Member Article

Wahaca seeks sustainable sites as it launches food carbon counts

Mexican restaurant group Wahaca has instructed P-THREE to secure a series of sites across London that focus on sustainability as it begins a measured expansion programme in the capital. Wahaca plans to open new restaurants in key locations such as King’s Cross, Victoria and strong London suburbs. The brand is specifically targeting locations and landlords who prioritise the environment as it further aligns its brand with the surge in conscious consumerism.

The expansion strategy is supported by Wahaca’s introduction of carbon ratings to its menus from this week, measuring the climate impact of each of its dishes. The move, an industry first for a British restaurant group, is designed to help diners make conscious choices around dishes that are kinder to the planet.

With food now responsible for 28% of global emissions[1], being informed about the planetary impact of what we eat has never been more relevant. To calculate the carbon footprint of each dish on its menu, Wahaca partnered with food and climate specialists Klimato to give a low, medium or high rating. By conducting a ‘life cycle analysis’ of each ingredient, the resulting data provides a picture of the overall greenhouse gas emissions from every dish served at Wahaca.

Wahaca co-founder, Mark Selby, commented: “We have always prioritised sustainability and the environment, but believe actions speak louder than words. So as well as continuing to innovate with initiatives such as the carbon food ratings and being the UK’s first carbon neutral restaurant business, we are putting sustainability at the centre of our expansion strategy. We want to work with landlords to open restaurants in places that share not only our ethos, but are as committed as we are to taking positive, affirmative action on the environment. While some may see this as a bold step, we see it as a necessary one. It has also been well-received by the landlords we have spoken to, all of whom are seeking more sustainable partners.”

Thomas Rose, co-founder of P-THREE, also a carbon neutral business, added: “Landlords are rightly prioritising ESG corporately, but there is a growing move to do so at an asset-level too as they respond to changing consumer behaviours. Brands that prioritise sustainability and deliver meaningful actions on reducing their environmental impact are in demand as developers and owners seek to create more sustainable places. While Wahaca’s new strategy lays down a challenge, it is being welcomed by landlords and leading to some exciting conversations.”

Wahaca’s new site selection strategy and launch of food carbon ratings build on their track-record of championing sustainability, as well as being a much loved restaurant brand, having been voted in a Yougov poll (Dec 2019) as London’s favourite restaurant group. Since its inception, Wahaca has consciously sought to minimise its environmental impact, implementing a series of initiatives that have set sustainability precedents in the sector.

Wahaca’s Southbank site, for example, was named London’s most sustainable restaurant build, and the company’s fit-outs will be Gold Rated RICS SKA-certified. In another industry first, the brand launched its own avocado-free Wahacamole last autumn, providing diners a sustainable alternative to guacamole, one of the mainstays of Mexican menus. The company has won a multitude of consumer and industry awards in recognition of its commitment to and action on sustainability, most recently securing the Most Sustainable Restaurant Group at the R200 awards and receiving 3 stars (out of 3) from the Sustainable Restaurant Association in January this year.

P-THREE acts exclusively for Wahaca across its UK property portfolio.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Nick Thornton .