There is also a clear call for increased government support to help hospitality businesses achieve their sustainability goals, as nearly three quarters (73%) of industry leaders agree grants and subsidies are essential to accelerate progress.  

The report from leading foodservice technology provider, Nutritics and hospitality data and insights consultancy CGA by NIQ, Sustainability Matters: What hospitality leaders are planning, surveyed hospitality leaders, an in-depth analysis of sustainability in hospitality establishing what leaders of the sector think about this urgent issue. 

The gap stems not from lack of commitment but from differing levels of resources – despite dedication to sustainability, independent businesses often struggle without external support to implement impactful changes. 

Dubbed the ‘green gap’, the report also marked a difference in employee engagement with sustainability, with larger companies twice as a likely as independents to feel they have succeeded in fostering employee involvement. The poll of CEOs, MDs, chairs and other bosses from across the sector, also reveals nearly half (47%) agree that staff in their business engage well with sustainability practices – rising to three quarters (75%) of those in charge of bigger businesses with 50+ sites.

Commenting on the findings Stephen Nolan, CEO of Nutritics, said; “Larger companies are showing confidence and making strides in sustainability, but to make hospitality truly sustainable, we cannot afford to leave independents behind. Leaders across the board agree better government support could play a transformative role in empowering businesses for change, regardless of size. The engagement gap is particularly concerning given the increasing consumer demand for sustainable practises. 

Nolan adds: “The call for government support is loud and clear to level the playing field, yet even with the best intentions for change, this is no small feat and unlikely to happen overnight. In the meantime, its essential that we come together as an industry – sharing advice, resources, and best practices, to ensure everyone has the tools they need to make meaningful progress.”

Sustainability Matters: What hospitality leaders are planning is available to download HERE and is the third annual report in the Sustainability Matters Series. Alongside the business leaders’ findings, the reports also include a look into consumer and employee attitudes towards sustainability, with the aim to deliver an exclusive and holistic analysis of the issue across the hospitality sector. 

Nutritics is the headline partner for the Planet Peach Sustainability Summit, which takes place on 4 March 2025 in London.