The transaction will be financed from cash on hand. Based on current operating results, the acquisition is expected to be accretive to Maple Leaf's earnings in 2017. The deal will close in March, subject to customary US regulatory review. 

Olera® Shortenings and Oils, a food division of Global Agri-trade Corporation (GATC), announced its plan to completely convert its full offerings of palm and palm kernel shortenings and oils to 100% Certified Sustainable grade by end of 2017. 

Barry Callebaut, a manufacturer of high-quality chocolate and cocoa products, published its new sustainability strategy “Forever Chocolate,” with the ambition to move sustainable chocolate from niche to norm in less than a decade.

The Rainforest Alliance is an international nonprofit organization that seeks to conserve biodiversity and ensure sustainable livelihoods.

PepsiCo, Inc. announced an ambitious global sustainability agenda designed to foster continued business growth in a way that responds to changing consumer and societal needs. The company's efforts, which focus on creating a healthier relationship between people and food, include specific 2025 goals to continue transforming PepsiCo's food and beverage product portfolio, contribute to a more sustainable global food system and help make local communities more prosperous.

Palsgaard A/S, inventor of the modern commercial emulsifier, also leads the way in sustainable palm oil consumption. The company is sharing its experiences to help others understand what is required via www.palsgaard.com/sustainable-emulsifiers/

Suntory currently uses 30% plant-derived materials for their Mineral Water Suntory Tennensui brands and is pursuing the development of a 100% bio-bottle through this partnership.

The company celebrates key achievements such as more than 1,000 product reformulations for consumer health and preference considerations, as well as a new commitment to achieve zero waste to landfill status in all U.S. factories by 2020.

A companion analysis outlined the legal basis and argument for including sustainability in the Guidelines.