Bidvest 3663, which has been supplying the city council with ambient, frozen and non-food disposables for four years, will now also supply the council’s 71 schools with dairy and bakery following a competitive re-tender.
As the first local authority to be awarded the Soil Association’s top food award – the Gold Catering Mark – in 2012, Plymouth City Council needed a supplier who could meet and maintain its own high standards. The Gold Catering Mark recognises the dedication of the local authority’s catering team in sourcing local produce - including a range of organic items and ingredients - and developing seasonal recipes and menus.
Paul Brown, business development controller for the education sector at Bidvest 3663 commented: “We’re delighted to be working with such a forward-thinking local authority. With the introduction of the School Food Plan - which starts with UIFSM (Universal Infant Free School Meals) this September - schools will need a foodservice partner they can rely on to help them through this step-change. “
Brad Pearce, education catering manager at Plymouth City Council added: “We have high standards we wish to maintain, whilst also delivering great quality food options to the young people of Plymouth, but on a controlled budget. One of our main aims was to ensure that we’re able to buy the right produce and ingredients from the right supplier, at the time we need it and for the best price. With UIFSM coming in September, we were also looking to agree new delivery frequencies and volumes with our chosen supplier.”
In addition to the School Food Plan, Bidvest 3663 is also supporting schools with the new Food Information Regulations (FIR) that come into effect in December 2014.
Bidvest 3663 has changed all of its own brand packaging, and is working with its suppliers, to highlight allergen information more clearly and has compiled a guide, Your Guide to EU Food Information Regulations, on the 14 major allergens which is available as a PDF download from its website (www.3663.co.uk/FIR).