Innovation and sustainability vital for hospitality despite cost-of-living crisis – say industry leaders in the latest podcast

Industry leaders from wholesale, foodservice, catering and hospitality came together to discuss the cost-of-living crisis and its impact on the hospitality industry at the ‘Talking at the Sustainability Bites: Cost of Living Crisis – Foodservice & Hospitality in association with Nestlé Professional’ podcast released today.

The podcast hosted by Amy Fetzer, Footprint Head of Research & Analysis, welcomed Katya Simmons, Managing Director for Nestlé Professional UK&I, Morag Freathy, Managing Director of B&I at Compass, Naz Haq, Head of Corporate Procurement at Bidfood UK, and Nick Attfield, Director of Hospitality & Retail at Adnams. 

Each of the participants provided their unique perspective on how consumers and operators are responding to rising costs and changing market dynamics. 

In spite of the challenges, podcast members agreed that sustainability continues to play a vital role for businesses, and that changing dynamics and industry pressures have, in fact, led to greater creativity and innovation. 

Katya Simmons, Managing Director of Nestlé Professional UK&I, said:

“Often the real action happens during difficult times, and the hospitality industry has been pulling together to overcome the challenges we’ve faced over the last few years.” 

“Fortunately, sustainability remains front of mind, with areas like food waste sitting in the ‘sweet spot’ between sustainable business and improved efficiency. It’s fantastic to hear chefs are rising to the challenge, creating exciting new dishes, which check off operator needs for reduced costs while meeting demand for sustainable diets. This is something our development chefs are doubling down on with Nestlé Professional customers. There’s clearly appetite for more ideas and greater creativity in this exciting space!”

The podcast can be downloaded or streamed online from here.

To learn more about how the hospitality industry is adapting in challenging times visit the Nestlé Professional website.