Overview

Produced by the Changing Markets Foundation, the Methane Action Tracker is a benchmark series that monitors corporate efforts to mitigate methane emissions within the dairy and coffee sectors. It specifically focuses on the “May 2026 Insights” update, evaluating how major global players are managing their methane footprint. The report covers 23 companies, assessing them based on their climate targets, transparency in disclosure, and tangible methane reductions. It highlights the performance of members of the Dairy Methane Action Alliance (DMAA) relative to non-members and compares the dairy industry’s progress with that of major food retailers.

Purpose

This benchmark series exists to drive accountability and transparency in a sector that is a significant contributor to global methane emissions. It is designed to inform stakeholders, including investors and policymakers, about the extent to which companies are aligning their business models with international climate goals like the Global Methane Pledge. By ranking companies and identifying “laggards”, the report aims to incentivise more ambitious climate action and provide a clear framework for measuring progress. It also addresses the shifting regulatory landscape, such as the European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), helping companies prepare for mandatory disclosures.

Methodology

The analysis is carried out using a scoring system where companies are awarded points based on specific methane-related indicators. The assessment framework covers four main pillars:

• Methane reduction targets, specifically those aimed at a 30 per cent reduction by 2030.
• Disclosure of livestock methane emissions, reported in either CH4 or CO2e.
• The existence of clear and actionable methane action plans.
• The reporting of actual, verified methane emission reductions.

Data is sourced from public annual reports, sustainability disclosures, and private communications with the Changing Markets Foundation. The report assigns a total score out of 108 to each company, resulting in a ranking that reflects year-on-year trends and comparative performance across the dairy and coffee supply chains. The analysis provides a granular view of corporate performance, tracking ranking trends from 2025 to 2026 to identify which organisations are improving their sustainability practices.

Use for finance professionals

Finance professionals can utilise this benchmark to assess the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) risks associated with investments in the dairy and coffee sectors. The report frames methane emissions not only as an environmental issue but as a significant financial risk under the principle of double materiality. It identifies transition risks as climate policies tighten, legal risks linked to environmental harm, and reputational risks as public and regulatory scrutiny increases. Analysts can use the detailed rankings and company-specific data to conduct due diligence, inform engagement strategies, and identify companies that are better prepared for incoming regulations like the CSRD and CSDDD. The tracker provides a standardised way to compare corporate climate ambition and implementation across the global food industry.