Heroes of Change 2026 contest: spotlight on the shortlisted projects!

As every year, the selected entries were divided into two distinct categories:

• “CSR Revelations” League: dedicated to targeted and/or emerging initiatives.
• “CSR Champions” League: recognizing long-term, cross-functional and sustainable initiatives.

CSR Revelations League:

• Newrest NIGERIA – Youth skill & livelihood empowerment initiative

This initiative was designed to tackle youth unemployment and underemployment in the Oshodi Under Bridge area of Lagos.

The project provided 50 young people with hands-on training focused on entrepreneurship and career opportunities, particularly in recycling, tie-dye production and soap making. Through workshops and mentoring sessions, participants acquired practical skills to develop income-generating activities. To support project implementation, 10 participants with the most promising business ideas received financial assistance to launch their ventures.

• Newrest BOLIVIA – Fragancia andina

The Fragancia Andina project repurposes used vegetable oils from our operations by transforming them into soap, an essential everyday product.

In partnership with the Remar Foundation, the initiative promotes social inclusion for vulnerable individuals through the creation of a microenterprise. Beneficiaries receive technical and commercial training to manufacture, package and market the soaps. Part of the production is purchased by Newrest for its own supply needs, while the remainder is sold by the foundation.

• Newrest DENMARK – From waste to warmth

Newrest Copenhagen has installed a system that recovers heat generated by its refrigeration units and reuses it to heat its facilities.

Through the installation of a heat recovery unit, energy that was previously wasted is now fed back into the building’s heating system. This approach reduces energy consumption, limits waste and improves overall facility efficiency. Additionally, the new refrigeration system uses CO₂, currently the refrigerant with the lowest impact on the ozone layer available on the market.

• Newrest USA – Newrest feeding Atlanta forward

This community initiative aims to combat food insecurity across several Atlanta communities.

The program is built around three pillars: community engagement, surplus food recovery and nutrition education. Newrest employees contribute through food sorting, meal preparation and distribution activities, while edible surplus food is donated to the Atlanta Community Food Bank to reduce waste. Culinary workshops are also organized to teach residents how to prepare healthy, nutritious and affordable meals.

• Newrest FRANCE – Plant-based culinary innovation

This project consists of introducing an innovative microalgae-based ingredient into collective catering operations, directly incorporated into everyday recipes.

The objective is to accelerate menu plant-based diversification while maintaining taste and ease of use in the kitchen. Newrest France works with a specialist company that provides a ready-to-use ingredient capable of replacing or complementing animal proteins and helping meet growing demand for plant-based menu options. Initially implemented in a pilot kitchen, the solution is intended to be rolled out on a larger scale to make plant-based food more accessible.

CSR Champions League:

• Newrest CHILE – Supply chain of local suppliers

Over a period of 13 months, the project supported local farmers in integrating the supply chain of the Candelaria mine in Chile.

The initiative identified training, infrastructure and market access needs, leading to targeted investments, sanitary improvements and more than 1,600 hours of technical training. As a result, producers gained access to a more structured and sustainable supply system. The project culminated in the first order of five tonnes of locally produced fruits and vegetables for the mine’s catering services.

• Newrest FRANCE – “C’est Qui Le Patron?!” Lemon & cottage cheese cake for SNCF

As part of its commitment to supporting sustainable French agricultural sectors, Newrest Wagons-Lits France has been partnering with C’est Qui Le Patron?! since 2022 to offer responsible products on board TGV INOUI and INTERCITÉS services.

Following the success of nearly two million responsibly sourced apple juices sold, the partnership expanded with the launch of a new sweet snack: a lemon and cottage cheese cake. Developed with Mademoiselle Desserts and French farming sectors, the product guarantees fair compensation for producers while supporting local supply chains. Introduced in 2026, it is now part of onboard catering offers and is promoted through passenger engagement initiatives such as the “Responsible Snack Break”.

• Newrest MOROCCO – Chefs Unlimited Challenge

For several years, Newrest Morocco has partnered with the Bab Rayan Association in Casablanca to support the professional integration of vulnerable young people through careers in the food service industry.

The Bab Rayan training centre provides practical culinary and service training, complemented by sessions delivered by Newrest professionals. As part of this partnership, the final of the Chef Unlimited Challenge was hosted directly within the centre, allowing trainees to actively participate in a professional culinary event. This immersion provided valuable real-world experience while also enhancing the visibility of the centre among partners and the wider public. Equipment used during the event was donated to support future training activities.

• Newrest OMAN – Eco-craft timber

Newrest Oman teams give industrial wood waste a second life, transforming used pallets and crates into practical and durable items such as planters, flower pots and garden dividers.

Rather than being discarded or incinerated, these materials are reused as part of a circular economy approach. The initiative also engages employees through hands-on workshops, enabling them to develop carpentry and upcycling skills.

• Newrest FRENCH POLYNESIA – Te Oraraa Api (A new life)

In Papeete, an innovative reintegration program brings together the Te Vai-ete Centre, the Hospitality & Catering Campus and Newrest to train homeless individuals for careers in the food service industry.

Participants follow an intensive six-month training program at the L’Éphémère training restaurant, combining theoretical learning with practical experience. Some continue their journey through internships with Newrest to strengthen their operational skills. The initiative is now evolving into a structured apprenticeship pathway in partnership with the Tahiti Hospitality School, paving the way for work-study contracts. This jointly developed educational program ensures training is aligned with industry needs and supports long-term employability.

Congratulations to all participants for their commitment and dedication.

These projects are a concrete reflection of our teams’ engagement and make a meaningful contribution to the Group’s collective CSR ambitions.