The “Zero Waste HoReCa Champions Awards 2025” ceremony, held under the auspices of the Deputy Minister of Tourism of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Kostas Koumis, successfully took place on May 29, 2025, for the third consecutive year, recognizing the effectiveness and sustainable innovation of businesses participating in the Zero Waste HoReCa program. The program is implemented by AKTI Project and Research Centre, with the funding of The Coca-Cola Foundation.

The aim of the Zero Waste HoReCa program is to enhance sustainability and economic empowerment within the Hospitality, Restaurants and Catering (HORECA) sector, providing businesses with the necessary tools to recycle more waste, conserve water and energy, and procure supplies sustainably. These efforts help businesses reduce their environmental impact as well as their operating costs, leading to their economic empowerment and creating employment opportunities. 

During the event, ten small and medium HoReCa businesses were recognized for their innovative contributions toward implementing sustainable practices in their operations. The criteria for recognizing these commendable businesses included environmental impact, sustainability, innovation, and social responsibility. The ten winners stood out among 380 sustainable practices submitted by the members of the Zero Waste HoReCa Network, truly reflecting the program’s mission to drive the green transition of Cyprus’s tourism sector toward a sustainable future.

Today, in its third year in a row, the program continues its upward trajectory in 2025, where HoReCa businesses in the network have reduced their operational costs by adopting sustainable practices. With more than 300 active members, the Zero Waste HoReCa Network is the first of its kind established in Cyprus. 

The  “Zero Waste HoReCa Champions 2025” in the Medium Business category are:

• Sustainability Award- Poseidonia Beach Hotel

• Social Responsibility Award – Louis Ledra Beach

• Environmental Responsibility Award - Atlantica Sungarden Beach

• Praise – New Member – Gloria Jean’s Coffee

The  “Zero Waste HoReCa Champions 2025” in the Small Business category are:

• Sustainability Award - Senso Café

• Synergy/ Social Responsibility Award – Kefi Lab, Campo de Fiori, Persefoni Fruit Market, Express Supermarket Fruitmarket

• Innovation Award – Gaia Olea

• Environmental Responsibility Award - Furen Lebanese Restaurant

• Supply Chain Award - Biolouc organic shop

• Praise- Rising Star - K.S. Espresso Nine Coffee

Mrs. Annita Demetriadou, Director of Tourism, speaking on behalf of The Deputy Minister of Tourism, Mr. Kostas Koumis, congratulated the ten sustainability champions for the effective practices they implement—practices that bring Cyprus’s tourism industry ever closer to a green transition. In her remarks, she also commended AKTI Project and Research Centre for its impactful work in Cyprus and abroad.

Referring to the challenges facing the Cypriot tourism sector, Mrs. Demetriadou emphasized that innovative and results-driven initiatives like AKTI’s Zero Waste HoReCa program—promoting sustainable operations and simultaneously fostering economic resilience—are of great importance and enjoy the full support of the Deputy Ministry of Tourism. She further noted that adaptation to climate change and alignment with global tourism trends—now strongly focused on sustainability and social cohesion—is a key priority of the Ministry’s policy.

Dr. Xenia Loizidou, Chairperson of the Board of AKTI Project and Research Centre, noted “Today, we had the honor to recognize and award 10 businesses for their continuous contributions toward the green transition that may lead to economical growth. Their efforts serve as a beacon of hope or the urgent need to lead the tourism industry toward sustainable development, stressing that sustainability is not merely a theoretical concept but a tangible, measurable result stemming from the implementation of practical solutions. I’d like to thank The Coca-Cola Foundation for the long-term funding and I hope that today’s awards will encourage even more businesses to be part of the initiative. The members of the Zero Waste Network are the role models of our society. I am really proud of them.” 

In her own greeting, Eva Chioti, Public Affairs & Sustainability Senior Manager Greece Cyprus and Malta at the Coca Cola Company, noted: “We are excited about Zero Waste HoReCa program that not only fosters circular economy practices and promotes more environmentally friendly business operations, but also highlights sustainability as a growth driver for HoReCa SMEs. Special thanks to The Coca-Cola Foundation for consistently supporting the program and the awards, encouraging even more businesses of the sector to contribute to a better future for all.”

In his own greeting, Andreas Giortsios Corporate Affairs & Sustainability Manager of Coca-Cola in Cyprus, noted: ‘The results of these actions and best practices constitute a huge success of the Zero Waste HoReCa Network. On behalf of Coca-Cola, I would like to thank AKTI, which implemnts this pioneering program with the support of ‘The Coca-Cola Foundation’, but also all of the approximately 300 companies participating in the Zero Waste HoReCa Network, as well as all the volunteers. 

The event was organized within the framework of the ‘Zero Waste HoReCa’ project, which is implemented by AKTI Project and Research Centre, with the support of the Coca-Cola Foundation. For more information on the Zero Waste HoReCa program, click here.

AKTI Project and Research Center is a non-governmental, non-profit organization based in Nicosia, Cyprus. It was established in 2000 by a group of experts in environmental issues and has succeeded today in creating an extensive network of collaborators and volunteers for raising environmental awareness and promoting sustainable development. AKTIs areas of work include applied environmental research, environmental education and vocational training, integrated coastal zone management and marine environment, public outreach, and advocacy.

The mission of The Coca-Cola Foundation is to make a difference in communities worldwide where The Coca-Cola Company operates, and where our people live and work. We support innovative ideas and institutions that address complex global challenges and leave a measurable and lasting impact. Our contribution focuses on long-term access to safe water, climate resilience, preparedness and response to catastrophic risks, circular economy, economic empowerment, as well as purposes that affect the local community of our homeland. Since its establishment in 1984, The Coca-Cola Foundation has provided grants totaling over $1.5 billion to enhance communities worldwide.