US firm acquires environmental impact calculator Foodsteps

Foodsteps, a UK-based food technology start-up that allows businesses to calculate, reduce and label the environmental impact of their food, has been bought out by US-headquartered Registrar for an undisclosed value.

Owned by Paine Schwartz Partners, Registrar provides regulatory and compliance software for food, cosmetic, and life science companies.

Foodsteps was launched in 2018 by Cambridge University graduate, Anya Doherty. The company is now used by over 150 food businesses worldwide, including Compass Group and Sky.

The business has expanded 14-fold since 2021, and the latest move is expected to bring data-led sustainability reporting to a global market, with the platform gaining exposure to 28,000 food companies in 190 countries.

Foodsteps’ office will remain in London and it will continue as an independent brand and company with the same team.

Chief executive and founder Doherty said: “This acquisition represents a significant milestone not just for our team but also for the future of food sustainability. By combining Foodsteps’ software, data, and expertise in sustainable food with Registrar’s global leadership in regulation and compliance, we are poised to deliver the next generation of sustainability solutions that the food industry needs. We look forward to this exciting new chapter and the incredible opportunities it brings for our customers and the industry as a whole.”

Brian Thies, senior vice president of corporate development at Registrar, commented: "Foodsteps’ data platform is like no other. With industry leading data that is recognised through partnerships with the University of Oxford, WWF and WRAP, the company has a track-record of helping procurement, sustainability, and marketing teams meet reporting standards and net zero goals.

“By joining forces, we hope to help businesses comply with sustainability and compliance regulations and facilitate the transition to net zero, by enabling the growth of transparent and sustainable global supply chains.”

Foodsteps’ platform analyses data across company supply chains, incorporating sustainability metrics across farming, packaging, processing and transport, and providing automated life cycle assessments on products. It aims to enable companies to meet reporting requirements, as well as set and monitor sustainability targets.