Victor Ceserani lecture tackles food waste in hospitality

The Victor Ceserani lecture series continued with a fascinating panel debate examining food waste in the hospitality industry.

Dr Richard Swannell, Director of Sustainable Food Systems at WRAP, introduced the issue to an audience of invited guests which included industry experts, academics and hospitality alumni. Dr Swannell discussed the increasing pressures being faced to produce food as the global population is rises, and how increased production would impact the environment and climate change. Currently, for every two tonnes of food consumed, another tonne is wasted, drawing attention to the urgent need for increased efficiency.

Turning his attention to the hospitality sector, Dr Swannell identified the tension between consumer attitudes against food wastage versus delivering a perceived ‘value for money’ for consumers.  He then demonstrated how this can be addressed using simple solutions, including offering a variety of portion sizes to consumers and careful management of buffets. He also discussed successful initiatives, including the Hospitality and Food Service Agreement and the Courtauld Commitment, which have engaged with businesses across the sector.

A link to the presentation slides can be found here.

Food Waste in Hospitality - complete lecture

Panellists Dr Rebecca Hawkins, Responsible Hospitality Partnership Ltd, Ken Mulholland, Brakes Group, and Nicki Crayfourd, Compass Group PLC, considered further difficulties in addressing the issue of food waste. They discussed the difficulties in measuring levels of food waste and the challenges faced in addressing the issue across global markets and supply chains.

The evening inspired lively debate, and guests had the opportunity to network in Asia House’s beautiful reception rooms.

Professor Alexandros Paraskevas, Chair in Hospitality Management at the University of West London, said, 'Dr Richard Swannell gave an insightful and inspiring lecture to an audience who can really make change happen in the sector, and the panellists conveyed important messages balancing business sense with urgency for action, and sensitivity with passion. The University of West London's Victor Ceserani series, bringing together professionals from across the hospitality sector, continues to lead industry debate on burning issues for the industry.'

The Victor Ceserani lecture series honours the former Head of School, Victor Ceserani MBE and is kindly supported by Charles Wilson.

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