With the ibex fairstay gastronomy label, we make sustainability a matter of course – for a future-proof industry.
The sustainability label for the catering industry
ibex fairstay Gastronomie stands for concrete sustainability: We analyze your business, identify potential, and support you with individually tailored measures up to certification and beyond. Sustainability thus becomes a success factor – for economic success, satisfied employees, and the trust of your guests.
"We wanted a system that not only serves as a label, but that can be used as a management process and with which a business can continuously develop in all three dimensions. Nothing like this has existed for the restaurant industry until now."
Marc Tischhauser, Managing Director of GastroGraubünden
The advantages of the ibex fairstay Gastro label
Certification with the ibex fairstay gastronomy label helps you reduce operating costs and conserve resources. It creates a motivating work environment, increases your business's efficiency, and promotes the inclusion of regional products and events. At the same time, you're making an active contribution to environmental protection. Your business becomes more attractive to employees and more appealing to guests – sustainability becomes your trademark.
Leading sustainability label
ibex fairstay makes the difference.
ibex fairstay stands for true sustainability in the hospitality industry. It is specifically tailored to the needs of hospitality businesses and is aimed at anyone who wants to set new standards in food safety, regionality, and resource-efficient operations – while also focusing on social sustainability. Because satisfied, motivated employees are the foundation of every successful company.
ibex fairstay is certified according to the proven six-eyes principle. Independent, experienced , and accredited auditors review the establishment based on clear criteria . The final decision on the award is made by our independent certification committee – ensuring maximum objectivity and quality.
Award levels
The ibex fairstay award for gastronomy
The review covers all areas of your restaurant business and is based on the five dimensions of sustainability: holistic, credible, and practical. Awarding the ibex fairstay restaurant label makes your business's sustainable approach concretely visible, measurable, verifiable, and clearly communicable to your guests.
The ibex fairstay label is also recognized at Level III, the highest level of the Swiss sustainability program Swisstainable. Learn more about Swisstainable .
Label for catering establishments
process
The path to certification.
Start your ibex fairstay certification now. We'll support you from the initial analysis to the final award—you're not alone. Our support doesn't end with certification, however; it marks the beginning of a long-term partnership. Together, we'll further develop your business and make sustainability an integral part of your success. Apply for certification by June 30, 2025, and save 50%.
1. Registration
In a personal meeting, we'll discuss the opportunities and benefits of working with ibex fairstay. You'll also have access to the ibex fairstay questionnaire, allowing you to form your own opinion.
By submitting the application and signing the confidentiality agreement, you are bindingly registering for the certification process.
After our office has reviewed your application, you will receive our questionnaire. This is a practical tool that will guide you through the certification process and all relevant topics.
2. Support and advice
From the very beginning, you'll receive many valuable suggestions for saving resources and costs, as well as improving management quality. This also includes tips for optimizing internal processes. You'll also benefit from interesting tips for effectively communicating your sustainability commitment to your guests and sales partners. We'll support you throughout the entire process and are available to answer any questions you may have.
3. Audit
Once the required documentation is available, schedule an audit appointment with the independent, external auditor and submit the documents for preliminary review. The accuracy of the information and compliance with the demanding standards will be verified during the on-site audit. Please allow approximately six hours for the initial certification audit.
4. Certification
The auditor submits a written application to the independent certification committee. The committee reviews the application, asks questions, and makes the final decision on the award. Initial certification is valid for two years. Recertifications are then held every three years.
5. Recertification
The first recertification takes place two years after the initial certification, and then every three years. In the meantime, companies continue to work on their goals and optimize their performance. The annually updated action plan serves as an important planning tool.
Q&A
Questions & answers about the ibex fairstay certification.
We're already involved in various collaborations. Why should we enter into another one?
In today's world, collaborations are essential. They save time, promote exchange, expand networks, and bring added value to everyone involved. But ibex fairstay is more than just a collaboration: with certification and the associated awareness-raising, you promote the respectful use of resources in your company – and you demonstrably save money!
Will this actually bring me more guests?
It's the atmosphere and the overall offering that appeal to guests. Thus, a seal of approval doesn't directly attract more guests. However, treating people with respect—guests, employees, residents, and partners—contributes significantly to a positive atmosphere. The ibex gastro certification process raises awareness of these social values and provides valuable input.
Will the guest understand the meaning of this label?
It's communication that highlights the value of a label and the outstanding services practiced within the establishment. Guests can enjoy their stay at your establishment with a clear conscience. Storytelling is an excellent tool for communication. Let your regional products, along with the producers, become tangible stories.
What costs should I expect?
The cost of initial certification depends on your annual turnover. The fee, starting at CHF 950, includes all documentation, process support, the on-site audit, and the review by the certification committee. The fee for recertification is reduced. With a precise assessment of your current situation and the resulting measures, this investment can often be recouped or even more than offset within the first year.
As with all labels, ibex gastro also charges an additional annual flat rate for branding, ibex gastro's marketing services for your business, and the associated partnerships for your business, as well as the ongoing development of its services. Businesses benefit from ibex gastro's partnerships and platforms. The annual communication fee, starting at CHF 450, is also dependent on sales.
How much personnel is required?
The actual effort required depends on the extent to which the company has already addressed and initiated quality management. To implement initial, valuable measures during the ongoing process and allow sufficient time for daily business, it is advisable to allow a processing period of four to eight months.
It is recommended to form a sustainability team from various departments and management levels around the sustainability officer. This way, the completion of the questionnaire can be distributed among several people, and initial measures can be implemented immediately. This also ensures broad-based awareness among other employees. It is important to involve suppliers in the process. They can usually provide important data at the push of a button and are also made aware of the importance of sustainable, regional, and/or seasonal products. Suppliers are often even grateful for the input and guidelines.
How long is a certification valid?
The initial certification is valid for two years. Thereafter, the company is recertified every three years.
Is certification worthwhile for a family business?
Yes, especially for family businesses that want to pass on a healthy business to future generations, it is worthwhile to regularly assess the situation, initiate measures and tackle far-sighted improvements.
What operational requirements must be met in order to start with a certification?
It is essential that management establishes and exemplifies a commitment to a sustainable approach. The human and financial resources required for its long-term implementation must be ensured. Furthermore, existing awareness in quality management and a stable leadership team are helpful.
What are examples of quick and efficient measures?
It's often the sum of many small measures that, together, yield significant benefits and can be communicated in a particularly motivating way: using water-saving nozzles, reducing food waste through conscious planning or reuse, reducing heating costs through intermittent ventilation, and smart adjustments to room temperature. The ibex gastro management tool offers a wide range of ideas in the areas of management, the environment, regionality, social balance, finance, and performance in its catalog of measures.
Further information.
Your investment in sustainability
The prices for certification through ibex fairstay are fair. They depend on your company's previous year's turnover. The time required depends on your previous work and can be estimated in a personal consultation.