Sustainability in food & beverage industry is the topic which needs immediate attention. Due to concerns related to climate & environmental changes it’s high time we look into sustainability seriously. Climate change poses a threat to the food supply. Global warming, extreme weather and heavy rainfall will surely have an impact on the crop production & supply.
The issues included in food and beverage sustainability are-
1. Reducing food wastages
Though fighting food waste starts at home we chefs in the hospitality industry are to be the major contributor towards it. It’s our responsibility to lead the fight against food waste. To remind the world not to take food for granted, but to treat it with care & utmost respect.
Some small steps could be preservation, creatively using wastages, awareness/education is the key. Raise a question why & last but not the least following FIFO (First In First out). Move older products to the front of the fridge/pantry and put new products in the back.
2. Reducing the impact on environment
Using biodegradable & recycled products is the answer here. Minimising usage of single use plastic (like cling film, straws, garbage bags, stirrer, and packing material) it is the need of hour that we look at other biodegradable alternatives like cling film & garbage bag made with corn starch .Paper straws and recycled or reusable packing material. On site bottled water plants will also help the cause.
3. Switching from meat & dairy to lower impact plant based food products.
Switching to a plant-based diet can help fight climate change more people could be fed using less land if individuals cut down on eating meat. Switching to vegan diet with superfoods like jack fruit, tofu, avocado, beans, moringa etc. would surely make planet Earth a better place to live.
4. Developing sustainable supply chains.
Food supply chains who are ready to take up the responsibility to develop sustainable form of production & distribution must be promoted. “Think global but cook Local” is the mantra we need to have in our minds. Promoting local farmers and producers would also help in keeping low the carbon footprint that would come up because of transportation of products & ingredients.
5. Improving Corporate Culture.
As the decentralised nature of the industry appears almost as a setback in bringing sustainability objectives into life, however this perception can be turned into an opportunity if sustainability becomes one of the essential elements which acts as a foundation of global companies through reinforcing stringent work culture. Recognition of sustainability by the top management alone isn’t enough, the integration of sustainability strategy and making it an organisational commitment while turning it into business strategy is vital.
The identification of informal networks of sustainability champions positioned in key strategic areas throughout companies has proved in some companies to be a substantial contributor to success, and engagement of the ‘second’ layer of senior decision makers is essential. Overcoming internal constraints to rollout of a sustainability strategy presents the most immediate potential for further exploitation of the business case that sustainability offers within organisations. Mind set of managers, lack of knowledge and organisational culture are the most significant barriers, but these are also areas that are entirely within the corporation’s direct sphere of influence.
6. Financial Issues
It has been noted through research that, consumers are willing to pay higher price upto 36% in return for a sustainable product. A more sustainable F&B outlet attracts and is able to maintain top employees along with even younger employees. As it was studied by Deloitte that 45% of millennials would shift their workplace if their company did not sustainability steps into action.
7. Upgrade equipment to be eco-friendly.
It is also important that the appliances and equipment being utilised in the kitchen to be upgraded to eco-friendly. Even though they may be a bit more on the expensive side, however it should be looked from the perspective of long term investment as it will save your money and energy cost as well.
8. Publicise your efforts.
The efforts taken towards sustainability shouldn’t only be restricted to recognition only within the business but also be amplified amongst customers through social media to increase awareness about the steps to help the planet. Share the upcoming initiatives, updates and statistics on the progress. Food and beverage sustainability is a very prominent movement that there exists a dedicated association for the same which you can become a part of after the needed changes are made. This membership will act like a stamp of approval and can help your business to be perceived as a sustainable driven brand.
Minimal changes to the mind set & life style like storing, consuming, cooking, packing, procuring food will help reduce pressure on planet Earth & would also help in maximising the three P’s People, Profit & the Planet for the organisation.
(The author is executive chef at Hilton Garden Inn, Saket, New Delhi)