SV Switzerland places even greater focus on animal welfare

As one of the largest catering companies in Switzerland, the SV Group has a significant responsibility to promote a sustainable food system. The long-established Swiss company operates around 300 staff restaurants and canteens in Switzerland, numerous restaurants in the concept, leisure and stadium catering sectors, as well as hotels with their own F&B offerings. 

In collaboration with strong strategic partners such as the Swiss Animal Protection STS and WWF Switzerland, SV has been working since 2013 to improve the environmental footprint of its operations and promote ethical, ecological and social food production. The latter includes taking animal welfare into account when purchasing meat and fish.

Extensive expansion of the animal welfare standard with conversion to IP-SUISSE meat

Together with the Swiss Animal Protection STS, a concept was developed back in 2016 to ensure that SV's restaurants mainly use Swiss meat from the animal welfare programs "Particularly animal-friendly stable husbandry (BTS) " and "Regular outdoor exercise (RAUS)" supported by the Swiss Confederation. In 2022, the proportion of BTS/RAUS meat amounted to around 70%. 

As part of a new national tender for the purchase of meat and fish, SV has now decided to take another significant step forward and further expand its leading position in terms of sustainability: From March 1, 2024, it will therefore gradually replace the current BTS/RAUS animal welfare standard with the stricter IP-SUISSE label. "Our aim is to continue with the same proportion of animal welfare meat from 70%, but to switch to IP-SUISSE for pork, beef and charcuterie in future. This changeover will not just take place selectively on individual farms, but at a national level at all our locations," explains Ivo Abbiati, Supply Consultant at SV Switzerland. Implementation is being carried out in collaboration with the Zurich meat producer Geiser AG, which specializes in the catering industry, and the catering wholesaler Pistor AG.

Added value through the IP-SUISSE conversion

In terms of animal welfare, the IP-SUISSE label includes the basic requirements of BTS/RAUS, which means that the animals benefit from regular outdoor exercise, more space and littered lying areas. In addition, the label ensures that farms are inspected at least once a year and that all products are certified by the independent body ProCert. The label sets ambitious requirements for producers to promote holistically sustainable agriculture. These include the promotion of biodiversity and the reduction of greenhouse gases. "We are delighted that one of Switzerland's largest food service providers is now also using IP-SUISSE label products for meat in addition to meadow milk and vegetables. This is a confirmation of the added value that our farming families provide every day for the benefit of all and an incentive to further develop our commitment to sustainable Swiss agriculture, especially in the catering sector," says Andreas Stalder, President of IP-SUISSE.

Swiss Animal Protection STS also welcomes SV's decision: "We are delighted that SV has been able to exceed the targets set as part of our partnership and further raise the animal welfare standard by switching to IP-SUISSE meat. It is an important sign for the entire catering industry that even such a major player is prepared to define meat from species-appropriate husbandry as the main standard," says Angela Henzen, co-head of the essenmitherz.ch project launched by Swiss Animal Protection STS.

Only fish and seafood from sustainable catches

SV sets high sustainability standards not only for meat, but also for fish. As part of a strategic partnership with WWF Switzerland that has been in place since 2013, SV committed early on to using fish and seafood that meets the recommendations of WWF Switzerland. To this end, SV has its product range regularly audited by WWF Switzerland and refrains from using any products that are classified as "not recommended".

Part of a comprehensive strategy for a sustainable food system

In the overall view of SV's sustainability strategy, increasing the number of label products in the shopping basket is one of numerous measures to promote a sustainable food system. SV committed itself to the "Planetary Health Diet" approach some time ago. This is a scientific approach that aims to harmonize the environment and health. The Planetary Health Diet focuses on a balanced and environmentally friendly diet. All foods - plant-based and animal-based - have their place, but it's the right amount that counts. Since meat production is known to be responsible for a large proportion of agricultural greenhouse gases and a predominantly plant-based diet makes the greatest contribution to reducing the environmental impact of food production, SV is focusing strongly on continuously expanding its vegetarian and vegan range. "It is important to us that we give our guests freedom of choice. We don't want to patronize anyone, but rather encourage guests to make the more sustainable choice by offering an attractive, plant-based menu," says Dörte Bachmann, Head of Sustainability at the SV Group.

Source: www.sv-group.com