How the Foodservice Industry Is Driving the Sustainable Food Transition

The foodservice industry has historically played a central role in shaping consumer preferences and driving innovation in food preparation, production and delivery. Now more than ever, the industry is being called upon to lead the transition toward a more sustainable global food system. Sodexo has become a global leader in sustainable food companies, serving 80 million consumers daily across 45 countries and driving meaningful progress through a strong commitment to responsible practices.  

Sodexo’s 2024-2025 Sustainable Food Barometer confirms what we’ve long believed — people want food that’s good for them and good for the planet. This year, 29% of respondents say foodservice providers must take the lead in driving sustainable choices — an eight-point increase from last year. This shift reflects a broader movement: consumers wanting what’s on their plate to be both sustainable and nutritious. That’s why Sodexo is committed to making sustainable food solutions both accessible and impactful for the people we serve. 

A History of Commitment to Sustainable Food Practices 

The foodservice industry has long recognized the importance of sustainability, gradually integrating eco-friendly sourcing, waste reduction and plant-forward menu options. Sodexo has been at the forefront of this movement, prioritizing responsible sourcing and sustainable agriculture practices. 

Five years ago, Sodexo formalized its Responsible Sourcing program, focusing on three key pillars: 

• Improving health and well-being by promoting healthy, safe and nutritious ingredients. 
• Fostering social equity through fair business practices and inclusive sourcing. 
• Protecting and restoring natural ecosystems by working with suppliers to implement sustainable agricultural practices and reduce carbon footprints. 

Through these initiatives, Sodexo is not only transforming its own operations but also setting a precedent for other sustainable food companies to follow. 

Why Foodservice Is Essential to the Sustainable Food Transition 

The foodservice industry has a profound impact that extends beyond what’s on the plate. By making sustainability a default, the industry influences: 

• Consumer behavior: Providing sustainable dining options makes it easier for people to make responsible choices without sacrificing convenience or flavor. 
• Supply chains: By demanding sustainable ingredients, foodservice providers encourage farmers and suppliers to adopt environmentally friendly practices. 
• Corporate and institutional policies: Clients of the foodservice industry – from corporations to hospitals, universities and beyond – rely on foodservice partners to help achieve their sustainability goals. 
• Global sustainability efforts: Collaboration with independent non-profit organizations as well as industry peers helps develop new sustainable food solutions that benefit the broader ecosystem. 

How Sodexo Is Leading the Sustainable Food Transition 

Sodexo has taken on an ambitious global mission to redefine sustainable dining, ensuring that its food is not only delicious but also environmentally responsible. By leveraging human-centered design and default strategies, we empower both employees and consumers to make sustainable choices effortlessly.  

Our partnerships with organizations like Food for Climate League and Greener by Default help us craft narratives that resonate with diners and frontline teams, ensuring that plant-based and low-carbon meals are both appealing and accessible. Key initiatives include: 

1. Expanding Plant-Based and Low-Carbon Menus 

• Committing to 33% plant-based menus by 2025 and 70% low-carbon meals by 2030. 
• Collaborating with organizations like Eaternity to measure the carbon footprint of recipes while maintaining high nutritional value. 
• Working with partners such as the Humane Society of the United States to develop innovative plant-forward recipes, using insights from behavioral science to encourage adoption. 

2. Responsible Sourcing and Supplier Collaboration 

• Ensuring 100% sustainable seafood and a deforestation-free supply chain for key commodities (palm oil, soy, beef and paper products) by 2030. 
• Partnering with suppliers to increase the percentage of certified sustainable products. 
• Developing clear, traceable supply chains by implementing technical solutions to improve data sharing and sustainability standards. 

3. Consumer and Culinary Team Education 

• Training on-site management and senior leaders to understand sustainability goals and implementation strategies. 
• Providing culinary training to innovate menus that aren’t only flavorful, but also sustainable. 
• Engaging with consumer behavior initiatives like Food for Climate League and Greener by Default to drive sustainable choices through strategic menu design and effective storytelling. 

The Consumer Benefit: Why Sustainable Eating Matters 

Consumers play a critical role in the transition to sustainability, and foodservice providers like Sodexo make it easier for them to transition to sustainable eating. The benefits of this shift include: 

• Improved health outcomes: Diets rich in whole, plant-based foods support brain health and reduce the risk of diet-related diseases. 
• Greater accessibility to sustainable meals: As more companies prioritize sustainability, consumers gain access to flavorful, responsibly sourced food options in the workplace, hospitals, educational institutions and beyond. 
• A more positive environmental impact: By choosing sustainable meals, consumers contribute to lower carbon emissions, a reduction in deforestation and better global food security. 

Looking Ahead: The Future of Sustainable Dining 

As one of the world’s leading sustainable food companies, Sodexo is committed to pioneering sustainable food solutions that benefit both people and the planet. Through strategic collaborations, innovative menus and responsible sourcing, Sodexo continues to set the standard for sustainability in foodservice. 

With increasing consumer awareness and demand for responsible choices, the foodservice industry has a unique opportunity — and obligation — to drive lasting change. By making sustainable dining the norm, Sodexo is shaping a stronger, more equitable and environmentally forward future for all. 

To download the Sustainable Food Barometer Executive Summary, click here.