Driving Sustainable Food Practices: Insights from Sodexo

International Sustainable Food Barometer: Insights for Change

Inform and Inspire: Two Global Levers Drive Sustainable Food Transition

Sodexo recently shared the insights from the second edition of the International Sustainable Food Barometer, produced in collaboration with Toluna Harris Interactive. This Barometer aims to uncover the inhibitors and actionable drivers for transforming eating habits en route to more sustainable food production and consumption.

As Sophie Bellon, Chairwoman of Sodexo’s Board of Directors and CEO, stated, "This second edition reinforces our beliefs and commitments. It confirms the willingness of most individuals to adopt sustainable eating habits while emphasizing the readiness to depend on Food Service sectors and chefs for guidance. It also highlights an urgent need to merge pleasure and health, often seen as conflicting concepts."

Key Insights from the Barometer

First Key Insight: Sustainable food generates considerable enthusiasm, yet this enthusiasm is tempered in Western countries amidst economic pressures.

• Strong Perception of Sustainable Food: Across various regions, sustainable food is viewed positively by 74% of respondents. However, this enthusiasm is notably less pronounced in Western countries due to inflation concerns.
• Sustainable Food's Impact on Quality of Life: Approximately two-thirds of consumers believe that sustainable food enhances their well-being, with health benefits seen by 47% of participants, while 51% recognize its environmental advantages.

Second Key Insight: Price, taste, and health significantly influence consumer behavior towards sustainable eating habits.

• Consumers fall into three categories: 42% are "Committed," regularly opting for sustainable products, 44% are "Undecided," and 14% are "Distant" towards sustainable choices.
• Economic factors drastically impact decisions: 73% prioritize price when selecting food, overshadowing environmental concerns, which only resonate with 27%.
• Taste remains paramount, with many consumers reluctant to choose sustainable options if quality is compromised. The same holds true for pricing, with many unwilling to pay extra for sustainability.

The Role of Food Service in Driving Change

Third Key Insight: Food Service providers are pivotal in fostering sustainable eating habits among consumers.

Consumers have expressed a strong desire for inspiration and information on sustainable practices:

• Food Service providers are expected to lead this transition, ranking just behind farmers and the food industry.
• An impressive 47% of "Committed" consumers and 40% of "Undecided" individuals believe recipe sharing will significantly aid their shifts towards sustainable habits.
• Moreover, greater visibility of nutritional information is valued by 46% of the "Committed" and 37% of the "Undecided."

Director of Food Transition and Nutrition at Sodexo France, Carole Galissant, believes that Food Service providers have a crucial role in facilitating consumer change, advocating that proper inspiration can significantly influence eating habits.

Sodexo's Commitment to Sustainable Practices

Sodexo is a key player in the Food Service industry, well-positioned to effect meaningful change across 45 countries and serving up to 80 million consumers daily. This recent Barometer gives insight into consumers' evolving behaviors and expectations toward sustainable food practices.

Sodexo is committed to translating these findings into tangible actions:

• Creative Culinary Approaches: The development of innovative plant-based dishes is key to making sustainable options both appealing and responsible, showcased across its brands.
• Enhanced Consumer Awareness: Digital avenues like the Everyday app help convey the environmental impact of food choices, enabling better decisions through technology.
• Reducing Food Waste: With ambitions to implement initiatives such as the WasteWatch program across nearly all sites to significantly cut food waste.
• Advocating Local and Sustainable Practices: Sodexo works alongside suppliers to champion local sourcing and sustainable agricultural methods.

About Sodexo

Established in Marseille in 1966 by Pierre Bellon, Sodexo has emerged as a global leader devoted to not just sustainable foods, but enhancing overall life quality through its extensive services. Recognized as one of the world’s top companies for its commitment to responsible business, Sodexo integrates plans to foster impactful community engagement while promoting sustainability initiatives.

Through measures that align with their mission, Sodexo aims for continual improvement and responsible practices to meet the needs of consumers in a changing world.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the International Sustainable Food Barometer?

The Barometer aims to identify barriers and drivers that can transform eating habits towards more sustainable food consumption.

Who conducted the 2024 edition of the Barometer?

The Barometer was conducted by Sodexo in partnership with Toluna Harris Interactive.

How does consumer perception of sustainable food vary worldwide?

Consumer perception is generally positive globally, but enthusiasm tends to decline in Western nations due to economic pressures.

What are the key factors influencing sustainable food choices?

Price, taste, and health are the primary factors encouraging consumers to choose sustainable options.

What role do Food Service providers play in promoting sustainable eating habits?

Food Service providers are expected to inspire consumers, share information, and play a leading role in promoting sustainable food practices.

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