Canadian attitudes shift towards sustainable eating

Jan 18, 2024

Sodexo Canada's first-ever Sustainable Food Barometer, conducted in collaboration with Leger, presents insightful data on Canadians' sustainable food habits and intentions. The survey, involving over 1,500 Canadians, provides a comprehensive picture of the current state and aspirations of Canadians in terms of sustainable eating.

A notable finding is that a vast majority of Canadians (87%) recognize the urgency of adopting more sustainable eating habits. This awareness is reflected across all age groups and income levels, particularly among young adults aged 18-24. Interestingly, Canadians are already making strides in this direction, with 75% reducing household food waste, 68% eating seasonal produce, and 56% opting for local produce.

However, the survey also highlights a gap between intentions and actions. Financial considerations and entrenched eating habits pose significant barriers to making more profound changes. Price remains the most crucial factor for Canadians when shopping for groceries, followed by taste and nutritional value.

Despite these challenges, there is a willingness among Canadians to reduce their consumption of animal proteins and dairy products, aligning with global trends. The primary motivations for sustainable eating are health benefits and financial savings, with a significant number of Canadians also valuing food autonomy and setting an example for future generations.

Sodexo Canada, recognizing its influential role, is committed to offering more sustainable food choices and reducing its environmental impact. The company's efforts include sustainable sourcing, offering plant-based recipes, optimizing energy use, and expanding the WasteWatch program to reduce food waste.

Video: New Solution Powers Efficient Pork Growth

Alltech has introduced Olerix, an innovative phytogenic blend created to promote growth and feed efficiency in pigs. Through a proprietary coating process, the bioactive blend of phytogenic compounds used in Olerix is designed to outlast the manufacturing process, ensuring consistent outcomes from feed to finish. The result is a high-impact efficiency solution that provides consistent support for gut health, feed efficiency, immune function and growth performance. Olerix is backed by validated trials conducted under modern pork production conditions.

“As the industry searches for technology to drive profitability forward in a more sustainable manner, we’re thrilled to join that effort with our Olerix technology,” said Mark Hulsebus, general manager for U.S. pork at Alltech. “Our work in this phytogenic space is yielding very encouraging results, and we’re excited to make this new opportunity available to pork producers focused on optimizing feed efficiency and growth rates.”

“Olerix represents the next generation of phytogenic technology — combining feed efficiency, livability and immune support into a practical commercial solution producers can implement today,” said Andy Rash, U.S. monogastric director at Alltech.