>a sustainable, united future based on action

How did the Foundation come to be created?

Over the years, Novae has supported a range of solidarity initiatives, from support for local agriculture and running return-to-work programmes to fighting food waste and donating foodstuffs.

In September 2025, a new milestone was reached with the creation of the Novae Foundation, now officially registered as an entity.

Its goal is to amplify these initiatives by:

  • developing new partnerships,
  • trying out new forms of social action,
  • extending initiatives to other cantons.

To ensure both independence and efficiency, the Foundation has its own governance structure and dedicated budget, funded through a grant from Novae.

The Foundation’s three core missions

The Novae Foundation focuses its efforts around three key pillars:

1. Protecting and promoting a local, responsible farming model

Since its beginnings, Novae has nurtured strong ties with the world of farming and local artisans. Proximity is one of our fundamental values, evidenced in tangible initiatives such as the local agricultural heritage support fund launched in 2016.

As such, it’s only natural that the Foundation continues this commitment. The aim is to support sustainable agricultural production, and to encourage the creation of new production methods and new products among farms.

We firmly believe that in order to provide healthy, sustainable food, working closely with local agricultural and artisan experts is essential.

>And we act on our words, a key example being the launch of the very first organic vegetable processing facility (légumerie) in French-speaking Switzerland, in partnership with market gardener Keuffer. The légumerie makes use of out-of-spec produce and helps reduce food waste.

2. Promoting inclusion in the catering industry

At Novae, our restaurants and kitchens are far more than places where food is made: they are welcoming spaces where people can connect.

The Foundation aims to harness this full potential to foster inclusion through:

  • Shared meals to end isolation: creating social connections and strengthening a sense of community.
  • Training and return-to-work programmes: helping jobseekers or those changing careers to gain hands-on skills and find long-term employment.
  • Welcoming people with disabilities: some of our restaurants already have a strong presence of those living with disabilities in their teams. The Foundation’s goal is to increase and expand this part of our culture.

In short, the Novae Foundation turns the catering profession into a genuine driver of social inclusivity, combining training, job opportunities, and moments of togetherness.

Fighting food waste

The fight against food waste is a major challenge for the environment. The Foundation aims to support concrete initiatives that reduce waste along the entire food chain, for example by funding projects that re-route unsold or out-of-spec products into appropriate distribution channels.

Committed governance

The Foundation is overseen by a Board made up of seven members, bringing together a diverse range of profiles with complementary skills:

  • Carole Décosterd
  • Victor Bovy
  • Bruno Chatagnat
  • Laura Châtel
  • Camila Schepmans
  • Vincent Berthet
  • Guillaume Brenier

A diverse range of backgrounds guarantees a balanced, future-facing vision.

How you can support the Novae Foundation

Want to become a part of this collective effort?

  • As an individual, you can make a donation. (Link coming soon)
  • You can also suggest new initiatives or partnerships, or lend a hand at some of our events. > Contact Laura Châtel, CSR Director and Foundation Board member: Laura.CHATEL@novae.ch.

With the Novae Foundation, we are strengthening our tangible actions towards a more sustainable, socially responsible catering sector that serves everyone.