Members’ News

November 2023

Confex extends its data partnership with TWC for a further four years #

In October 2021, Confex embarked on a collaboration with TWC to launch an advanced data partnership. The primary objective was to revolutionise the accessibility and utilisation of sales information for Confex's members. 
 
Initially planned for a duration of three years, the partnership and resulting insight service has proven to be an invaluable asset to Confex members and suppliers alike. The overwhelming success of the initial term has led to an extension of the insight service partnership between Confex and TWC for a further four years.
 
Jess Douglas Chief Operating Officer at Confex said: "Our ongoing commitment to Confex Data Insight service reflects our desire to provide  our members with unparalleled resources and opportunities for the foreseeable future. Together with TWC, we will continue to evolve the service and further embed data-led decision making in our business. As announced at our very successful conference in Lanzarote this September, we are delighted to welcome further Confex members to the Data Insight programme very soon.”
 
Tanya Pepin, Managing Director at TWC adds: "The extension of our partnership marks a significant milestone for both Confex and TWC. It emphasises our shared vision, dedication to excellence, and mutual desire to see the wholesale channel thrive. We are delighted to continue to be Confex’s chosen data partner as we strive for long term partnerships with our clients in line with our values of loyalty and customer-centricity.”

Sodexo adds 10 years to 50-year contract with Tettenhall College #

Sodexo has successfully extended its 50-year partnership with Tettenhall College, an independent, co-educational day and boarding school near Wolverhampton, for a further ten years.
 
The new contract, which has a value of £6 million, will see Independents by Sodexo continue to deliver the catering and hospitality services for over 500 boys and girls aged between two and eighteen years. In addition to a refreshed menu being introduced from September, a brand new dining hall is being created which will improve modernise the food services and create a welcoming environment for the school community to relax and enjoy their breakfast, lunch and dinner.
 
Independents by Sodexo is committed to providing food that will sharpen minds, energise the body and inspire children of all ages to have an interest in the food they eat. Sustainability and a fresh from scratch ethos is at the heart of the menus.
 
Sodexo introduced a refreshed menu in September which was developed to encourage the adoption of a healthy, balanced, sustainable diet and has been designed to spark a genuine interest in the food they are eating. Items on the menu include global dishes such as charred piri-piri chicken thigh, blackened vegetables, Portuguese-style savoury rice, chipotle mayo, crispy citrus slaw – but also old favourites, with pork sausage toad in the hole, champ potatoes, glazed carrots, roasted brassicas and onion gravy.
 
In addition to providing the school meals, Sodexo’s 15-strong team will also provide hospitality services at the school including special dinners for the headmaster’s guests and parents of the College.
 
Steve Hawkins, managing director, schools for Sodexo UK & Ireland said: “Extending our long-lasting partnership with Tettenhall College for another ten years is a true statement of the outstanding work our team has delivered over the years, especially our chefs who continue to inspire our customers with their delicious and nutritious dishes.
 
“At Sodexo we firmly believe that it all starts with the everyday and we are committed to delivering school catering services that bring the whole school community together, providing the school and parents with the confidence that the children are receiving healthy, nutritious and sustainable meals."

 
Christopher McAllister, headmaster, Tettenhall College said: “Tettenhall College has worked with Sodexo for the past 50 years and we’re thrilled to be renewing our partnership for another ten years. We are confident that the team will continue to provide a high level of care and services to the college.”
 
Founded in 1863, Tettenhall College is a co-ed independent school located in the West Midlands, with pupils aged from 2 to 18 years old. Sodexo has been a key partner for catering and hospitality for the past fifty years, supporting students and staff in their day-to-day life, so they can get the very best out of a nurturing environment.

Délifrance teams up with global brand Biscoff to launch ultra-indulgent muffins #

Leading baked goods manufacturer, Délifrance, has today announced the launch of its latest innovation – the Biscoff Muffin. The new partnership brings together Délifrance’s renowned bakery expertise with the incomparable taste of the world-famous ‘Biscoff spread’ to create the ultimate muffin experience. 

Catering to both taste and convenience, the soft vanilla muffin features a generous 15.2% filling of the beloved Biscoff spread. It’s ideal for consumers who eat breakfast on-the-go and can be enjoyed as an indulgently delicious snack throughout the day. 

Indulgence continues to be a prominent trend in the breakfast market and, as on-the-go food habits increase, so has the consumption of morning snacks such as muffins.  

Stéphanie Brillouet, marketing director at Délifrance says: “Consumers continue to seek indulgence and convenience in their morning routine. Délifrance understands these evolving trends and is committed to delivering innovative products that resonate with our customers. We are delighted to partner with the world-famous Biscoff brand as we continue to bring the highest quality products to market. The Biscoff Muffin is the ultimate morning indulgence for busy individuals seeking a quick and delicious start to their day.” 

Frances Booth, Biscoff Category Development & Marketing Manager is also delighted with the partnership: "We are excited to see this delicious muffin with Biscoff spread being launched in the UK market. The soft texture of the Délifrance muffin pairs well with the smooth texture of our Biscoff spread and will definitely be appreciated by the British Biscoff lovers.” 

Offering a thaw and serve technology, the muffin requires just two hours of defrost time making it the convenient option for busy outlets. It comes without any toppings so it is versatile and can be personalised to suit the preferences of consumers. The branded Biscoff tulip casing offers higher visibility in store to capitalise on impulse sales – a great selling point for operators looking to draw in customers. 

The product is now available via Délifrance from national wholesalers and is sold frozen in boxes of 24. For more information visit: www.delifrance.com/uk  

Purpose Coalition Awards, in partnership with Sodexo, set to recognise leaders in social mobility #

The Purpose Coalition is proud to announce the launch of The Purpose Coalition Awards 2023 - Breaking Down Barriers, partnered with Sodexo. These prestigious awards recognise leaders who have made remarkable contributions to levelling up and breaking down barriers to boost social mobility across the UK. 

As we continue to navigate through unprecedented social and economic challenges, it is crucial to celebrate and honour those individuals and organisations who have dedicated their efforts to making a positive impact on social mobility. The "Breaking Down Barriers" Awards 2023 aim to showcase the extraordinary work of those who are dedicated to creating a more inclusive, diverse, and equitable society for all. 

Nominations are open now across the 14 Purpose Goals categories. Nominate colleagues, customers, clients or a standout community project. 

The Purpose Coalition Awards encourage individuals, organisations and community groups to nominate those who have demonstrated exemplary commitment to levelling up and breaking down barriers. Nominations can be submitted through The Purpose Coalition’s website until 23:59pm, Sunday 26 November. 

The winners will be selected by a panel of esteemed judges who have demonstrated a passion for social mobility and equity. The virtual award ceremony, set to take place on Monday 11th December at 15:00pm, will be a moment of recognition, inspiration, and a platform to showcase the positive changes brought about by these outstanding leaders. 

These awards are sponsored by leading Purpose Coalition partner, Sodexo UK and Ireland.

Chief Executive Officer at Sodexo UK and Ireland, Sean Haley said: "We're delighted to be sponsoring the Purpose Coalition 2023 awards. Here at Sodexo, we're all about breaking down barriers and fostering inclusivity. As we face unprecedented challenges, it's crucial to honour those who are making a positive impact. The 'Breaking Down Barriers' Awards 2023 aim to celebrate those dedicated to creating a more inclusive, diverse, and equitable society. I look forward to seeing the nominations for the exceptional individuals and organisations who are truly making a difference."

Purpose Coalition Chair and former Education Secretary, Rt Hon Justine Greening, said: “With recent research showing that poor social mobility is still entrenched in this country, it is more important than ever to work together to tackle the barriers that prevent people from getting on. The Purpose Coalition developed the 14 Purpose Goals to help identify the key elements that need to be in place to ensure that there is equality of opportunity, from a child’s early years to fair recruitment processes, from closing the digital divide to harnessing the energy transition. They provide a useful framework for organisations to assess how they are doing and what more they can do to make a positive social impact.

“These awards shine a spotlight on the great work that many organisations are already undertaking and demonstrate the very real difference that they are making. Highlighting this best practice shows others what can be achieved, providing encouragement and inspiration to others who may not be as advanced on their social mobility journey. We need innovative and creative solutions that will make a difference and the winners of today’s awards provide that. Congratulations to them, and I hope they will continue to lead the way to shape a fairer and more equitable future.”
 

Purpose Coalition Engagement Director and former member of Keir Starmer’s Shadow Cabinet, Nick Forbes CBE added: “These awards show what is possible when organisations with purpose and ambition set their sights on tackling poor social mobility. We are very proud that they are sponsored by Sodexo, a company whose genuine commitment to equality of opportunity is deeply embedded in its culture and is evident across every part of the company. It makes it its business to understand how it can best support its colleagues and customers as well as the communities it serves. That’s the right thing to do but it also makes sound business sense, showing that growth and social commitment can be part of the same approach.” 

For more information about The Purpose Coalition Awards 2023 - Breaking Down Barriers and to submit nominations, please visit The Purpose Coalition’s website.

Nestlé Professional research reveals that branded confectionery gives sweet bakery the ‘wow factor’ #

Research released today by Nestlé Professional reveals that branded confectionery can play a significant role boosting the enjoyment of sweet bakery. Sweet bakery is now the second biggest segment in the UK snack market, and ‘treating’ one of the top deciding factors for consumers. This highlights opportunities for foodservice and retail to satisfy consumers and boost turnover through providing sweet bakery products that feature popular confectionery brands.
 
The research monitored more than 41,000 online conversations during May and June 2023, which mentioned muffins, cookies, doughnuts and brownies. When compared to unbranded, branded mentions showed an 11% increase in joyful mentions. Overall sentiment also increased in positivity by 2%, proving the ability of brands to boost sweet bakery’s ‘wow factor’.
 
These findings accompany the foodservice launch of a new cookie range co-created by Nestlé Professional and Rich’s. One of the UK’s favourite sweet bakery formats; the delicious new cookies incorporate ROLO, AERO or MATCHMAKERS and are responsibly sized to offer consumers a permissible indulgence. Ideal for convenience and foodservice operators, they’re available in bags of four in ‘ready to bake’ and ‘thaw and serve’ formats.
 
To celebrate their launch, and to help operators make the most of the booming sweet bakery market, Nestlé Professional has developed ‘Sweet Baked Goods: Evolving tastes and trends’. Packed with exclusive insight and market data on who is eating sweet bakery, what products and occasions are most popular, and where they’re consuming it, the report is available online here.
 
Nestlé Professional also collaborated with premium bakers, Cherrytree Bakery, earlier this year to create their popular ROLO muffins and KITKAT bunny muffins for Costa. Now they are working on further sweet bakery innovations, which will provide uniquely special treats for coffee shops, retail and foodservice operators and are set to launch later this year.
 
Danielle Cartney, BDI Category Lead, Nestlé Professional UK&I says:
 
“When consumers buy sweet bakery, they’re looking for something extra special and exciting. Well-known and loved brands like AERO, ROLO and MATCHMAKERS hold a special place in the hearts of consumers – no doubt explaining their allure in sweet baked goods.”
 
“Operators have been using our branded dessert ingredients for 15 years, creating desserts and snacks that combine their craft with our confectionery. We’ve also delivered successful collaborations with leading operators and retailers: muffins with Costa Coffee, doughnuts with Krispy Kreme, and McFlurries with McDonalds, to mention just a few. Now we’re delighted to co-launch these exciting new cookies to convenience and foodservice. And to help operators satisfy growing consumer demand for a treat, we’ve pulled together all the insight they might need.”

 
The ‘Sweet Baked Goods: Evolving tastes and trends,’ report is available for food operators and convenience stores to download here.
 
Food operators can find out more about Baked by Rich’s cookies by contacting james.candy@uk.nestle.com

Sodexo Live! unveils world’s first Christmas pitch side experience at Hampden Park #

Sodexo Live!, the venue partner to some of the most famous stadia across the UK, including Hampden Park, is offering Christmas events with a difference this festive season, in the form of dining in exclusive hospitality domes situated on the edge of the pitch of Scotland’s National Stadium.
 
Available for the Christmas Party season, the clear domes seat six people and are available for private hire for three hours. There is a choice of a five-course taster menu or a grazing menu option, all dishes use in-season, locally sourced dishes specifically crafted by Sodexo Live!’s team of talented chefs.
 
Guests receive VIP treatment from arrival, with a welcome glass of champagne, an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the home side’s changing room and the opportunity to have a personalised message displayed on the scoreboard.
 
Rebecca Kane Burton, CEO at Sodexo Live! UK&I, said: “Sodexo Live! is committed to delivering memorable experiences all year round, but we believe Christmas should be extra special, which is why we have launched our exclusive first-class pitch side dining experience.
 
“What better way to enjoy a football-inspired festive event with the family, office party or Christmas get-together with friends. The domes are just one example of how Sodexo Live! does things differently in the marketplace.”

 
Scottish Football Marketing Commercial Director Brendan Napier: “One of the priorities for the Scottish FA is to provide memorable fan experiences for Scotland supporters and this innovative new initiative from Sodexo Live! undoubtedly delivers this. By bringing fans right to the heart of Hampden Park for a unique dining experience, Scotland supporters can treat themselves to an unforgettable evening where they can make yet more treasured memories at the national stadium.”
 
A long-term partner since 1999, Sodexo Live! has been continuously supporting Scotland’s national stadium with services such as catering, retail, hospitality, conferences, events, marketing, and sales.
 
Sodexo Live! also works with additional stadia across the UK, including Blackburn Rovers FC, Everton FC, Brighton & Hove Albion FC, Fulham FC, Newcastle United and Preston North End. It is also venue partner to Ascot Racecourse, ACC Liverpool and Henley Royal Regatta to name a few.
 
For more information on the Pitchside Domes experience, see: https://sodexouki.info/3swqZKM

FEA to launch new Charitable Endeavour award at this year’s conference #

FEA shines the spotlight on industry fundraising that goes the extra mile

The Foodservice Equipment Association (FEA) will be presenting a new award aimed at recognising extraordinary efforts in charity fundraising at its industry conference this year, which once again takes place at Chesford Grange Hotel in Kenilworth on 15-16th November.

The Charitable Endeavour award aims to recognise individuals, teams and businesses that have gone the extra mile to raise funds for the hospitality industry’s leading charities. Furthermore, the remit of the Apprentice of the Year award has been widened to recognise anyone who has undertaken great learning or professional development.

“Many FEA members are passionate about charitable fundraising, and every year we learn about the incredible lengths some of their staff go to in order to raise money for charity,” says John Cunningham, chief executive of FEA. “We’ve had some amazing applications for this first event, and we think it’s a great way to celebrate some of the people who raise money for good causes in our industry.”

The awards will take place on the evening of the 15th, at the Opening Dinner which follows the AGM. The main conference is on the 16th, and will feature presentations on the state of the economy from Simon Westaway, Former Chief Economist and Head of Investment Strategy Group, Vanguard Europe, and a look at emerging foodservice trends from strategic advisor and futurist Simon Stenning. There will also be group panels and discussions examining a range of important issues for the foodservice equipment sector, including sustainability, energy usage, service and maintenance and recruitment. The keynote address will be given by Nigel Owens MBE, acclaimed rugby referee and TV presenter, and the evening will see the traditional gala dinner and awards presentation.

For full information on this year’s FEA conference and to book your tickets, visit the conference website https://feaconference.co.uk/

The Foodservice Equipment Association (FEA) is the independent, authoritative voice of the foodservice equipment industry, representing nearly 200 companies who supply, service and maintain all types of commercial catering equipment - from utensils to full kitchen schemes.  For more information on FEA visit www.fea.org.uk 

Latest Lumina research finds consumers are returning to normal habits in 2023, yet remaining value conscious #

Recent research from Lumina Intelligence Eating and Drinking Out Panel (WE 02/07/23 ‒ 24/09/23) has revealed a greater number of consumers participating in the eating and drinking out market in Q3 2023, an increase of +7ppts, with consumers looking for immediate necessities in the form of drinks.
 
Consumers opting to eat or drink out as part of their normal routine has seen a rise this year, whilst social missions have grown at dinner along with heightened consumer confidence. 
 
Consumers are being driven by value-led missions
 
More consumers being out and about in Q3 2023 has seen a realignment in day-part shares, with drink-only occasions the only growth area, up +3.8ppts.
 
Lumina data also revealed that consumers are opting for affordable drink-only occasions, with pubs & bars seeing the most notable share growth year-on-year, up +1.3ppts. Growth in pub share of occasions has been driven by an uptick in consumers going to the pub solely for a drink, rising by +4.8ppts.
 
Lucrative dinner occasions are under threat for service-led channels
 
Dinner has failed to gain market share year-on-year, whilst the proportion of consumers opting for pubs & bars, QSR or restaurants for a dinner occasion has declined. 
 
The research found that value has become less important as a driver to a venue at lunch and dinner, as financial strain eases for some as inflation drops back, however those who identify as very value conscious are trading out of the market at these more expensive day parts.

Bestway foundation uk donates £100,000 to the National Brain Appeal #

Under the patronage of Sir Anwar Pervez OBE H Pk Chairman Board of Trustees Bestway Foundation; Lord Zameer Choudrey CBE SI Pk, Group CEO, Bestway Group, presented a cheque for £100,000 to the CEO of The National Brain Appeal Claire Wood Hill at Bestway Group’s Head Office in Park Royal, London.

The presentation was also attended by Dr Hadi Manji, consultant neurologist at The National Hospital as well as the Board of Bestway Group and the Trustees of Bestway Foundation.

Bestway Foundation was established by Sir Anwar Pervez in 1987, as the charitable arm of the Bestway Group, with a philosophy to support less fortunate people through the advancement of education and healthcare. Since inception Bestway Foundation has donated more than £35m to charitable causes, including donations to charities, hospitals and schools as well as the funding of university scholarships.
The £100,000 being donated to The National Brain Appeal was raised through Bestway’s annual Ascot Charity Race Day held in June this year, which was attended by over 800 of Bestway’s key business contacts, supplier partners, colleagues, press and the charity.  The Charity Race Day is one of Bestway Wholesale’s largest corporate events in the calendar, supported by supplier partners for over 30 years.  Over 26 charities have benefited from funds raised through the event since it began in 1994.

Claire Wood Hill, CEO of The National Brain Appeal, commented on the donation: “We are incredibly grateful to Bestway for supporting The National Brain Appeal. Our charity is dedicated to transforming the lives of the millions of people affected by neurological conditions. The £100,000 raised will help us to continue funding pioneering research, innovative treatments, and world-class facilities at Queen Square. We would like to extend our thanks to everyone involved in helping to raise this fantastic amount.”

The Lord Choudrey added: “We are absolutely delighted to support the work of The National Brain Appeal charity for the second time as it’s a charity that is very close to our hearts. Charity is at the core of what we do here at Bestway – we are extremely dedicated to our social responsibility and incredibly committed to giving back to the communities within which we operate.”

Media contact:
For more information:
Caroline Hole-Jones caroline@thewordconsultancy.com 07867 987675
 

Tilda becomes the UK’s only rice brand to achieve B Corp Certification #

As consumers place increasing scrutiny on where the ingredients they eat are sourced, B Corp Certification allows chefs and professionals using Tilda Foodservice rice products to provide specific reassurances around sourcing, sustainability and social responsibility.
 
Tilda, the UK’s number 1 rice brand, has gained B Corp status following a year-long process. At a time when almost a quarter of consumers are specifically choosing places to eat based on their ethics and environmental practices, becoming a B Corp brings greater transparency for customers and consumers of Tilda rice in foodservice.
 
For Tilda Foodservice, B Corp certification demonstrates the brand’s commitment to driving sustainability across the whole of the rice industry. With almost three-quarters of consumers wanting hospitality and foodservice to act on providing more sustainable diets, the leading rice producer is delighted to be able to play a role in helping chefs and operators to create more responsible menus.
 
Jean-Philippe Laborde, Tilda Managing Director, said: “This B Corp accreditation reflects our absolute commitment to being the most responsible rice producer in the world.
 
“We must seek out and embrace all the ways we can reduce the environmental impacts of growing rice, from working with our progressive farmers and scrutinising our supply chain, to investing in our manufacturing, evolving our packaging and supporting local communities.
 
“We will continue to challenge ourselves, and others, to do better. Looking ahead, it is our ambition to share our learnings across the industry to help ensure that all successful measures that can make a positive difference to people and planet be adopted across the entire global rice supply chain.”

 
Chris Turner, B Lab UK’s executive director, says: “We are delighted to welcome Tilda to the B Corp community. Its commitment to doing business differently will be an inspiration to others in the industry, helping spread the notion that success in business is as much about people and planet as it is profit. We look forward to seeing Tilda drive the conversation forward.”
 
How has Tilda been working with rice farmers to reduce its environmental impact?
 
Tilda supports the livelihoods of over 2,700 farmers in India to encourage biodiversity, cut emissions and reduce the environmental impacts of growing rice.
 
In 2022, over 600 farms were testing new farming techniques such as Alternate Wet Drying (AWD) and in 2023 this grew to 925 farms, which represents approximately 27% of the land. This sees farmers move away from the traditional method of flooding paddy fields to ensure roots are always submerged. Instead, farmers use pipes to monitor water levels, and water only when required. This reduces water and energy use, as well as greenhouse gas emissions. In the next few years, Tilda aims to have 80% more farmers using this method.
 
Other techniques include the use of an Ecosystem-Based Pest Management Approach that supports biodiversity and limits the use of chemicals, protecting the crop and saving farmers money.
 
What else is Tilda doing to act more responsibly?
 
In addition to Tilda’s work with farmers in India, its other key initiatives include:

Responsible sourcing to help maintain a resilient supply chain as climate change, the war in Ukraine, Brexit and other issues continue to have an impact
Sustainable manufacturing to reduce the impact of making products, with a strong focus on cutting emissions and avoiding food waste
Packaging evolutions to reduce its impact, cut down on plastic and enable recycling
Supporting communities via strengthened partnerships with charities including The Felix Project, Mary’s Meals and Zest Quest Asia
 

UK Restaurant Market Growth Remains Behind Pubs & Fast Food as Outlet Decline Hinders Recovery #

The UK restaurant market is forecast to reach a value of £18.7 billion in 2023, marking a growth of 5.2% and positioning the sector 2.6% behind its pre-pandemic value, latest research from Lumina Intelligence UK Restaurant Market Report has shown.
 
Although operators are struggling to boost volumes, penetration has remained flat-year-on-year ‒ seeing restaurants lose share of the total eating out market and leaving growth behind that of pubs & fast food outlets. Restaurant players are, inevitably, more exposed to the impacts of cautious consumer spending, rising staff costs with the new national living wage, and ongoing cost hikes for food, ingredients and drinks.
 
The unsettling decline in the number of outlets continues to dampen recovery in the restaurant market, with an average of eight sites each week forecast to close in 2023. This equates to a total of 27,020 site closures ‒ around 4,000 fewer than in 2018. Challenging trading conditions are not the sole cause of these closures: overexpansion in some areas of the restaurant market has also played a part.
 
In 2023, closures are being driven by independents, as branded restaurants are navigating the challenging conditions more successfully. Indeed, this segment is predicted to achieve value growth of 9.0% in 2023 and set to open a modest, yet significant 1.1% more outlets.
 
Brands are adapting by driving recovery with more mergers & acquisitions activity, making operational efficiencies and aligning themselves with consumer trends in products and experience. Restaurant menu management tactics are evolving to balance consumer demands with cost control as operators must, of course, navigate price increases without deterring customers. Menu price inflation, a boost in meat-free dishes and lower-calorie additional courses are key menu strategies in 2023. Using premium ingredients, exploring ‘kitchen tourism’ to appeal to the appetite for international cuisine, and adding more ‘veggie-centric’ dishes are leading trends across menus.
 
As the economy continues to recover the future looks brighter, with a market value of £19.5 billion forecast for 2026 ‒ underpinned by a continuing stronger performance from branded restaurants. Over the next three years, interest rate reductions and average earnings outpacing inflation are expected to boost consumer spending power. However, restaurant market growth is forecast at 1.4%, sitting behind the total eating out market growth of 2.6%.
 
Market trends including digital innovation, strategic partnerships and sustainability initiatives are expected to be central to operator growth strategies over the next three years.

Amadeus partners with Simply Lunch for a sustainable lunch experience #

In commitment to its sustainable catering ethos, Amadeus, a leader in venue and events catering, has announced its latest partnership with Simply Lunch, a family-run ‘Food to Go’ company.   

Simply Lunch has over 40 years of experience in creating and delivering a wide variety of choices for in the casual eating category. 

This new collaboration with Amadeus ensures that guests enjoy not just a delightful meal, but one that prioritises eco-responsibility. By choosing ingredients that are locally sourced, ethically produced, and sustainably packaged, this partnership underlines Amadeus’ commitment to both palate and planet. 

“Amadeus’ mission has always been to create memorable customer-first experiences. Now, with Simply Lunch, we can ensure those experiences of our customers looking for a quick, easy and delicious lunch also resonate with our sustainability credentials," comments Marc Frankl, Amadeus Food and Beverage Director. 

The Amadeus team worked closely with Simply Lunch to drive forward their ‘grab and go’ retail offer with more vegan and plant-based choices. With approximately 30-50% of Simply Lunch’s menu in the vegan and plant-based category, they were keen to work with Amadeus to communicate the messages of quality and sustainability to customers. 

The Simply Lunch Plant Powered Range is Carbon Neutral as it offsets all emissions using various initiatives around the globe supporting multiple Sustainable Development Goals. Simply Lunch managed to reduce over 13 tonnes of plastic packaging through new innovations that are 100% recyclable (under on-pack recycling label guidelines) in September 2023 alone. 

William Page, Marketing and Digitalisation Director at Simply Lunch said: "We are so pleased to join forces with Amadeus and showcase our unique retail offering to a larger audience. This partnership signifies a step forward in reaching more customers with our diverse, delicious and quality products."

Customers at all Amadeus catered venues, including the NEC, ICC, Dudley Zoo, and Cadbury World can now look forward to lunches that not only tantalize the taste buds, but also reflect a commitment to reducing environmental impact. 

 For more information, please visit https://www.amadeusfood.co.uk/our-food/.