Since partnering with Planet Mark in 2019, Fooditude’s approach to sustainability has evolved from a supporting initiative into a fundamental part of how we operate. What began as a desire to do better has grown into a clear, data-led strategy that shapes decisions across our teams, kitchens and supply chain.
Today, sustainability is embedded into every part of the business, from how we design menus and source ingredients to how we work with our clients and wider community. With Planet Mark’s guidance, we’ve been able to move beyond intention and into action, using insight and collaboration to continually raise the bar. For our teams, this journey is more about building strong foundations for the future.
Small but mighty Initiatives
We understand that real change comes from everyday decisions and small, thoughtful shifts that add up to a meaningful impact over time.
One such initiative is carbon labelling which has become a powerful tool in how we approach menu development. By measuring and displaying the carbon footprint of individual dishes, we gain a clearer understanding of the environmental impact behind every recipe.
For our chefs, this visibility supports more informed choices during menu creation, helping them design dishes that balance flavour, nutrition and lower carbon impact. For our clients, carbon labelling offers transparency, making it easier to understand how everyday food choices contribute to their overall footprint.
While calorie labelling has changed how we think about nutrition, carbon labelling encourages shared responsibility. It creates a connection between us and our client, but also creates a sense of accountability and a mutual ambition to reduce environmental impact, something we value deeply.
Setting the Foundations
“As we look ahead to 2030 and beyond, their dedication to sustainability reflects Fooditude’s team culture centred on the responsibility of feeding people well.”
- Planet Mark
Since partnering with Planet Mark, the team has built robust systems to track and tackle sustainability challenges. Collecting data across all operations has helped our teams understand scope and emissions and identify where changes will make the most difference.
In 2024, one priority was measuring leftover food returning from client canteens. By analysing this data, chefs could adjust portion sizes and menus based on what diners actually eat and reduce waste without compromising the quality of the meals.
Another area of focus has been sourcing ingredients more responsibly. In January 2024, Fooditude introduced a Sustainability Supplier Policy, setting clear guidelines and minimum requirements for suppliers. The business also joined EcoVadis to assess supplier sustainability, covering ethical employment and carbon footprint, particularly for larger suppliers operating in corporate markets.
Chefs also actively seek suppliers making a positive impact. This includes Rise, which produces regenerative flour grown solely in the UK; Paddi Rice, which reinvests 20% of profits to help local farmers; and Leghorn, which uses meat from retired hens.
Building a culture of awareness
Through partnerships and volunteering, the team uses food to bring people together and support local communities. Collaborating with local businesses and services allows Fooditude to have a direct impact while building a culture of understanding and responsibility across the team.
Fooditude works with Appleby Blue Retirement Home. Running cooking lessons and opening up the conversation around sustainable eating.
Continuing our journey with Planet Mark
Last year was a milestone year, even more so for the Tackling Food Waste Initiative. Teams across Fooditude worked together to reduce food waste across all departments. This company-wide collaboration was recognised with the Employee Engagement Planet Mark Award, highlighting the dedication and creativity of the team.
Fooditude continues to work with Planet Mark to guide the next steps on its sustainability journey. With Planet Mark’s support, the business is focused on achieving its net zero target while continuing to build on the progress already made and ensuring sustainability remains a central part of operations across the company
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