Avenance leads way in organics

Avenance has become the first contract caterer in the UK to be awarded organic status by the Soil Association (SA). The French-owned contract caterer is launching its new organic menus at two sites - pharmaceutical company MSD in Harlow, Essex, and a Britvic bottling plant in Beckton, east London - on 21 April.

Avenance plans to roll out the brand, called Avenance Organics, across its portfolio.

Operations manager Clive Simmons said that the caterer undertook extensive research before deciding to apply for SA accreditation, but it believed it was what its customers wanted.

A spokesman for the company added that a small part of each counter would be offering organic options, alongside conventionally produced food. The organic food would be marginally more expensive, he said.

All organic dishes will be 100% organically produced in the UK, purchased locally and produced on site. Avenance will be regularly audited by the SA to ensure it continues to fulfil the association's organic requirements.