A Strategic Partnership for Sustainability: CityBlue Hotels Teams Up with Farm to Feed

CityBlue Hotels, a rapidly expanding hotel chain in Africa, has taken a bold step towards sustainability by investing in Farm to Feed, a pioneering Kenyan agritech startup. This partnership not only addresses the pressing issue of food waste but also supports local agriculture and promotes environmental sustainability, reflecting CityBlue Hotels’ commitment to the communities it serves.

Tackling Food Waste in Sub-Saharan Africa

Food waste is a critical issue in Sub-Saharan Africa, where an estimated 50% of agricultural produce is lost before reaching consumers. This loss occurs due to inadequate storage, logistical challenges, and limited market access for farmers. Farm to Feed has emerged as a solution to this challenge by creating a B2B platform that connects farmers directly with markets. Their innovative model focuses on “ugly food” – produce that is perfectly edible but deemed unsellable due to minor cosmetic imperfections. Without buyers, such produce often goes to waste, contributing to food insecurity and economic losses for farmers.

CityBlue Hotels’ Vision for Sustainability

CityBlue Hotels’ investment in Farm to Feed is driven by a shared vision of reducing food waste, supporting local farmers, and enhancing sustainability. Through this collaboration, the hotel chain aims to:

1. Reduce Food Waste: By sourcing fresh, locally grown produce for its hotels, CityBlue minimizes long-distance transportation, cuts down on food loss, and reduces its carbon footprint.
2. Support Local Farmers: Providing a stable and reliable market for farmers ensures their produce is utilized effectively, boosting their income and livelihoods.
3. Enhance Sustainability: The initiative contributes to building a more sustainable food system by promoting local agriculture and reducing food waste.

Leveraging Data for a Better Food System

A standout feature of Farm to Feed’s platform is its data-driven approach. By collecting and analyzing data on food loss, the platform sheds light on inefficiencies in the agricultural supply chain. This insight enables targeted interventions to reduce waste, optimize resource use, and improve food security. For CityBlue Hotels, this means not only accessing fresh produce but also contributing to a broader effort to create a more equitable and sustainable food ecosystem in Africa.

A Win-Win for the Environment and Local Communities

This partnership exemplifies how businesses can combine profitability with purpose. By connecting hotels with local farmers, CityBlue Hotels ensures a consistent supply of high-quality produce while significantly reducing waste. Farmers benefit from a steady market for their goods, fostering economic stability in rural areas. Moreover, the reduced reliance on imported foods and long-distance transportation aligns with global efforts to lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Looking Ahead

CityBlue Hotels and Farm to Feed’s collaboration is a promising example of how technology and strategic partnerships can address critical issues like food waste and food insecurity. As the initiative grows, it has the potential to inspire similar efforts across the continent, driving positive change for both the environment and local communities.

By investing in Farm to Feed, CityBlue Hotels is not just enhancing its sustainability credentials but also setting a new standard for corporate responsibility in the hospitality industry. Together, they are creating a model for a greener, fairer, and more connected food system in Africa – one that benefits everyone, from the farmer in the field to the guest at the hotel dining table.