Cateys 2026: Health and Nutrition Award – Meallmore

Meallmore, a care home operator with sites across Scotland, has supported older people and adults with complex needs across its properties since 1987. It has been recognised for its work in creating a culture where chefs thrive, and the dignity and enjoyment of residents is prioritised through their daily meals.

Chefs working for Meallmore undergo training at the Academy of Care Chef Excellence, receiving enhanced education in nutrition, dietary requirements, allergen management, texture-modified diets and flavour development. 

This training ensures chefs understand not just what to cook, but why it matters for Meallmore’s residents, while also equipping them with the confidence to create meals which are nutritionally balanced alongside being enjoyable, comforting and recognisable. 

Meallmore’s food offer goes above and beyond in best-in-class standards. The care home firm’s menus consistently surpass standards, including the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence benchmark score for malnutrition indicators. 

Alongside investing in training and development, Meallmore encourages its team of chefs to work like artists rather than operators. Rather than being constrained to one-size-fits-all menus, chefs are empowered to adapt recipes, showcase local ingredients and incorporate seasonality into their interpretations of dishes. 

Residents also have the chance to shape menus by regularly participating in tasting and feedback forums to ensure their meals correlate to their personal preferences and favourites, as well as cultural expectations. This, along with a flexible daily menu and an open and ongoing dialogue, means residents report improved appetite and greater satisfaction while eating Meallmore’s healthy, nutritious meals.

The judges were full of praise for Meallmore’s efforts to create a culinary experience that put guests preferences front and centre without making sacrifices to the nutritional balance of meals. One hailed Meallmore for “always looking for that additional 1% and putting their people at the heart of everything it does, empowering it to deliver fantastic food and hospitality”.

The judges were also impressed with Meallmore’s consistent investment in training for its employees and the raft of benefits it delivered for the company culture and resident experience alike, further cementing its status as Health and Nutrition Award winner.

What the judges said

“A fantastic, well-thought-through entry. Standout in terms of the brilliant work it does in the Acadamy of Care Chef Excellence.” Andy Aston 

“A company that cares and works hard enhancing the lives of residents everyday. A very worthy winner!” Judith Gregory

“Meallmore is delivering a great service with passion, dedication and a smile, which resonates from the staff and residents.” Andy Jones

The shortlist

• Caterlink Nutrition Team, Caterlink
• Eurest at Jaguar Land Rover
• Meallmore

The judges 

• Andy Aston, BaxterStorey
• Judith Gregory, Cardiff Council
• Andrew Jones, AJ Associates
• Vince Kelly, Culinary Medicine UK
• Nicky Martin, Compass Group UK & Ireland