“58% of 18-34 year olds surveyed said they “will pay more for a brand that has strong sustainability credentials”
Sustainability has transitioned from a buzzword to a crucial factor in consumers’ decision-making process. This shift has become especially important to the food and hospitality industry, where diners are not just looking for a meal with friends or a delicious coffee and pastry but are seeking out businesses that align with their values. From reducing waste to environmentally friendly packaging and transparency in menus, sustainability is reshaping the way consumers decide where to eat. For businesses to remain a top choice they need to move with consumers.
In order to explore how the hospitality industry is being shaped by this Nutritics recommissioned Sustainability Matters. A research report in collaboration with Peach 2020 and CGA, which surveyed 5000 consumers in the UK. This report comes in three pieces of research investigating attitudes among consumers, employees and business leaders to create a uniquely triangulated analysis of sustainability in hospitality.
Interested in reading the report, click here to download it now!
WHY ‘SUSTAINABILITY MATTERS’ TO TODAY’S CONSUMERS
Our most recent report has revealed a significant trend: 71% of consumers proactively try to lead an environmentally friendly lifestyle. Consumers are increasingly considering the environmental impact of their food choices, such as carbon footprint, water usage and ethical sourcing. This growing awareness means that restaurants, pubs and cafes need to do more than just serve good food. They need to demonstrate an active commitment to helping the environment.
“38% of consumers say information about the carbon footprint of options on menus would influence their choices.”
One of the most effective ways to attract sustainable conscious diners is by providing transparency around the environmental impact of menus. A carbon scoring system that provides a carbon and water footprint allows restaurants to display the carbon footprint of each dish. By doing this businesses enable customers to make informed decisions that align with their values. Restaurants can clearly communicate their commitment to sustainability and give consumers the tools to make environmentally friendly choices.
Nutritics can help you display carbon scores, with Foodprint, click here to learn more.
79% think it is important that hospitality venues facilitate recycling and food waste reduction.
From using compostable packaging to offering incentives for bringing reusable containers, there are many ways restaurants can minimise waste. One of the easiest ways to to minimise waste is to optimise it at a kitchen level, ensuring that every part of an ingredient is used, optimising ordering and utilising technology to monitor and report on waste. Diners appreciate these efforts, as it shows a genuine commitment to reducing environmental impact.
WHY SUSTAINABILITY IS IMPORTANT IN BUSINESS
Beyond simply meeting consumer demand, embracing sustainability can bring a range of benefits to restaurants. Studies show that consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable options, as they see the value in supporting businesses making the right choices for the environment. This can translate into higher margins and increased customer loyalty.
Restaurants that invest in sustainability often find that their efforts are rewarded not just with customer loyalty but with operational savings, such as reduced energy and waste disposal costs. Long term savings like this can help offset initial investments in sustainable practices, making them a smart financial decision.
Ready to make your restaurant more sustainable? Explore our carbon scoring system to bring transparency to your menu and show your commitment to a greener planet. Together, we can make sustainability the new standard in dining.