Seventy-four percent of respondents have a positive view of sustainable food. However, inflationary economic conditions in Western countries tend to dampen enthusiasm for sustainable food. In countries like Brazil and India, two-thirds of the public have a very positive view of sustainable food, while in Western countries the rate remains at 74-3 percent.

The research shows that citizens in all countries have a very positive view of sustainable food. Two-thirds of consumers who participated in the research think that sustainable food contributes to improving the quality of life. Sustainable food is seen as healthier and more balanced. While 47 percent of consumers find sustainable nutrition beneficial in terms of health, 51 percent say it has a positive impact on the environment and 43 percent say it contributes to the preservation of biodiversity.

42 Percent of Survey Participants Eat as Sustainably as Possible

Sustainable food is creating more excitement in Western countries, despite being more moderate due to inflationary economies. Sodexo’s research shows that the three main factors that encourage consumers to adopt sustainable eating habits are price, taste and health. The Barometer identifies three main consumer profiles regarding sustainable food. 42 percent of the participants are in the “Determined” group, consuming sustainable products as much as possible. The “Undecided” group, 44 percent, hesitates to choose sustainable products even if they are available. The last group is the “Avoidant” group with 14, who are not yet inclined to consume sustainable products.

The Biggest Obstacle to Sustainable Food is Loss of Taste and Flavor

For all consumers, price remains the number one factor in choosing food products. 73 percent of consumers prioritize price over environmental concerns. For all three groups, taste is a major factor in food choice, coming in just behind price. Health also stands out as an important factor: nutritional value and product composition are the third and fourth most important factors in the decision-making process. The biggest obstacle to switching to sustainable food is loss of taste and flavor. 47 percent of committed consumers, 68 percent of undecided consumers and 70 percent of abstaining consumers are not willing to consume a sustainable product if it tastes less good than a regular product.

Price is Important in Sustainable Product Consumption

Price barriers are also a significant factor. 37 percent of committed consumers, 62 percent of undecided consumers, and 69 percent of abstaining consumers are not willing to consume a sustainable product if it is more expensive. Contrary to popular belief, the most “Committed” citizens consume meat almost as often as the “Undecided” and “Avoiding” groups. However, the “Committed” group is more likely to consider reducing their meat intake and has already begun to do so, especially with red meat.

Participants in the Study Say Nutritional Information Should Be Written on Meals 

For consumers, food service providers are seen as the main drivers of the transition to more sustainable eating habits. Following farmers and the food industry, food service providers are expected to play a leading role in the transition to more sustainable eating habits. The research also reveals a strong need for incentives. 47 percent of determined consumers and 40 percent of undecided consumers believe that sharing recipe ideas or recipe suggestions with sustainable products would help them change their individual habits. In addition, 46 percent of determined consumers and 37 percent of undecided consumers think it is necessary to highlight nutritional information more prominently on products and dishes.

Sodexo aims to continue using these drivers with concrete initiatives to accelerate the transition to more sustainable eating habits and reduce its emissions across the entire value chain, from farm to plate.

One of the leading companies in our country Eksim Holdinglaunched the 'Enough is the Best Decision' campaign to draw attention to waste, which is the biggest threat to a sustainable life. Within the scope of the campaign, which focuses on the negative effects of waste, especially food, water and energy, on environmental sustainability, social life and the economy; projects will be implemented in cooperation with public and non-governmental organizations in areas such as education, agriculture and waste management.

Call to Fight Waste Together 

Making statements on the subject Eksim Holding Chairman of the Board of Directors Ebubekir Tivnikli, He emphasized that 'The Right Decision Enough' is not only a social responsibility movement but also an invitation that calls us to rethink our lives and ways of doing business. Tivnikli said, “Today, we are involved in two strategic business lines, namely the energy and food sectors. As a holding, we always question whether the investments we make are in the interest of the welfare of society and the environment, in addition to their commercial returns. The values ​​that have created our holding and that we have inherited from our family are based on the understanding of our elders based on using enough and not wasting. We have placed this understanding at the core of our corporate culture and consider it our duty to spread it.”

The Extent of Food Waste: 12 Million Loaves of Bread Go to Trash Every Day

Tivnikli, who stated that in addition to the damage caused by global climate change, unconscious agricultural and irrigation practices cause waste, said; “The use of underground water, the lack of widespread modern irrigation and drought are causing the depletion of both our lands and water resources. We could not remain indifferent to this situation and set out to start a mobilization movement that will remind us of the value of soil and water.”

Referring to food waste with numbers, Tivnikli said, “Unfortunately, the annual food waste in our country is 43 billion dollars and 12 million loaves of bread go to waste every day. All institutions have a duty to change this huge waste picture. Global problems we face today, such as climate change, drought and depletion of natural resources, make every segment of society responsible for waste. For this reason, we invite everyone who wants to be a partner in our projects under the umbrella of ‘Enough’ and produce solutions with us to this mobilization against waste.”

It is Aimed to Raise the Awareness of 10 Thousand Children with a Theater Play and 40 Thousand Children with an Education Kit

Sharing the work and goals under 'The Right Decision Enough' Eksim Holding Corporate Communications Director Yusuf Ekiz underlined that they primarily target children, young people and farmers. Stating that Dicle Elektrik has signed collaborations with Diyarbakır National Education Directorate in this context, Ekiz noted that they put the theater play titled ‘Dicle's Dream’ into action after a feverish 4-month work with members of the theater club consisting of volunteer employees of Dicle Elektrik. Stating that they plan to reach 6 thousand students in 5 provinces in Dicle Elektrik's service area with the theater play, Ekiz said, “We aim to reach 10 thousand primary and secondary school students in 10 different provinces where our other group companies operate throughout the duration of our campaign.” Ekiz said that by introducing the nature-friendly activity book and agriculture kit to children in addition to the theater play, we aim to reach 20 thousand students in the first phase and 15 thousand students in 80 different provinces in the medium term. We also plan to provide trainer training to approximately 2 thousand teachers in order to increase the effectiveness of the project.” 

One Support Thousand Blessings Farmer Training Program Will Reach 10 Thousand Farmers

In his speech, Yusuf Ekiz emphasized that 70 percent of drinking water in Turkey is used for agricultural irrigation purposes and announced that they have launched the 'One Support, Thousand Blessings Education Program' to increase irrigation efficiency. Stating that their aim is to support farmers and contribute to the establishment of agricultural production on a sustainable basis, Ekiz said, “With this program, we provide comprehensive theoretical and practical training to our farmers. We carried out the first phase of the program in cooperation with Batman University with the participation of 250 farmers. In the second phase of the project, we will implement a 50-year training and mentoring program in cooperation with Harran University and 1 young farmers. We aim to reach a total of 10 thousand farmers directly and indirectly in two years.” Ekiz added that they aim to reduce resource waste with the “Smart Agriculture Idea Competition” focusing on innovative ideas of young people within the scope of the fight against water crisis and drought.

Food Waste Will Become Fertilizer and Support the Ecosystem

Yusuf Ekiz, who emphasized that KORU Association is one of the most important stakeholders of the 'Enough' campaign, also touched on the food waste recycling project against waste. Ekiz said, “We recycle the food waste from the production facilities of our chain bakery-cafe store Aslı in KORU's compost factory and return it to nature. We will deliver some of the compost fertilizers to our customers in protected packages at Aslı branches. In addition, we have put into practice many innovative applications such as coffee thermos discounts, use of recyclable packages and a waste-free menu to encourage waste-free shopping.”

2025 Will Be the “Year of Water”

Expressing that they have embarked on a long journey to prevent waste and manage resources correctly as Eksim Holding, Corporate Communications Director Yusuf Ekiz stated that they determine a focus area every year with the concepts determined under the 'Enough is the Right Decision' campaign. In line with this, he stated that they will declare 2025 as the 'Year of Water', 2026 will be focused on 'Energy' and 2027 will be focused on 'Food'. 

'Enough is the Right Decision Platform' includes all the projects and announcements of the campaign as well as blog posts on the sustainability concept.  Platform www.yeterikadar.org  can be visited from the address. 

Source: HORECA TREND and Eksim Holding

On the night of December 31st, At Mezzanine Lounge It starts with Türkün Yıldız's piano recital. After this intimate atmosphere where you will be enchanted by the music, a delicious experience awaits you with the open buffet gala dinner at 34 Restaurant. At this special gala dinner, which costs 9.500 TL per person, Executive Chef Yusuf GülyiyenFrom New Year's turkey, which bears the signature of , to seafood, from pot dishes to olive oil dishes and appetizers, from salad varieties to a wide range of dessert options, special flavors are offered. Suami Ramirez Quartet's live performance will join the night with its energetic rhythms.

For guests who want to continue the fun after dinner, the Library Bar, a popular venue for celebrations, offers fun-filled moments with DJ Jasemine's live performance from the first hours of the new year.

Grand Hyatt Istanbul's New Year's Eve programs, which are not limited to the night of December 31, invite those who want to crown the first day of the new year with a special experience to Jazz & Brunch. The brunch, which is 3.250 TL per person, includes a special New Year's baked turkey, New Year's themed desserts and many other flavors, making this enjoyable meeting unforgettable.

For those who want to spend quality time and rejuvenate, Gaia Spa offers special packages for couples or individuals. It provides the opportunity to relieve the tiredness of the whole year with 90-minute spa rituals and a traditional Turkish bath.

There is also a special Ice Rink in the garden of the hotel for ice skating, the most entertaining activity of winter. The ice rink, which is a fun activity for both adults and children, is ready to create enjoyable moments.

Those who want to turn New Year's Eve into a magical experience are invited to make the new year unforgettable with the unique program of Grand Hyatt Istanbul.

Source: HORECA TREND and Grand Hyatt Istanbul