Spend on Red Tractor products tops £40m, says Soil Association

More than £40m is now spent on Red Tractor assured meats by Catering Mark holders per year, according to the latest figures from the Soil Association.

The Soil Association's Food for Life Catering Mark has revealed spend on British farm assured produce has increased in the catering sector, up from £23m in 2014.

In addition, £9m is spent on organic, £5m on MSC and £4.7m on free range (including RSPCA and Freedom Food certified products) through the scheme.

Rich Watts, senior Catering Mark manager said: "The growth of the Catering Mark is providing the opportunity for the public to eat more freshly prepared, ethical, sustainable food that meets nutritional guidelines.

"But more than that, it also provides a fantastic opportunity for producers that comply with the Catering Mark standards to supply to Catering Mark menus across the country. Following an increase in sales for many producers this year, we expect to see further growth in the coming 12 months and so the next challenge will be keeping up with demand."

The Food for Life Catering Mark is an independent certification that encourages caterers in schools, nurseries, hospitals, universities, care homes and business and industry to serve more freshly prepared meals, using Red Tractor, free range, LEAF and MSC certified products.

There are more than 1.6 million Catering Mark standard meals being served every working day across the UK.

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