50% of the UK’s fresh food is sourced from areas with sustainable water management.

Early committed businesses laid the foundation, but with more joining, the initiative's reach and impact have expanded significantly, driving meaningful progress toward sustainable water stewardship across the UK's food sector.

There is much to celebrate, as you will read in this report, with all major retailers now actively engaged with the Roadmap.  This report tracks progress and gives an update on achievements, whilst outlining the urgent action needed to not only deliver on targets but create a sustainable supply chain and prioritise climate action.

At a glance

• 82 businesses and 15 other stakeholders have signed up to the water roadmap, and eight collective action projects are in place with Waver Wampool in West Cumbria the most recent going live.
• Food and Drink businesses across the supply chain need to move from commitment to action: Only 61% of businesses signed up have undertaken Risk Mapping, the start point for taking action.
• Aldi and Ocado have this year joined the founding six retailers in the Retail Leadership Commitment.
• 33 businesses are now contributing to eight collective action projects, an increase from 24 last year.  These collective action projects in the UK and abroad, are set up to test, learn and solve issues relevant to those areas and have increased engagement with stakeholders and farmers, and adopted more interventions and solutions on the ground.