Compass Group (LSE:CPG) said it will use less meat and more plant-based products in its menus going forward as part of a commitment to slash carbon emissions and become climate net zero by 2050.
The group, which is the world’s largest food services group serving over serves over 5.5bn meals a year, said it is the first major business in contract catering industry to make such commitments.
Plans will include new low carbon menus allied to an increase in sourcing from regenerative agriculture.
Compass also wants to reduced food waste by 50% by 2030, and lower it use of plastic packaging will be reduced while its vehicle fleet will become all-electric.
Other initiatives are for more seasonal and locally produced food and financial backing for climate positive and non-destructive land programmes.
Dominic Blakemore, chief executive, said: "The international food industry has a major role to play in reaching Climate Net Zero and driving the transition to a healthy and sustainable food system.
"Given the complexity of the global food supply chain as it is today, we do not underestimate the scale of the challenge ahead of us.
"Radical new collaborations are urgently needed across the entire value chain to make it a reality."