Customer

Partner

  • Ernährungsforum Zürich

Project Period

August 2020 – August 2021

Services

  • Design of the participation process
  • Editorial Study Report
  • Research and consulting
  • Workshop moderations

Potential analysis of sustainable gastronomy seal of approval

Literature review and participatory expert survey for your urban label for sustainable gastronomy

Definition of the most relevant sustainability aspects in gastronomy (basis: literature; incl. target values)

Systematic evaluation and comparison of 36 quality seals for meals and businesses

Reflection on the results with around 30 stakeholders in two online workshops

THE INITIAL SITUATION

Promotion of sustainable gastronomy as part of the “Sustainable Food Strategy of the City of Zurich”

Since the referendum on November 26, 2017, the promotion of sustainable nutrition has been

anchored in the municipal ordinance of the City of Zurich. In addition, the city of Zurich has approved the Milan Urban

Food Policy Pact was signed. For this reason, the Sustainable Food Strategy City

Zurich, which was approved by the Zurich City Council in July 2019. This potential analysis examines the requirements for a seal of quality for the catering industry.

The analysis forms the basis for making a decision for or against the introduction of a seal, examining possible differentiations of such a seal or making alternative recommendations for action.

OUR SOLUTION APPROACH

Assessment of existing labels for the purpose of measuring impact and surveying directly affected stakeholders

An analysis of relevant sustainability criteria based on scientific literature provided the basis for comparing existing quality labels for restaurants (or meals) and evaluating their performance. The result was reflected upon with the direct participation of stakeholders and conclusions were drawn for the Zurich nutrition strategy.

  • Literature research Criteria & indicators for sustainable gastronomy
  • Systematic assessment of 36 existing quality seals
  • Design and implementation of a participation process (virtual)
  • Development of the conclusions and editing of the final report

EFFECT & RESULTS

Comparison and impact assessment of current seals of approval with 3 key recommendations for action – none of which is a seal of approval.

The food service industry needs practical guidance in the jungle of criteria, time for continuous improvement and support in the form of expertise and resources. These three recommendations for action have therefore been formulated to promote sustainability in Zurich’s gastronomy sector:

Orientation & objectives: Clear objectives based on existing strategies (e.g. federal government guidelines on public procurement)

Action #1

Networking: Erfa groups for restaurateurs to learn from each other

Action #2

Toolbox & support: resources for the individual support of companies

Action #3