From Farm Sourcing to Waste Management: Resorts World Genting Spearheads Sustainable F&B Revolution

Optimising the supply chain flow

As global environmental concerns intensify, so does societal attention to sustainable development. Sustainable dining has emerged as a critical issue within the global hospitality industry.

Resorts World Genting, a leading integrated resort in Malaysia, has adopted proactive measures to promote sustainable dining practices in response to the mounting environmental challenges.

Through a comprehensive approach that encompasses sourcing ingredients directly from farms, prioritising the use of freshly grown produce from its own plantations, and implementing a rigorous waste management system, Resorts World Genting is continuously exploring and applying innovative technologies to reduce its carbon footprint and minimise resource waste.

The company is committed to setting an exemplary standard for sustainable dining practices within the Malaysian hospitality industry.

Optimising the supply chain flow

Yeo Pang Soon, Vice President of Design, Landscape, Eco-Attractions, Lifestyle & Wellness at Resorts World Genting, explains that to implement the concept of sustainable dining, Resorts World Genting has comprehensively improved its supply chain processes, from raw material procurement to waste management.

This process also involves educating and training internal employees and communicating their sustainability efforts to consumers.

Yeo revealed that integrated farm procurement is becoming increasingly mainstream in the current catering industry. Integrated farm procurement can bring significant environmental benefits and reduce the carbon footprint.

"We support local farmers in Bentong. In 2023, we partnered with local suppliers such as Lada Besar Enterprise to directly procure fresh vegetables such as long beans and okra for our food operations."

"At Resorts World Genting, to ensure the sustainability of food from the source, all our potential and existing suppliers are required to conduct a comprehensive environmental and social risk assessment in accordance with Resorts World Genting's Code of Conduct and relevant laws."

Implementing the farm-to-table concept

Yeo Pang Soon revealed that Resorts World Genting is the first hotel group in Malaysia to prioritise sustainability and shorten the food supply chain through the sustainable dining concept.

To balance its sustainability commitment with consumer expectations, the group emphasises the use of fresh, local ingredients and collaborates with sustainable partners and suppliers to provide consumers with the latest seasonal products.

"Awana Garden restaurant at Resorts WorldAwana Resort, which implements the farm-to-table concept, uses vegetables grown in the resort's greenhouse by professional agronomists. The restaurant's menu features a variety of fresh leafy greens, mushrooms, and other produce for diners to choose from."
Its farm-to-table concept also includes allowing diners to taste fresh ingredients harvested from the Genting Awana Forest Trail - wild Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma Longifolia).

Its own brand - Flavours of Genting gourmet gift series, produced by the resort's central kitchen, features unique recipes for each pastry, with pineapple tarts being the most popular among consumers.

Effective Waste Management system

Effective waste management is an essential component of achieving sustainable dining goals. Therefore, Resorts World Genting also pays close attention to different forms of waste management, such as plastic, cooking oil, and wet and dry food waste disposal.

Currently, the group has gradually phased out the use of plastic bottles, reduced the use of disposable plastic packaging and plastic straws for takeout food, and partnered with industry experts to collect and sort plastic waste.

Last year, Resorts World Genting collected approximately 102,918 kilograms of used cooking oil through its cooking oil recycling initiative. This effort helps protect sewers from pollution and promotes the circular economy.

In addition, starting in December 2023, they have been collecting approximately 2 tons of food waste per day from 10 collection points around the resort from the central kitchen, which is then converted into secondary fertiliser through an aerobic biological treatment process. This fertiliser is used in the group's ecological agriculture program and landscape design, reducing reliance on synthetic fertilisers.

Genting Sustainbiz Food & Beverage Expo

To encourage sustainable practices across industries, Resorts World Genting will host the inaugural Genting SustainBiz Food & Beverage Expo (Genting Sustainbiz F&B Expo) from September 10 to 12, 2024, from 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM at the Genting International Convention Centre, themed "Sustainable Future".

As the first hotel group in Malaysia to organise such an event, Resorts World Genting hopes that this premier sustainable expo will serve as a platform for industry leaders to showcase their innovative products and services while providing an excellent opportunity for businesses and suppliers to connect.

At the expo, Genting will collaborate with partners to promote sustainable dining and aims to establish long-term partnerships with these partners, including Cremer Sustainable Foods, Kimberly-Clark, and Aqina Jaya.

These partners are all laying a solid foundation for a sustainable future, with Cremer Sustainable Foods innovating in plant-based alternative proteins, Kimberly-Clark focusing on environmental protection in its products and manufacturing processes, and Aqina Jaya practicing self-sufficient, sustainable organic chicken farming.

To learn more about how to participate in the expo as an exhibitor or attendee, please email [info.sustainbiz@rwgenting.com] or visit [rwgenting.com/sustainbiz].