Sustainable Supply Chains: Why Relationships Matter More Than Ever

At our recent Amplifi webinar, we were delighted to welcome Tony Mayer, Procurement Director at Cook, and Tracy Bush, Director of Provenance Potatoes, for a rich and open discussion on how to build genuinely sustainable supply chains.

Cook, a founding UK B Corp and frozen food company known for its values-led approach, has spent nearly three decades growing a business with people and planet in mind. Tony shared how this philosophy extends deep into their supplier relationships. From humble beginnings with just a few partners, Cook now works with over 150 suppliers – but the emphasis on mutual trust, transparency and shared values remains.

Sustainability, Tony explained, isn’t just about ingredients, it’s embedded across every decision, from equipment purchases to recruitment practices. Their Raw Talent programme, which helps people leaving prison re-enter the workforce, is one example of a broader commitment to social sustainability that resonates throughout their supply chain.

Tracy brought the supplier’s perspective to life, sharing how Provenance Potatoes, a small but mighty cooperative of Kentish farmers, has built a thriving, collaborative relationship with Cook since 2017. Working together has enabled them to invest in biodiversity, reduce packaging, and share knowledge to help the goals of both organisations. 

For both speakers, the message was clear. True sustainability is rooted in relationships. Shared goals, open dialogue, and long-term commitment are what allow innovation and resilience to take root. And sometimes, the most powerful impact comes from simply picking up the phone and checking in.

Whether your organisation is just beginning to engage with its supply chain or already well along the journey, the session highlighted practical ways to build trust and momentum – from starting small and sharing your sustainability ambitions, to listening to your suppliers' own challenges.

If you missed the session, you can watch the full recording on Amplifi webinar, and don’t forget to join us for our next webinar on Greening Our Journeys on 16 July. You can get your tickets here