Food & Beverage

The global food system significantly contributes to climate change, biodiversity loss, depletion of freshwater resources, and ecosystem pollution. Industrial agriculture’s nutrient runoff and pesticide use have notably reduced insect populations, including vital pollinators. Alarmingly, a third of all food produced globally is wasted, contributing to a third of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

In Ireland, food waste exceeds one million tonnes annually, enough to fill Croke Park Stadium two and a half times, resulting in a carbon footprint of up to 3.6 Mt CO2. Furthermore, agriculture accounts for 37.5% of Ireland’s GHG emissions in 2021, with methane from livestock and nitrous oxide from fertilisers and manure management as significant contributors. This sector also poses a threat to water quality, with excessive nutrients from agriculture affecting over a third of rivers and a quarter of lakes.

To combat food waste, Ireland implemented the Waste Management – Food Waste – Regulations in July 2010, requiring major food waste producers to separate and recycle it appropriately. Yet, prevention is the most effective management strategy.

The Cultural and Creative Industries have a big part to play in addressing this impact area, and particularly those working in large-scale production and tours, or those with on-site cafés, and of course anyone organising an event with catering, large or small.

The preparation of catering involves the procurement of ingredients, transport of goods, and the potential to create food waste. It is key to work closely with concessions and caterers to ensure they are producing enough food at your production to feed everyone, but not too much. Aim for accurate and transparent communication of expected staff and audience numbers, and dietary requirements. Engaging stakeholders on sustainable food & beverage policies is a hugely important aspect of production. With food & beverage, there lies great potential for sustainable impact with positive messaging, reducing transport miles and supporting local producers.