UEFA releases sustainable catering guidelines for food and beverage concessionaries

Following the launch of the first chapter of the Healthy and Sustainable Catering Guidelines focusing on hospitality operations, UEFA has published an additional chapter dedicated to concessionaires at large sports events.

This latest segment is tailored to address the specific challenges and operational nuances of stadium concessions. It aims to help event organisers and catering companies meet the growing demand for the provision of healthier, more inclusive and sustainable catering services at sporting venues.

UEFA recognises that concessionaires are essential to the fan experience and that their operations significantly influence the health and sustainability outcomes of sports events. As such, this second section delves into the specifics of food and beverage selection, preparation, communication, and waste management.

Dissemination and implementation

Caterers and concessionaires are now equipped with a set of guidelines that resonate with the current shift towards healthier and more environmentally responsible lifestyles.

To ensure the widespread adoption and implementation of these newly developed guidelines, UEFA will continue to actively disseminate and apply this document within its ecosystem and through its finals.

UEFA invites national associations, leagues, clubs, and all stakeholders to adopt and share these guidelines with their operational teams and catering partners in order inspire a collective movement towards healthier and more sustainable event management practices.

Why is UEFA launching the catering guidelines?

Extensive research has highlighted the impact of food choices, not only on our physical and mental health, but also the wider environment, with people increasingly taking account of these findings in their dietary choices. As European football’s governing body, we believe the game and its major events can set a leading example for sustainability best practices in a wide range of areas, including the promotion of healthy eating and reducing environmental impact.

The guidelines will support UEFA objectives relating to health and well-being, climate action and environmental protection set out in its Football Sustainability Strategy 2030, ‘Strength Through Unity’.