As caterers and food businesses adapt to rising demand for sustainable practices, there's a powerful opportunity not just to do right by the planet but also to drive significant returns. Sustainable choices are about more than reputation; they can directly boost your ROI. Here’s how climate-smart catering can improve your bottom line while aligning with a more sustainable future.
The Link Between Sustainability and Cost Efficiency
At first glance, climate-smart choices might seem costly. However, many caterers are finding that sustainable practices often lead to greater efficiency and long-term savings. In fact, businesses in the food and beverage industry that implement sustainability measures can reduce operational costs by as much as 15-20%. Here are a few ways sustainability directly impacts cost efficiency:- Reducing food waste: One of the simplest ways to cut costs is by reducing the amount of food waste produced. Globally, an estimated 931 million tonnes of food is wasted each year, with a significant portion of that waste coming from the food service sector. A climate-smart catering approach encourages precise portioning, repurposing surplus ingredients, and offering seasonal, locally sourced menus—all of which lead to less waste and better profit margins.
- Energy-efficient practices: Catering businesses can also save on energy costs by implementing efficient kitchen equipment, adopting energy-conscious cooking techniques, and even reducing the frequency of high-energy appliances like ovens and refrigerators. According to the FAO,
energy efficiency in the food industry can lead to savings of up to 25% in operating costs. - Sustainable sourcing: Partnering with local, sustainable suppliers not only helps reduce your carbon footprint but can also ensure more predictable costs and long-term supply stability. Local suppliers are less vulnerable to global supply chain disruptions, offering a cost-efficient alternative that also appeals to eco-conscious clients. A study by the WRI found that businesses adopting sustainable sourcing practices saw an average increase in profitability of 10-15%.
How Klimato Helps You Measure and Improve ROI
Climate-smart catering isn’t just about intention—it’s about measurable impact. That’s where Klimato comes in. Our app provides caterers with the tools they need to track, reduce, and report on their climate impact, turning sustainability into a clear value-add.
By using Klimato’s carbon footprint calculator, catering businesses can evaluate the climate impact of their menu items and make informed choices to reduce it. These reductions don't just help the environment—they can directly improve your margins.
Sodexo Nordic optimized their menu based on carbon footprint data from Klimato. By focusing on climate-friendly dishes and reducing high-carbon options, they achieved a 10% reduction in carbon emissions across their operations. This not only enhanced their sustainability credentials but also led to increased operational efficiency and reduced costs.
Want to measure your catering’s climate impact and improve your ROI? Try Klimato today and see how our tool can help you make smarter, more profitable decisions.
Leveraging Sustainability to Win New Business
The demand for climate-smart choices isn’t just about internal savings—it’s also about winning new business. More and more clients, from corporate events to private parties, are looking for caterers who align with their values of sustainability and social responsibility. According to Harvard Business Review, companies with strong sustainability credentials are 20% more likely to attract new customers. Climate-smart practices can make your catering service stand out, attracting eco-conscious customers and larger corporate clients who prioritize sustainability.
By offering climate-smart catering options, you’re not just meeting client expectations—you’re exceeding them. Highlight your sustainable practices in your marketing materials to attract more business and gain a competitive edge in the market.
Sustainable Menus and Increased Profit Margins
Another benefit of climate-smart catering? Profit margins. Integrating plant-based and low-carbon food options isn’t just good for the environment—it can also reduce costs while appealing to a broader customer base. Several studies have proven that plant-based meals generally have a 60% lower carbon footprint compared to meat-based dishes. Moreover, plant-based dishes are often cheaper to produce and cater to the growing demand for health-conscious and environmentally aware meals.
Compass Group Sweden made a significant shift by introducing more plant-based options into their menu. They successfully reduced food costs by 25% and saw an increase in profit margins. This strategic change allowed them to cater to the growing demand for sustainable dining options while maintaining a strong financial outlook.
Take the First Step Towards Climate-Smart ROI
Sustainable catering is more than a buzzword—it’s a strategic business move that delivers tangible financial returns. By adopting climate-smart choices, you’ll reduce waste, lower energy costs, attract eco-conscious customers, and improve your profit margins. And with Klimato by your side, you can track and improve your climate impact every step of the way.
Ready to maximize your ROI through climate-smart catering? Sign up for a demo and discover how Klimato can help your business grow sustainably—both for the planet and your bottom line.
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