In an effort to combat the environmental challenges posed by the food industry, Doherty created Foodsteps, a UK-based platform aimed at helping food businesses reduce their environmental impact. Her journey was sparked by a passion for sustainability and insights gained during her research at Cambridge, where she discovered the significant role of the food system in climate change and biodiversity loss.
Launched in 2019, Foodsteps has grown impressively, expanding 14-fold since 2021. Doherty emphasizes that sustainability has shifted from being a luxury to a critical requirement for businesses. As food companies face stricter regulations and increasing consumer demand for greener practices, Foodsteps has become an essential tool for navigating this landscape.
Doherty highlights that the food system contributes to a third of global emissions, making it a key area for change. She believes that food businesses hold the power to drive this change through their choices in ingredients and production methods. Her research laid the foundation for creating a platform that helps these businesses track and reduce their environmental impact.
Foodsteps offers data analytics that allow companies to make informed decisions about sourcing, waste management, and supply chains. This tool is vital for businesses striving to meet evolving regulations and cater to environmentally conscious customers. As demand for sustainable options rises, the need for reliable data becomes even more critical.
The platform not only aids in compliance with stricter regulations but also enables companies to compete based on sustainability credentials. Reliable data helps businesses showcase their efforts and impact, fostering trust among consumers and stakeholders. Doherty believes that this demand for transparency will continue to grow.
Real-world examples of Foodsteps’ impact include partnerships with major players like Compass Group and Azzurri Group. With Compass Group, Foodsteps analyzed vast amounts of purchasing data, helping them outline a Net Zero Transition Plan. For Azzurri Group, improved tracking led to nearly a 7% reduction in food-related emissions in just a year, demonstrating the effectiveness of better data in promoting sustainable practices.
As the business environment becomes more competitive, Doherty notes that startups must quickly deliver value to survive. She encourages these businesses to solve real problems and adapt to shifting priorities. At Foodsteps, the team is continually evolving to support food companies in achieving their sustainability goals.
Looking to the future, Doherty anticipates a shift towards more comprehensive sustainability metrics, including land use and biodiversity. These areas are gaining traction as companies recognize the importance of a holistic approach to environmental responsibility. Additionally, innovations like cultivated meat may disrupt traditional food production. While challenges remain, the potential for these technologies to transform the food system is significant.
With Foodsteps, Doherty is empowering food businesses to embrace sustainability fully. The goal is not just to meet regulatory demands but to lead in creating a more sustainable food system. As more companies commit to reducing their environmental impact, the path to sustainable food looks promising.
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Entrepreneurs,Food Businesses,Female Entrepreneurs,Climate Change,UK,United Kingdom,sustainable business,Sustainable Businesses
