Join us for the Preview to launch of the 2025 Footprint Sustainability Index, in association with Nestlé Professional, which will be held live on YouTube on Thursday June 12th, 15.00-16.00. As well as a presentation of the report’s findings and anecdotes, this preview will feature a keynote and panel session featuring a number of the report’s contributors.
Drawing on insights generously shared by hospitality and foodservice leaders, consumer polling and wider industry analysis, this year’s Index also explores how AI may be poised to alter the out-of-home dynamic in unexpected ways. Its research found that 53% of UK adults would accept an AI-designed meal, while 44% prefer recipes developed by real people. Additionally, 43% are open to being served by a robot, but 55% still believe that hospitality should remain human. This insight underscores the delicate balance between human connection and innovation.
The 2025 Index also explores how technology is poised to transform the way we collect, analyse, and report vast amounts of complex environmental, social and governance (ESG) information efficiently. It demonstrates the necessity of this transformation, as teams struggle to maintain a focus on action and impact amid a tsunami of reporting requirements and regulatory changes. This is why the chapters on Strengthening strategy, culture, and the supply chain and Addressing food and packaging waste also provide overviews of key regulatory changes.
We’re delighted to say that this year’s Index research found that, despite economic challenges and the cold winds of geopolitical scepticism relating to ESG issues, most businesses are still doubling down on their efforts, strengthening initiatives and outlining and implementing transition plans to drive meaningful change. Saving energy and protecting natural resources explores how biodiversity and water are finally being incorporated into this circle of concern.
Delivering sustainable diets examines the key role that sustainable agricultural systems play in reducing HaFS impacts. Nestlé have already trained 148,000 coffee farmers in climate-resilient practices. These initiatives are part of a suite of ambitious targets, such as cutting dairy production emissions by 50% by 2026 and sourcing 50% of ingredients regeneratively by 2030 – up from 20% in 2025.
This focus on sustainability increasingly aligns with consumer preferences. For example, as discussed in Attracting and retaining customers and clients, when offered two lasagnas — one with a 50% lower carbon footprint — 44% of the UK adults polled chose the more sustainable option, up from 36% in 2024. Additionally, 56% of people selected a venue whose signage displayed a clear carbon commitment over one that didn’t, a significant rise from 44% last year.
This interest is particularly strong among younger consumers – a HaFS key market – with six in ten of this vital demographic trying to reduce their meat intake. Sustainability is also a talent imperative. Encouraging creativity, boosting inclusivity, and fostering wellbeing explores how, with 36% of those polled prioritising responsible business practices in their employment choices — up from 29% two years ago — many HaFS businesses are integrating wellbeing, inclusivity, and environmental purpose into job functions and recruitment strategies.
As ever, this year’s Index contains the insight, evidence, and practical examples to help you set priorities, strengthen strategy, and make change happen.
Don’t miss out! Join us to delve deeper into the report’s findings and benefit from key insights and intelligence to take back to your own business.
