The European Commission aims to reduce the environmental and climate impact of the EU food system while cultivating a prosperous agricultural and food sector for future generations. This commitment is outlined in the European Green Deal and reaffirmed in the Vision for Agriculture and Food adopted on February 19, 2025. A key action in this vision is to enhance the role of public procurement for food.
Incorporating sustainability aspects in public food procurement implies a comprehensive understanding of food systems, addressing environmental impacts, public health, social benefits as well as competitiveness and innovation. Public authorities need to procure food and services that offer the best value for money, while also balancing these sustainability objectives. Criteria to be included in public tenders thus need to be drafted strategically, also accounting for specific market conditions.
This report presents potential sustainability criteria for public procurement of food, food services, and vending machines, serving as inspiration for public authorities who want to offer healthy and sustainable food and wish to reward sustainability efforts by European farmers, the food industry, and service providers in their procurement projects. The criteria are presented as a comprehensive list encompassing the three dimensions of sustainability: environmental, social, and economic. Competent authorities and contracting entities have the option to voluntarily incorporate these sustainability criteria into tenders, adapting them when necessary to meet specific priorities and needs. When appropriate, the criteria are accompanied by concrete examples of sustainable public procurement to illustrate their application in practical contexts.
GARCIA HERRERO Laura;
PEREZ CORNAGO Aurora;
CASONATO Cecilia;
SARASA RENEDO Ana;
BAKOGIANNI Ioanna;
WOLLGAST Jan;
GAMA CALDAS Miguel;
MARAGKOUDAKIS Petros;
LISTORTI Giulia;
2025-10-16
Publications Office of the European Union
JRC139495
978-92-68-31544-6 (online),
1831-9424 (online),
EUR 40452,
OP KJ-01-25-464-EN-N (online),
https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC144182,
https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC139495,
10.2760/0895877 (online),
