On 19 September 2024, the 'More than Only Food & Drink' campaign joined the conversation on sustainability at The Caterer Sustainability Summit, a key annual event for the HORECA sector. Held virtually, the Summit brought together over 150 live participants and an audience of more than 1,200 registrants to explore the future of green practices in hospitality, with insights from industry leaders.
Representing the campaign, Simon Atkins, an experienced Bakery Advisor with over 40 years in the food industry, delivered a presentation that highlighted the sustainability credentials of EU food and drink products.
Key messages from the campaign
Atkins’ presentation focused on the EU's bold commitment to sustainability, supported by data-driven insights and specific examples of best practices. He emphasised corporate sustainability due diligence, highlighting the importance of responsible sourcing to safeguard soil, air, and water resources. He also explored strategies to rejuvenate natural ecosystems and protect biodiversity, ensuring long-term environmental health. In addition, he drew attention to the human aspects of sustainability, including economic resilience for producers.
The session also provided an in-depth explanation of the EU’s quality labels – Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), and the Organic label. Atkins detailed the significance of these labels for buyers seeking environmentally conscious products, explaining how they signify a commitment to high standards in both production and sustainability.
Engaging the HORECA sector
The audience, which included hoteliers, restaurateurs, caterers, and operators, showed a strong interest in the topics presented, as evidenced by an interactive Q&A session. Participants engaged with the content by seeking clarifications and further insights, illustrating a keen interest in integrating sustainable practices into their operations.
The registrants were diverse, with 33% from the hotel industry, 17.5% from restaurants, and 7.2% from accommodation providers. The professional backgrounds of attendees also varied, ranging from HR professionals and operations managers to chief executives and food and beverage specialists, reflecting the broad relevance of sustainability within the industry.
Post-event impact
The campaign gained significant traction following its participation in the Summit. Of the total registrants, 693 opted to share their contact details, providing an extensive database of industry professionals for future engagement. The availability of a webinar recording extends the reach of the presentation to all registrants, amplifying the campaign’s message of EU leadership in sustainability.
