Corruption is one of the greatest obstacles to global economic and social development. It manifests itself in many forms; form bribery, extortion, corporate theft, fraud and tax evasion, to money laundering. Fairfood considers that Corruption stifles economic growth especially as it retards the development of consumer markets; it distorts democratic process, undermines the rule of law and generally increases poverty.

Today, Corruption remains a huge problem for several business sectors which is why Fairfood is concerned about Corruption issues such as bribery and fraud in the private sector especially within Agro-Food and Beverage companies and their supply chains. The European Anti-fraud office (OLAF) detect several fraudulent cases in the private sector including those involving illegal importing of coffee capsules, avoidance of VAT, custom duty/royalties, illegal meat imports, etc

Framework
Fairfood supports a framework in which it becomes clear what companies can do to decrease corruption (specifically on tax evasion, fraud, money laundering and bribery) within their business and supply chains. The framework should be a policy and implementation model allowing companies to be correctly positioned ethically in their quest towards a more sustainable business. Using Fairfood’s Product Fairness Questionnaire companies are asked to answer questions on tax avoidance, money laundering, bribery and corruption.

Existing global anti-corruption Solutions
Through its Solution Analysis project, Fairfood has been able to recognize a few active initiatives working to fight against corruption through their programs and therefore recommends them to Food and Beverage producers, brandowners and suppliers. Transparency International, International Chamber of Commerce, United Nations Global Compact, World Economic Forum Partnering Against Corruption Initiative