What’s on the menu? Foodservice update Q2 2025

Foodservice companies have a long history with corporate social responsibility (CSR), with initiatives focusing on people, planet, and profit. The initiatives evolved from intrinsic motivation to do good with in-house projects and foundations to quantified and externally endorsed plans. Joining the SBTi was a significant step in that transition, with the number of industry joiners peaking in 2021 to 2022.

Since then, the complexity of tracking sustainability performance in the foodservice sector has become increasingly evident. Early engagements may have underestimated the burden of collecting data, completing disclosure forms, and conducting meaningful analysis. These resource demands arise well before any sustainability improvements are even implemented.

The challenges of real-world implementation are reflected in recent SBTi participation. Since January 2024, only four new foodservice companies have joined the initiative.

Still, the industry has made progress and more is expected: Sustainability efforts will continue, driven by risk management, related efficiency improvement and regulation.