Luxury Hoteliers Magazine 2nd Quarter 2020 | Page 46

Implementing these practices may be a challenge for hoteliers to go alone, but thankfully, operators of luxury accommodations can turn to their Procurement Services Providers (PSPs) for support, guidance and other value-added services. A PSP will not just help properties save money on core products; they can also assist with sourcing and contracting suppliers offering sustainably sourced food products and sustainable amenities that define the experiences desired. Of major importance to this demographic are creative, sustainable, and plant-based cuisines, and the ability to accommodate varying dietary restrictions. Here are a few sustainability trends that luxury hotel and restaurant operators may want to consider in 2020: • More and more luxury hotels are committing to sourcing cage-free eggs. IHG, Best Western, Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, Radisson, Wyndham and MGM Resorts recently announced their commitment to sourcing 100 percent of eggs (shell, liquid and egg products) from cage-free sources globally by 2025. Finding farms that raise cage-free chickens for eggs can be difficult, but a PSP can bring a unique perspective on this challenge to assist luxury operators with finding the right farms to meet their sourcing needs. • Eco-friendly packaging, plant-based proteins, revamped classic cocktails, specialty burger blends (mushroombeef burgers, etc.) and unique beef and pork cuts are also on the minds of today’s Millennial travelers. By mixing old with new, and combining classic comfort foods with something radical, travelers will achieve a more soughtafter dining experience. • Sourcing local is another key opportunity for hoteliers to improve their carbon footprint by working with local distillers, farmers and purveyors who can also help enhance the guest experience for luxury diners wanting a local “feel” integrated into their travel experiences. Knowing what they are eating, where it was sourced and how it was raised can be important. Finding enough locally sourced products to meet a hotel or restaurant’s daily demand can be difficult. A PSP will do the legwork to find the best local products at the best prices while not forsaking the highest quality standards. • Research shows 50% of produce grown in the U.S. is thrown out as waste. As a result, composting, recycling and incorporating zero-waste processes are increasingly becoming more important. Many Chefs are introducing and enforcing zero-waste policies to create dishes from repurposed scraps, trim and other food items that would normally go into the trash. A PSP can help source organic and natural foods to help operators minimize non-sustainable ingredients. 46 ILHA