FutureFit Foodservice

Sustainability in Foodservice: What’s Changing?

Our current way of producing and consuming food places significant pressure on the environment, people, and society. This creates a clear need for a transition toward a more sustainable food system.

Foodservice businesses, ranging from hospitality to catering and convenience concepts, are becoming an increasingly important channel through which consumers access food. Due to their scale, growth, and influence, the sector plays a crucial role in shifting toward a more sustainable food system. Moreover, both consumers and employees expect companies to take responsibility and consider their impact on people and the environment.

With this exploratory study, we map the current developments around sustainability within the foodservice sector. We focus specifically on the importance of sustainability in purchasing activities, as procurement is a key lever to steer the entire food chain in a more sustainable direction.

Research questions

This study is guided by the following questions:

1. How do foodservice companies define sustainability?
2. What actions are they taking?
3. To what extent do foodservice companies consider sustainability during their purchasing activities?
   1. To what extent, and with which criteria, do foodservice companies take sustainability into account in their procurement activities?
   2. What are the drivers and barriers for purchasing more sustainably?
   3. How can suppliers or wholesalers support them in this process?

Method

We conduct an exploratory study in two phases. In the first phase, we carry out 20 semi-structured interviews with experts and companies from the foodservice sector. These conversations help us highlight the importance of sustainability from different perspectives and refine the focus of the study. In the second phase, we distribute a survey to 260 foodservice companies.

Output

The research report outlines how foodservice entrepreneurs view sustainability, which actions they are taking, and where untapped opportunities and challenges remain. It also highlights the role of wholesalers. In addition, we provide recommendations and practical tips for both foodservice entrepreneurs and wholesalers.