CityBlue Hotels Boosts Food Sustainability with Investment in Farm to Feed
CITYBLUE HOTELS INVESTS IN FARM TO FEED TO BOOST FOOD SECURITY AND SUSTAINABILITY. THE PARTNERSHIP AIMS TO REDUCE FOOD LOSS AND IMPROVE FARMER INCOME IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA.
CityBlue Hotels, Africa’s fastest-growing local hotel chain, has invested in the agtech startup Farm to Feed. This B2B platform sources surplus produce directly from farmers, boosting their income and reducing food waste. This move enhances CityBlue’s ESG credentials and aligns with the impact investment goals of its parent company, The Diar Group.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, up to 50% of crops can be lost before reaching consumers. Market access remains a significant challenge, especially for imperfect-looking produce. This investment aims to address these issues.
CityBlue Hotels: Addressing Food Security and Sustainability
CityBlue Hotels hopes other businesses will follow its example. Collaborating with Farm to Feed tackles critical issues such as food security, sustainability, and climate change. Claire van Enk, Founder and CEO of Farm to Feed, highlights the severe impact of unsold produce on both food security and the economy. Unsold, rotting food produces methane, a greenhouse gas more harmful than carbon dioxide.
Innovative Solutions for Climate Issues
Farm to Feed’s tech-enabled platform, combined with on-the-ground aggregators and freezer truck transportation, offers a solution to food loss and climate issues. This sets a new standard for food sustainability in Kenya. The platform also collects data on the drivers of food loss to improve farming practices and create a more circular food system.
A Commitment to ESG Practices
Jameel Verjee, Founder and CEO of CityBlue Hotels, emphasized the importance of this partnership at the Africa Hotel Investment Forum 2024 in Windhoek, Namibia. By working with Farm to Feed, CityBlue Hotels and The Diar Group aim to enhance their ESG practices. They encourage other businesses to join in addressing the critical issues of food security, sustainability, and climate change.
About Farm to Feed
Farm to Feed is a company dedicated to reducing food waste and promoting sustainable agriculture. Founded with a mission to transform surplus produce into nutritious animal feed, Farm to Feed collaborates with farmers, markets, and food processors to collect unsellable yet perfectly edible fruits and vegetables. This innovative approach not only supports local farmers by providing them with an additional revenue stream but also contributes to environmental conservation by diverting food waste from landfills. Farm to Feed’s efforts help enhance food security and foster a more resilient agricultural sector in Kenya.
About CityBlue Hotels
CityBlue Hotels is a rapidly growing hospitality brand in Africa, renowned for its modern, stylish accommodations and exceptional service. With properties strategically located in key cities across the continent, CityBlue Hotels offers both business and leisure travelers a comfortable and convenient stay. Each hotel in the CityBlue portfolio features contemporary design, well-appointed rooms, and amenities such as high-speed internet, fitness centers, and excellent dining options. Committed to delivering a memorable guest experience, CityBlue Hotels is becoming a preferred choice for travelers seeking quality and value in Africa’s bustling urban centers.
