Bangkok, Thailand – The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok, is proud to announce that its renowned Rain Tree Café has achieved The PLEDGE on Food Waste All-Star Level certification for the third consecutive year. Under the guidance of Executive Chef Rene Alcocer Vizarretea, this repeated recognition highlights a refined and successful blueprint for reducing food waste as a model of sustainable hospitality that is inspiring others in the industry.
By implementing The PLEDGE criteria, The Rain Tree Café’s success is rooted in a fundamental rethinking of the luxury buffet. To tackle the persistent challenge of excess waste, the team initiated what they term the “Smart Buffet Revolution.” A key element of this approach is a strategic move away from large-quantity displays to small-batch, frequent replenishment. This ensures the food served is always fresh and appealing, significantly cutting down on overproduction and waste without compromising on variety or quality.
“One creative and effective tactic was switching to smaller-batch replenishment with more frequent refills,” explains Chef Rene. “This approach helped reduce overproduction and waste, while maintaining freshness and variety for our guests.”
Another impactful change was the introduction of smaller plates, which subtly encourages guests to take only what they will enjoy, with the freedom to return for more. This simple nudge has proven effective in reducing leftover food, enhancing guest satisfaction by proving that conscious dining can be both intuitive and indulgent.
The commitment to waste reduction extends behind the scenes. The Rain Tree Café team introduced a “No Bin Day” in the associates’ canteen, a day where staff are not permitted to discard food. This bold initiative has not only drastically cut internal food waste but has also fostered a deeper culture of mindfulness in their daily operations.
“What truly distinguishes RainTree Café at The Athenee Hotel isn’t just their All-Star status—it’s the remarkable consistency behind it. Achieving 100% compliance across all 95 criteria for three consecutive years speaks to a level of operational discipline that’s rare in the industry. They’ve embedded The PLEDGE so deeply into their culture that sustainability is no longer a goal—it’s simply how they operate,”
– Marco Sandri, Global Manager of The PLEDGE.
The PLEDGE on Food Waste assesses participants across seven key pillars, including process documentation, team engagement, and guest communication. The consistency with which Rain Tree Café has earned The PLEDGE on Food Waste All-Star Level certification is a testament not just to effective policies but to the passion, precision, and dedication of their entire team.
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