With an aging population, vast amounts of edible retail food products going to landfill and a sharp increase in obesity rates-through higher individual food consumption of processed foods, (with all of their resulting health issues), it is no wonder that food security in the UK represents a very real long term threat to the stability of our economy.
When going out to client meetings, business presentations or even networking events, where catering may be provided, it is worth giving a thought to the quality, freshness and seasonality of the produce and in particular where it is sourced.
You may at some stage have organised business catering for yourself...how many times have you thrown away a turned up sandwich, juggled with limp quiche or even worse not bothered to try anything from the uninviting selections thrown together in front of you?
Is price the only consideration or do you weigh up other critical factors in making sure that your clients, guests or colleagues feel replete and satisfied at the end of what is normally a busy working lunch period so how do you know what you are going to receive is going to be any good?
Given the demands for greater transparency and environmental responsibilities to reducing waste and the carbon foot print, how do you know that the company supplying you will have the right approach to social, corporate and community responsibilities?
If you or one of your colleagues is responsible for the purchasing of catering services delivered to your workplace or you want to influence the decision making process with the client catering that you are experiencing, then here are a few things to consider that will not only help the event go smoothly, but ensure that you have total peace of mind.
Policies & Procedures:
> Does the supplier publish and make available their working practices, do they actively promote healthier eating and work with local partners to reduce food miles.
> Do they have robust recycling schemes and a commitment to reducing waste to landfill?
Health & Safety:
> Is your supplier HACCP accredited or registered with the local EHO, do they follow stringent health & safety procedures e.g. does your food arrive in sign-written refrigerated vehicles?
> Are the drivers knowledgeable about the company and it’s products, are they proud to wear a company logo?
> Have you inspected their premises to ensure that foods are produced within a safe hygienic environment and prepared by qualified chefs who care about what they do?
Ease of Ordering:
> How easy is it to place your order, is the phone or fax always busy, can you order directly on line for example?
> Is the service provided, friendly, polite and efficient, do you receive confirmation that your requirements can be met and are you always offered flexibility and choice?
Quality, Presentation & Value for Money:
> Are the foods delivered freshly made and prepared from real ingredients and not the normal selection frozen and fried products purchased from large national wholesalers?
> Does the food arrive properly presented and wrapped, with clear labelling and information about contents?
> If ordering on a regular basis are you offered variety and can you mix and match from the available menus.
When choosing a new catering supplier-make sure you:
> Inspect premises.
> Meet staff and management teams... do they understand you and your business needs?
> Ask to look at health and safety manuals and certificates.
> Make sure they have an environmental policy and are acting upon it.
> Try samples and ask for evidence of credentials.
> Ask for references and recommendations.
> Ensure that the caterer is flexible.
> Set up a trading account.
> Enjoy the food!
> Give Feedback.
It appears that changes on the world stage and specifically those that are making us look at the social and more traditional values around the food that we eat are returning us to a simpler view on fresh ingredients, healthier eating, and more consideration for where our produce comes from and where it ends up.
For more information on please visit the environment section of our website at
www.eatlunch.co.uk, alternatively you can call us on 01707 331751.
