Foodservice Cateys 2022: Business and Industry Caterer of the Year – Eurest

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With a demonstrable commitment to nutrition, health and wellbeing and sustainability, Eurest impressed the judges in what was a competitive field.

The UK workplaces brand of Compass Group is credited with setting some of the most ambitious sustainability goals in the sector, with a commitment to be net zero by 2030, to use 100% renewable energy by 2022 and to have 60% plant-based meals on menus by the end of 2024.

Leading the business across its 700 sites, which serve 250,000 meals daily, is managing director Morag Freathy. She has overseen the launch of plant-based range Plantilicious, which nudges customers into healthier, more environmentally friendly choices, as well as Eurest becoming the first contract caterer in the UK to launch eco-labelling on food, following a partnership with the University of Oxford.

Though the strategy comes from the top, the business recognises that its chefs and restaurant staff are its core influencers. They channel their enthusiasm for healthy, sustainable food in order to make a difference on-site. This has been achieved through a mindset change in sites that have served up the same favourites, such as fish and chips and spaghetti Bolognese, for many years. Though Eurest recognised that there was anxiety on the frontline that plant-based would be a hard sell, its nutritionists demonstrated a growing openness to a diet higher in plant-based ingredients among its customers, driven by concerns for the planet and personal health.

Now almost half of its menu is plant based (48%), with some 55% of dishes being plant-forward. These options, which feature decreased meat content with protein topped up from vegetables such as chickpeas as well as lentils, have been key. Marketing has played an important role, too. Plant-based dishes are placed ahead of meat-based versions on the menu and on posters, with more attention paid to presentation.

The thread of health and sustainability is now clear across Eurest. Across the wider business its focus on waste and using more envoronmentally friendly packaging has led to a saving of 10,600 metres of clingfilm, as well as 10,000 paper sachets after switching to sugar cubes and salt and pepper grinders.

Eurest has also provided consumers with Keepcups, reducing its disposable cup usage by 1,000, while switching to glassware has saved 3,000 plastic cups from landfill.

These impressive numbers have translated to the bottom line too. Eurest can claim an impressive 97% client retention rate and it is on course to deliver some £30m in new business by the end of the year, proving that an environmental focus leads to a sustainable long-term business.

What the judges said

"This winning entry shows great confidence and clear focus on the market Eurest serves. A strong vision and well communicated." John Nugent

"Eurest shone out with its commitment to re-shaping the business, with a massive undertone of social consciousness. It has raised the bar for the sector with its social and environmental strategy." Alan Beddie

The shortlist

Bennett Hay

Eurest

Houston & Hawkes

Past winners

2021 Blue Apple

2019 Gather & Gather

2018 BaxterStorey

2017 The Genuine Dining Co

2016 Vacherin

2015 Charlton House

2014 Restaurant Associates

2013 Lexington Catering