Foodsteps

Foodsteps Competitive Intelligence & Landscape

foodsteps.earth ·

Foodsteps
ForesightIQ Predictions

What is Foodsteps likely to do next?

ForesightIQ connects Foodsteps's hiring, product, web, ad, and market signals to forecast strategic moves — often months before they're announced.

Hiring signal

Senior hiring patterns point to a planned enterprise product line launching within two quarters.

High confidence · Next 1–2 quarters
Product signal

Quiet changes to docs and pricing pages signal an upcoming usage-based pricing tier and new API surface.

Likely · Next quarter
Market signal

Ad spend and partnership activity indicate a push into the mid-market segment across two new regions.

Plausible · Next 2–3 quarters
Foodsteps Unlock Foodsteps's predicted moves

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Overview

Foodsteps Overview

Foodsteps (foodsteps.earth) is a London, UK-based technology company dedicated to empowering the food industry's journey to Net Zero. Their mission is to provide food businesses with reliable data and tools to accurately measure, reduce, and report their environmental impact, with a strong focus on meeting Scope 3 reporting requirements. They operate a specialized food sustainability platform that offers farm-to-fork insights, helping companies understand and mitigate the environmental footprint across their entire food product lifecycle, including farming, packaging, processing, and transport.

Foodsteps Ltd is registered in England and Wales under company number 11713830 [https://www.foodsteps.earth/legal/platform-terms-conditions].

Foodsteps offers core products and services designed to streamline sustainability efforts. Their Product Footprints solution enables instant data visualization and automated assessments, allowing businesses to identify impact hotspots, reformulate recipes, and swap ingredients to reduce their overall environmental impact. They also provide comprehensive Scope 3 Assessments, crucial for the average food business where up to 95% of the carbon footprint originates from indirect food and beverage emissions [https://www.foodsteps.earth/specialised-food-sustainability-platform]. Furthermore, Foodsteps helps companies make credible climate claims and avoid greenwashing through Carbon Labels and FoodStories, educating customers and ensuring compliance with regulations like the Green Claims Code [https://foodsteps.earth/].

The company leverages industry-leading data science, combining over 3,000 academic studies with bespoke models and primary data collection to ensure accuracy and specificity in its environmental impact database [https://foodsteps.earth/]. Their platform helps food businesses align with global environmental standards and disclosures regulations, minimizing compliance risks, time, and costs [https://www.foodsteps.earth/specialised-food-sustainability-platform].

Foodsteps was acquired by Registrar Corp, a global leader in regulatory and compliance solutions [https://www.foodsteps.earth/post/foodsteps-acquired-by-registrar-corp]. Their customer base includes large organizations like Compass UK&I and Sainsbury's, demonstrating their impact in decarbonizing products, menus, and supply chains [https://www.foodsteps.earth/customers].

Competitors

Foodsteps Competitors

While Foodsteps (foodsteps.earth) provides specialized solutions for food businesses to measure, reduce, and report their environmental impact, it operates in a competitive landscape with various direct and indirect players. One notable competitor is Foodstep (foodstep.com), a Dutch data expert in foodservice. Unlike Foodsteps' focus on environmental impact and carbon footprints, Foodstep (foodstep.com) leverages €1.75 billion in purchasing data and an AI-powered platform to provide market insights and tools, helping foodservice companies make data-driven decisions. Their differentiator lies in combining extensive foodservice market data with accessible AI for rapid analysis, contrasting with Foodsteps' emphasis on farm-to-fork environmental insights and Scope 3 assessments.

Another indirect competitor, Food Systems Foresight (foodsystemsforesight.com), operates at a higher strategic level, helping systems leaders and large food organizations shape the future of food within the Anthropocene. Their work focuses on guiding major institutions, academics, and businesses in navigating complex food system challenges, which is a broader, more consultative approach compared to Foodsteps' granular product-level carbon footprinting and compliance tools. While Foodsteps empowers individual businesses with data for immediate impact reduction and reporting, Food Systems Foresight aims to influence systemic change and long-term strategy for the entire food industry ecosystem.

In the realm of carbon accounting and ESG data intelligence, Watershed, CoGo, and Electricity Maps are identified as top competitors by Tracxn, although specific details on their direct comparison to Foodsteps' food-centric approach are not detailed. However, the partnership between HowGood and Sweep illustrates a similar market trend: combining sustainability research and carbon accounting to help food and agriculture businesses track ingredient- and product-level emissions for broader sustainability reporting. This mirrors Foodsteps' core offering, suggesting that these companies, while potentially broader in scope, offer comparable functionalities for measuring and reporting environmental impact within the food sector, potentially differing in their depth of food-specific data and methodology.

Finally, given Foodsteps' acquisition by Registrar Corp, a U.S. provider of regulatory and compliance software, its competitive position is strengthened by integration into a larger compliance framework. This acquisition could differentiate Foodsteps by offering a more comprehensive compliance solution alongside its environmental impact tools, setting it apart from smaller, independent carbon footprinting providers. Companies like FreshDirect, Instacart, and HelloFresh, while in the food industry, are primarily consumer-facing delivery and meal-kit services, and are not direct competitors to Foodsteps' B2B environmental sustainability platform.

Alternatives

Foodsteps Alternatives

Product & Pricing

Foodsteps Product and Pricing Intelligence

Foodsteps (foodsteps.earth) is a dedicated food sustainability platform empowering food businesses to accurately measure, reduce, and report their environmental impact, ultimately helping them achieve Net Zero goals and comply with increasingly stringent Scope 3 reporting requirements. Their core offerings revolve around providing data and tools for Product Footprints, Scope 3 Assessments, Carbon Labels & FoodStories, and Life Cycle Assessments [foodsteps.earth/product]. The platform generates instant data and insights across the entire lifecycle of food products, from farm to fork, analyzing aspects like farming, packaging, processing, and transport [foodsteps.earth]. This includes automating product and Scope 3 assessments, saving businesses significant time and resources.Foodsteps offers a powerful suite of tools designed to streamline the assessment process. Businesses can seamlessly upload data in bulk to automatically generate product life cycle assessments, quickly understanding the carbon, land, and water impact of their menu items, products, and packaging [foodsteps.earth/product]. The platform allows for customization of calculations by easily adding primary data to increase specificity [foodsteps.earth/product]. Key features include impact reduction tools to identify hotspots, swap ingredients, and reformulate recipes [foodsteps.earth/product]. The platform integrates with existing recipe or menu management systems, eliminating the need for manual data transfer and enabling instant calculation of environmental impacts [foodsteps.earth/post/foodsteps-recipe-management-system-integration]. For manufacturers, this means being prepared to provide verified, auditable product footprint data to customers like Sainsbury's and Compass, reducing commercial risk and administrative burden [foodsteps.earth/footprints-for-manufacturers].Foodsteps emphasizes credible climate claims and labels, helping food companies educate customers, comply with the Green Claims Code, and avoid greenwashing accusations through features like Carbon Labels and FoodStories [foodsteps.earth, foodsteps.earth/post/everything-you-need-to-know-about-eco-labels]. The platform's accuracy is driven by industry-leading data science, combining over 3,000 academic studies with bespoke models and primary data collection from production systems to fill data gaps [foodsteps.earth, foodsteps.earth/faqs]. While specific pricing plans and tiers for paid services are not explicitly detailed on the website, Foodsteps does offer a Non-Paying User account. These free accounts allow users to calculate emission impact data for personal interest only, strictly prohibiting the use of Foodsteps Data for any other purpose [foodsteps.earth/legal/platform-terms-conditions]. For businesses requiring more comprehensive features and data utilization, demonstrations can be booked, suggesting a paid subscription model for full access to their platform and services [foodsteps.earth].

Hiring & Layoffs

Foodsteps Hiring and Layoffs

Foodsteps (foodsteps.earth) is a mission-driven company focused on empowering the food industry to achieve Net Zero by providing data and tools for measuring, reducing, and reporting environmental impact, particularly concerning Scope 3 emissions [foodsteps.earth]. Founded in 2019 by Anya Doherty, who conducted research on sustainable food systems at the University of Cambridge, the company has developed an industry-leading platform that leverages 3,000 academic studies and bespoke models to offer accurate and specific environmental impact data [foodsteps.earth/faqs][foodsteps.earth]. Their focus on scientific rigor and a "planet-first" approach underpins their operations [foodsteps.earth/our-story].

The company's strategic direction, particularly in recent times, has been significantly shaped by its acquisition by Registrar Corp, a global leader in regulatory and compliance solutions [foodsteps.earth/post/foodsteps-acquired-by-registrar-corp]. This acquisition signals a move to integrate Foodsteps' specialized food sustainability platform with broader compliance services, enhancing their ability to help food businesses navigate complex environmental disclosures and regulations such as CSRD, SBTi FLAG, and IFRS [foodsteps.earth/specialised-food-sustainability-platform][foodsteps.earth/scope-3-assessments]. This development likely indicates a continued need for specialized talent in sustainability data science, compliance, and client solutions to support their expanded offerings.

Foodsteps emphasizes streamlining crucial processes for its clients, offering "instant Product Footprints and data visualisation" through seamless bulk uploading and automated assessments [foodsteps.earth]. They also provide the Supplier Hub, a tool designed to help food businesses accurately report supplier decarbonisation by engaging key suppliers for emissions data [foodsteps.earth/supplier-hub][foodsteps.earth/post/foodsteps-supplier-hub-launch]. These advancements suggest a hiring strategy focused on individuals who can enhance their technological platform, refine their data analytics capabilities, and provide expert guidance on Scope 3 Assessments and carbon labeling, thereby supporting food manufacturers and services in meeting customer and regulatory demands [foodsteps.earth].

While specific details on recent hiring trends or layoffs are not publicly available, Foodsteps' integration with Registrar Corp and their continuous development of tools like the Supplier Hub point towards a strategic emphasis on growth in specialized areas. This includes roles related to data science, software development for their platform, client success management for food businesses and manufacturers, and regulatory compliance expertise. The company's mission to help the food industry achieve Net Zero and comply with evolving global environmental standards suggests a sustained demand for professionals skilled in sustainability, data analytics, and regulatory frameworks [foodsteps.earth].

Leadership

Foodsteps Management and Leadership Team

Foodsteps (foodsteps.earth) was founded in 2019 by Anya Doherty, who established the company while researching sustainable food systems at the University of Cambridge. Her academic work included co-leading a significant experimental trial on carbon labeling for food and conducting environmental impact assessments. Recognizing the opportunity to apply this research to empower the food industry, Doherty created Foodsteps to help businesses accelerate their journey to Net Zero [foodsteps.earth/faqs]. She has been recognized for her work, being named to Forbes 30 Under 30 for Social Impact [foodsteps.earth/post/anya-doherty-forbes-30-under-30].

Anya Doherty served as the CEO and Founder, actively commenting on the company's partnerships and achievements, such as Levy's Climate Impact Report [foodsteps.earth/post/levy-sets-new-sustainability-benchmark]. A notable recent development in the company's leadership and structure is its acquisition by Registrar Corp, a global leader in regulatory and compliance solutions [foodsteps.earth/post/foodsteps-acquired-by-registrar-corp]. Following this acquisition, Anya Doherty transitioned to the role of Director, as indicated by her authorship on the announcement of the acquisition [foodsteps.earth/post/foodsteps-acquired-by-registrar-corp].

While Anya Doherty is prominently featured, the Foodsteps team also includes individuals like Joe Duncan-Duggal, who contributes to the company's knowledge hub, specifically in articles discussing collaborations such as the one with WRAP on emissions factor databases [foodsteps.earth/post/foodsteps-launches-collaboration-with-wrap]. The company operates with a

Financials

Foodsteps Financial Performance, Fundraising, M&A

Foodsteps (foodsteps.earth) has demonstrated a dynamic financial trajectory, highlighted by significant fundraising and a strategic acquisition. The company successfully raised £4 million in seed funding to fuel its mission of empowering the food industry towards Net Zero [https://www.foodsteps.earth/post/foodsteps-raises-4m-green-tech-startup-seed-funding]. This investment underscores confidence in Foodsteps' platform, which helps food businesses accurately measure, reduce, and report their environmental impact, including critical Scope 3 assessments [https://foodsteps.earth/].

Foodsteps' commitment to financial efficiency and resourcefulness is evident in its platform, which aims to "save time, money, and resource with automated product, life cycle and Scope 3 Assessments" [https://foodsteps.earth/]. Their innovative approach includes instant product footprints and data visualization, allowing businesses to identify hotspots, swap ingredients, and reformulate recipes to reduce their overall environmental impact, thereby optimizing operational costs and potentially improving the bottom line [https://foodsteps.earth/post/revealing-the-business-case-for-food-businesses-to-focus-on-climate-action]. This focus on actionable data is driven by their industry-leading data science, combining 3,000 academic studies with bespoke models to ensure accuracy and specificity in environmental impact assessments [https://foodsteps.earth/].

In a significant development, Foodsteps announced its acquisition by Registrar Corp, a global leader in regulatory and compliance solutions [https://www.foodsteps.earth/post/foodsteps-acquired-by-registrar-corp]. This acquisition marks a pivotal moment for Foodsteps, integrating its specialized food sustainability platform and data capabilities into a broader compliance framework. The partnership with Registrar Corp is expected to enhance Foodsteps' reach and impact, further solidifying its position in helping food companies navigate complex environmental regulations and achieve sustainability goals efficiently [https://www.foodsteps.earth/post/foodsteps-acquired-by-registrar-corp].

Partnerships

Foodsteps Partnerships, Clients and Vendors

Foodsteps (foodsteps.earth) actively cultivates a robust network of partnerships and a growing client base, all aimed at empowering the food industry to achieve Net Zero. Notably, Foodsteps has established a significant partnership with Sainsbury’s, a major UK retailer, to measure and reduce the environmental impact across its supply chain by leveraging product-level data and supplier engagement Sainsbury’s Partners With Foodsteps to Measure and Reduce the Environmental Impact of Their Supply Chain. The company also collaborates with Accor and Ibis Hotels as a sustainability partner for COP16, helping implement groundbreaking measurement strategies Foodsteps Launches Partnership with Accor and Ibis Hotels Ahead of COP16 in Colombia. Furthermore, Foodsteps is working with WRAP on an emissions factor database, enhancing the accuracy and comprehensiveness of environmental impact data Foodsteps Collaborates with WRAP on Emissions Factor Database, and with Foundation Earth to make ecolabelling the new norm and create a level playing field for environmental performance and transparency Foodsteps Partners with Foundation Earth to Further Access to Environmental Impact Data.

Key enterprise clients of Foodsteps include Compass Group, for whom Foodsteps analyzed 1.7 million rows of food and beverage data, contributing to Compass’s Transition Plan and ongoing recipe reformulation across over 4,000 locations Scope 3 Assessments Solution Launch. Other notable customers include Azzurri Group, which achieved a 7% reduction in food-related emissions with improved supplier data Customers, and Ella's Kitchen, which is embedding environmental impact data into its product development process to meet Scope 3 Science-Based Targets Ella's Kitchen 2024 Impact Report: Making Strides on Scope 3 Science-Based Targets with Foodsteps. Additionally, Hej Coffee and Legghorn have also seen significant benefits, with Legghorn doubling sales through verified sustainability data Customers.

Foodsteps offers crucial technology integrations to streamline data management for its clients. The platform now seamlessly integrates with existing recipe and menu management systems, allowing businesses to instantly calculate the environmental impact of meals without manual data transfer or leaving their current platforms Sync Foodsteps With Your Recipe or Menu Management System. This integration is vital for saving time, money, and resources by automating product, life cycle, and Scope 3 Assessments, making Foodsteps a core part of the digital ecosystem for food businesses striving for sustainability.

Events

Foodsteps Event Participations

Foodsteps actively engages the industry through various events, primarily focusing on webinars to share expertise and insights. These webinars cover critical topics for food businesses aiming for Net Zero, such as "Engaging Suppliers, Empowering Change: How Levy Drives Climate Action" and "The LCA Playbook: Supplier Data, Team Alignment & Compliance" [https://www.foodsteps.earth/category/webinar]. Other popular sessions include "Navigating the DMCC: Making Accurate Environmental Claims in the Food and Drink Industry" and "Fast Track Environmental Targets: Measuring and Lowering Your Foods' Environmental Impact" [https://www.foodsteps.earth/post/webinar-replay-navigating-the-dmcc][https://www.foodsteps.earth/post/webinar-fast-track-your-environmental-targets-a-guide-to-measuring-and-lowering-your-foods-environmental-impact]. These events highlight Foodsteps' commitment to educating food companies on accurately measuring, reducing, and reporting their environmental impact.

Foodsteps also provides on-demand webinars that help businesses comply with sustainability standards and regulations affordably, and offers introductions to carbon labels for marketing purposes [https://www.foodsteps.earth/post/webinar-on-demand-how-food-businesses-can-easily-and-affordably-comply-with-sustainability-standards-and-regulations][https://www.foodsteps.earth/post/webinar-communicating-sustainable-claims-and-how-to-use-carbon-labelling-in-marketing]. Beyond their regular webinar series, Foodsteps expands its reach through speaking engagements at industry conferences. For example, they delivered a session on supplier engagement at Next Generation Ingredients 2025 [https://www.foodsteps.earth/post/demystifying-supplier-engagement], demonstrating their thought leadership in sustainable food practices.

Furthermore, Foodsteps has announced a significant partnership with Accor, the world’s leading hotel group, as their sustainability partner for COP16 in Colombia [https://www.foodsteps.earth/post/foodsteps-launches-partnership-with-accor-and-ibis-hotels-ahead-of-cop16-in-colombia]. This collaboration will involve implementing measures to reduce the environmental impact of menus across 10 hotels in Colombia, including the flagship Ibis Cali, which will serve as the main venue for COP16 from October 21 to November 1. This partnership underscores Foodsteps' dedication to driving tangible environmental change on a global stage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Foodsteps's acquisition by Registrar Corp signify for its strategic direction?

Foodsteps's acquisition by Registrar Corp indicates a strategic pivot towards integrating specialized food sustainability solutions with broader regulatory compliance services. This move enhances Foodsteps's ability to help food businesses navigate complex environmental disclosures like CSRD, SBTi FLAG, and IFRS, expanding its market reach and strengthening its competitive position by offering a more comprehensive compliance framework.

What do Foodsteps's recent partnerships and client acquisitions reveal about its go-to-market strategy?

Foodsteps's partnerships with major players like Sainsbury’s, Accor, and Compass Group, alongside collaborations with WRAP and Foundation Earth, indicate a dual go-to-market strategy focused on enterprise-level impact and industry-wide standardization. These collaborations demonstrate a commitment to integrating into major supply chains, enhancing data accuracy, and promoting broader adoption of environmental impact transparency across the food industry.

What do Foodsteps's ongoing webinar topics suggest about its current market focus and educational priorities?

Foodsteps's ongoing webinar topics, such as 'Engaging Suppliers, Empowering Change' and 'Navigating the DMCC,' highlight a strong market focus on helping food businesses achieve Net Zero and comply with evolving environmental regulations. These educational efforts prioritize supplier engagement, accurate environmental claims, and efficient data management for carbon footprinting, addressing critical pain points for their target audience.

How does Foodsteps's product strategy differentiate it from alternatives like Klimato and Carbon Maps?

Foodsteps differentiates itself through its emphasis on instant product footprints and data visualization, leveraging over 3,000 academic studies and bespoke models for comprehensive farm-to-fork insights. While alternatives like Klimato focus on ISO-aligned procurement data and Carbon Maps specialize in agricultural value chains, Foodsteps offers broad automated assessments and integration with existing recipe management systems, streamlining complex environmental impact calculations across the entire food product lifecycle.

What is the implication of Anya Doherty's transition from CEO to Director after the Registrar Corp acquisition?

Anya Doherty's transition from CEO and Founder to Director following the Registrar Corp acquisition suggests a strategic shift in leadership structure, likely to facilitate the integration of Foodsteps into the larger Registrar Corp framework. This move allows Doherty to continue influencing Foodsteps's strategic direction while leveraging Registrar Corp's resources and market reach for expanded impact within the regulatory and compliance sector.

What does Foodsteps's £4 million seed funding indicate about investor confidence in its market position?

Foodsteps's successful £4 million seed funding round indicates significant investor confidence in its platform and mission to empower the food industry towards Net Zero. This investment underscores belief in Foodsteps's ability to provide accurate Scope 3 assessments and environmental impact reporting, positioning it as a valuable solution for businesses navigating increasing sustainability demands.

What does Foodsteps's collaboration with Accor for COP16 signal about its global aspirations and impact strategy?

Foodsteps's partnership with Accor and Ibis Hotels for COP16 in Colombia signals a clear aspiration for global impact and a strategy focused on tangible environmental change on an international stage. This collaboration demonstrates Foodsteps's commitment to implementing measurable sustainability solutions, specifically reducing the environmental impact of menus in key global venues, aligning with broader climate action goals.

How does Foodsteps position itself to mitigate greenwashing risks for its clients?

Foodsteps positions itself to mitigate greenwashing risks for clients by enabling credible climate claims and labels through features like Carbon Labels and FoodStories. The platform ensures compliance with regulations such as the Green Claims Code and leverages industry-leading data science for accurate, auditable environmental impact data, empowering businesses to educate customers responsibly.

What hiring trends are suggested by Foodsteps's product developments, such as the Supplier Hub and recipe system integrations?

Foodsteps's product developments, including the Supplier Hub and integrations with recipe/menu management systems, suggest a hiring strategy focused on specialized talent in data science, software development, and client success. These advancements indicate a need for professionals who can enhance technological platforms, refine data analytics for Scope 3 assessments, and provide expert guidance to food manufacturers and services on meeting complex sustainability demands.

How does Foodsteps's approach to data accuracy compare with competitors and contribute to its value proposition?

Foodsteps emphasizes data accuracy by combining over 3,000 academic studies with bespoke models and primary data collection, ensuring highly specific environmental impact assessments from farm to fork. This contrasts with some competitors that might rely on broader databases or more generalized methodologies, enhancing Foodsteps's value proposition by providing clients with scientifically robust, auditable data for credible reporting and strategic decision-making.

What is the strategic significance of Foodsteps offering a 'Non-Paying User' account in its pricing structure?

The offering of a 'Non-Paying User' account for calculating emission impact data for personal interest, while strictly prohibiting commercial use, serves as a strategic lead generation and brand awareness tool. This approach allows potential business users to experience the platform's basic functionality, potentially converting them into paying subscribers who require comprehensive features for commercial applications and regulatory compliance.

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