Footprint, the UK’s leading sustainability and ESG expert in the food and drink industry, in collaboration with Nestlé Professional, has released their annual report, The Sustainability Index 2024.
This comprehensive report showcases the resilience and commitment of the foodservice industry in its quest to achieve net-zero, emphasising the need for innovative and sustainable practices.
In a year characterised by economic pressures, supply chain disruptions and environmental concerns, the 2024 Footprint Sustainability Index emerges as a testament to progress.
The report highlights how businesses are continuously innovating and adapting to overcome sustainability challenges while maintaining operational efficiency. Beyond carbon reduction, this year’s index emphasises the significance of a holistic approach to sustainability.
It delves into critical areas, such as biodiversity conservation, soil health, and water management, illustrating their vital role in comprehensive environmental stewardship. Packed with fresh, actionable insights, the index offers recommendations to empower foodservice leaders to enhance sustainability across their operations.
Customer behaviour remains a powerful driver of industry transformation. The report reveals that 59% of customers attempted to reduce their meat consumption in 2023.
This growing preference for sustainable dining options is influencing businesses to adopt practices, such as menu streamlining and the use of reusable materials. The Index details how these consumer trends are shaping the future of the foodservice sector. For example, in 2023, there was a 23% increase in individuals choosing dining locations based on the establishment’s sustainability ethics.
The 2024 Index equips industry leaders with strategic insights and best practices to foster meaningful change. It underscores the importance of building a resilient workforce and nurturing a culture of sustainability within the foodservice sector.
Katya Simmons, Managing Director of Nestlé Professional said, “Climate change is not a future issue, it’s happening here and now. And the impacts of climate change continued to affect more people and ecosystems around the world in 2023, notably through extreme weather events.
“Supply shortages continued to drive costs in an unsustainable upwards trajectory, which, among other challenges, contributed to a persistent cost-of-living crisis, making it another challenging year for foodservice and hospitality businesses. Despite this, we’ve seen more organisations step up and lead from the front, doubling down on their sustainable practices in the UKs drive to net zero.
“At Nestlé Professional, we are deeply committed to leading the way in sustainability. The 2024 Footprint Sustainability Index is not just a report; it is a vital resource that empowers us and our industry peers with the insights and strategies needed to tackle today’s complex challenges.
“We are on a dedicated path toward sustainability, with clear goals to reduce our carbon footprint, enhance resource efficiency, and promote responsible sourcing. This Index underscores our commitment to innovation and resilience, helping us to build a more sustainable future. Together, we can create a lasting impact, driving positive change across the foodservice industry.”
A key theme in this year’s report is the need to prioritise action with transition plans that set out how commitments will be achieved.
Nestlé is working to reach Net Zero emissions against their 2018 baseline by 2030. Regenerative agriculture is a key pillar in delivering these targets, and the company plans to source 20 per cent of key ingredients through regenerative practices by 2025, growing to 50 per cent by 2030.
In 2023, the Nescafé Plan 2030 provided training on regenerative agricultural practices to over 148,000 farmers across 16 countries.
View and download the 2024 Footprint Sustainability Index