Home
Dark view of field with green tree and moon

Footprint Sustainability Index 2023

Nestlé Professional launches the Footprint Sustainability Index 2023 to inspire the foodservice industry to keep on striving

Following a tough year for food service — from rising costs and supply problems to staff shortages and environmental concerns — we're launching the Footprint Sustainability Index 2023, in response to the industry’s call for further insight to support its journey to Net Zero.

Although recent years have brought rising living costs and environmental challenges, consumers are still yearning for more sustainable lives. This has driven lasting changes in their behaviour and businesses across the industry are continuing to evolve to meet these needs.

Designed to profile best practices, pinpoint emerging trends, and identify opportunities for food service leaders, this year’s Footprint Sustainability Index acknowledges that while achieving Net Zero may seem daunting, there are plenty of actions businesses can be taking to reduce waste and become more sustainable such as streamlining menus and moving to reusable materials.

The report delves into the hottest topics in the food industry, providing recommendations on culture and supply chains; sustainable diets; food and plastic waste; attracting and maintaining clients; saving energy and protecting natural resources; and fostering wellbeing. And across all these areas, it reveals that the industry has moved forward, taking positive strides since the launch of Sustainability Index 2022. 

Footprint Sustainability Index Report 2023

Food Sustainability Index 2023 – key changes to note

  • Last year, we reported on how the threat of climate change had given sustainability strategies greater weight. This year, the food industry has redoubled its efforts to address Scope 3 emissions, accelerating activity in a host of different ways. Read the NESCAFÉ® Plan 2030 Update to see how Nestlé has reinforced its net zero efforts.
  • The quest for strong emissions data continues, highlighting how initiatives like plant-based menus and better food waste management play an important role.
  • Consumers are continuing to reduce meat consumption – for health and sustainability reasons. Now they’re keen to understand more about the health benefits of plant-based proteins, leaning towards businesses (and menus) with strong sustainability credentials. Find out more about the benefits of plant-based diets here.
  • Government regulation is on the horizon in key business areas like waste reduction and carbon labelling. Meanwhile, pioneering operators are pre-empting legislation and educating consumers by introducing their own carbon labelling. 
  • Innovation is key. And according to Footprint research, Brits now expect more pay and greater work-life balance than in 2022. The spotlight is on the industry to consider how it’s rewarding and motivating staff if it’s to improve staff retention and attract fresh talent with creative ideas for the challenges ahead. Read how the Choose Hospitality Pledge is helping attract young talent to hospitality.


While high costs and supply shortages are set to continue, the good news is that our industry has strengthened its commitment to Net Zero. Having drawn upon the wisdom of senior leaders and conducted exclusive, in-depth research, we're proud to launch the Footprint Sustainability Index as a go-to resource, helping businesses to understand the challenges faced by the industry and discover their potential for greater growth.