Evaluation of Green Procurement Practices in a Food and Beverage Company in Kwara State

This study evaluates the adoption and effectiveness of green procurement practices in a food and beverage manufacturing company in Kwara State, North Central Nigeria. Green procurement, defined as the integration of environmental criteria into purchasing decisions, has gained increasing prominence as companies respond to regulatory pressure, consumer expectations, and internal sustainability commitments. However, documented evidence on the penetration of green procurement practices among Nigerian food and beverage manufacturers remains sparse. This research employs a structured questionnaire instrument adapted from established green procurement assessment frameworks, administered to procurement, production, and environmental management staff across three functional levels. Document review of the company's supplier evaluation procedures, purchase specifications, and environmental management records supplemented the survey data. Findings reveal that environmental criteria are applied inconsistently, with packaging material procurement showing the highest green procurement integration while primary ingredient sourcing demonstrates the weakest adoption due to limited availability of certified sustainable agricultural commodities in the domestic supply base. The study recommends developing a formal green supplier qualification matrix, setting progressive environmental performance targets for key suppliers, and engaging with industry associations to expand the certified sustainable supply base in the North Central zone. Keywords: green procurement, food and beverage manufacturing, supplier sustainability, Kwara State, environmental criteria