Bite Catering, born out of the company Bighams, which has been creating food for the discerning Waitrose for 15 years, has pronounced itself the first contract catering business of its kind to secure its membership with the Sustainable Restaurant Association (SRA).

As such, Bite, which conducts its catering services across 12 sites in the South East of the country, will now be able to help its clients reach their wide-ranging objectives in terms of corporate social responsibility, according to managing director for the firm, Nick Parker.

Commenting on the operating principles of his business, Parker said, “As well as providing high quality food, we also believe passionately in sustainability…” He continued: “and the key role that the provision of seasonal, responsibly sourced workplace food and drink has to play in a consumer’s 24 hour eating cycle.”

 

With its increased focus on sustainability, not only will Bite be placing greater scrutiny on the sources of the food it uses, but the company has also communicated its intention to review internal practices, such as the paper it uses in its offices, making sure that this is recycled and sourced from manufacturers accredited by Forest Stewardship Council. The firm will also only be using cleaning products that carry the EU Ecolabel or others with equally high environmentally-friendly standards.

In terms of its social responsibility, Bite will also be imparting its food preparation knowledge with local education establishments, as well as community groups, on a regular, three-monthly basis.

SRA, which launched in March 2010, has 600 members and advises food sourcing, waste management, energy efficiency and community responsibility.

Posted by Matt on the 8th August 2011