Next Research Project

Establishing The Business Case:

Lower Carbon Menus for SMEs

SME specific

Plant-based focus

SMEs in hospitality

Working with a range of partners we’re looking to establish the current state of play for SMEs in hospitality.

While research is beginning to show a business case for increasing the number of lower carbon/plant-based dishes in some settings, a data gap exists with respect to the experiences of SMEs in hospitality.

Our research project will establish the existing level of plant-based dishes on menus in SMEs across the UK, as well as their experiences with aspects such as:

  • margins and profitability

  • ingredient sourcing

  • skills and knowledge

  • recipe development

  • marketing

Our apporach centres on presenting the business case for lower carbon menus in a way that meets business owners where they are today.

Carbon counting menus, while ideal from a data driven carbon-reduction perspective, is time consuming - a resource that many small businesses simply don’t have. As such we seek to uncover approaches that present a strong business case for this sector through easy/low cost carbon reduction solutions.

The data shows that reducing meat and dairy for plant-based dishes will almost always be lower carbon. This is particualrly stark in the case of legumes/tofu producing 90% less carbon emissions than even local beef. As such we see a focus on increasing plant-based menu options as a strategic approach to carbon reduction without the time required to carbon count every dish.

If you’d like to take part in our short 5 minute survey and share your experiences, please register your interest below.

How to get involved

Business support organisations

If you’re a business support organisation, such as a VLEP, Destination Management Organisation or council, and would like to commission our research in your region, please get in touch with Fiona@greenmenuinsights.com.

Our services include a custom report and presentation giving you insights on data from your area. This will enable you to see where your area sits against the national picture in terms of SME adoption of plant-based food and where the opportunities might be to better support them in improving the buiness case for menu based carbon reduction strategies.