Compass puts focus on regional sourcing

Jane Wakeling is joining the catering giant from 'Food from Britain,' where she was head of client development. In her role she will champion regional sourcing across all sectors of the business - from school meals to fine dining hospitality. In particular she will work with the purchasing team to identify the best and most commercially advantageous products and services from regional suppliers. Mike Walden, purchasing & supply chain director for Compass UK & Ireland, says: "We already purchase a large proportion of our fresh meat, dairy and vegetables from the UK and we are committed to continue sourcing UK produce where seasonality and supply allows. "The appointment reflects the importance to us, and increasingly to our clients and customers, of the provenance of the food we provide. Jane will provide valuable expertise and knowledge in this area. "We have been working hard over recent years to consolidate our supplier and distribution network as it is makes good commercial sense and in so doing, we have also been able to open these distribution routes to regional suppliers, giving them an opportunity to supply to the wider Compass business, as well as the added benefit of reducing need for numerous delivery vehicles on the road." The appointment coincides with the launch of a new food offer by Compass called "Best of British" which provides traditional British hot meals and pudding recipes, using British sourced produce. It is being made available to customers at approximately 750 Compass operated sites in January. Compass UK & Ireland currently purchases over 50% of its total food requirement from the UK. This includes; 90% of fresh red meat, 100% of root vegetables (when in season), 100% of eggs and milk and 92% of potatoes. For more visit www.compass-group.co.uk.