Start Your THESIS Reporting Today: Why Early Preparation and Expert Guidance is Key to Success
Why Prepare for THESIS Reporting Early?
Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword—it’s a business imperative. THESIS (The Sustainability Insight System) provides a comprehensive framework to measure and improve sustainability performance for produce suppliers. However, the reporting process requires substantial data collection, making early preparation essential for efficient and successful reporting.
What is THESIS?
THESIS is a science-based sustainability assessment tool that major retailers like Walmart, Costco, Kroger, and Ahold use to evaluate supplier performance. Covering a broad range of environmental and social metrics, THESIS assesses key areas such as:
Water usage
Fertilizer efficiency
Labor practices
Packaging sustainability
For produce companies, THESIS serves as a valuable tool to:
Align with retailer sustainability expectations
Demonstrate commitment to responsible practices
Track sustainability performance over time
Identify opportunities for improvement
Source: The Sustainability Consortium
The Role of a Trained Service Provider (TSP)
Navigating THESIS can be complex, and that’s where a Trained Service Provider (TSP) makes a difference. Measure to Improve (MTI) has extensive experience guiding produce companies through the THESIS reporting process. Corinne Carney, MTI’s Senior Sustainability Program Manager and a certified TSP, provides expert support to help businesses manage their sustainability reporting effectively.
Working with a TSP helps you:
Gain a clear understanding of THESIS requirements
Organize and collect the right data efficiently
Identify the most impactful sustainability improvements
Develop a strategy to enhance scores year after year
With over a decade of experience assisting the produce industry, MTI helps companies integrate sustainability reporting into their operations with clarity and confidence, turning what has typically been a burdensome task into a value-generating exercise.
Why Start Now?
THESIS reporting isn’t just about completing a questionnaire—it requires gathering detailed data from multiple areas of your business. Waiting until the last minute can result in incomplete or inaccurate reporting, which may impact retailer relationships and business opportunities.
Key reasons to start now:
Retailer Expectations Are Growing – Major retailers are increasing their sustainability requirements, making accurate reporting more critical than ever.
Data Collection Takes Time – Gathering information on resource usage, labor practices, and environmental impacts is not an overnight process.
Improvement Opportunities Need Planning – Identifying areas for enhancement and implementing changes requires a thoughtful strategy.
Competitive Advantage – Early engagement positions suppliers ahead of competitors who are behind in the process.
Partner with a Sustainability Expert
As a certified THESIS TSP, Corinne Carney and the MTI team help produce companies streamline the sustainability reporting process. Whether your company is new to THESIS or looking to improve its scores, with MTI's expertise, you can feel confident that your responses are not just checking a box but contributing to your sustainability journey.
Sustainability Software Solution
In addition to consulting services, MTI offers a sustainability software solution designed to assist brands and companies in collecting on-farm data from their suppliers. While not a standalone tool, this software complements MTI’s hands-on and tailored approach, making on-farm data collection for THESIS and Project Gigaton more efficient and organized—especially for companies managing large supplier networks.
Get Started Today
The sustainability landscape is evolving. Businesses that take proactive steps on their THESIS reporting will be better positioned for long-term success. By engaging early, produce companies can ensure they have the necessary data, identify areas for improvement, and meet growing retailer expectations.
Measure to Improve is Here to Help
Our experienced team provides the guidance and support needed to navigate THESIS reporting effectively. Whether you need hands-on consulting or additional tools to streamline data collection, MTI offers customized solutions to fit your business’s unique needs.
Start preparing now to stay ahead. Contact us today to learn how we can support your sustainability journey.
