BaxterStorey is first contract caterer to source only British meat

For the past three years, BaxterStorey ​has ensured all its lamb, beef, pork and poultry, which makes up 95 per cent of its fresh meat, carries the Quality Assured mark and originates from British farms.

Now, as British Food Fortnight​ draws to a close and after working closely with foodservice provider Brakes​ to find a UK based supply chain, BaxterStorey can source the remaining five per cent of its fresh meat, bacon, from the UK.

John Bennett, managing director for BaxterStorey, said the decision to source all meat locally meant the groups chefs would now be working with the highest quality.

“Fantastic food needs the best ingredients,” he said. “For us this means using produce that has been reared to the highest standards and is not forced to travel across international boundaries for rearing or processing. Meat which moves from farm to fork in the speediest time means our chefs have the highest quality ingredients with which to create phenomenal food.”

Jim Fitzpatrick, Food and Farming minister, congratulated BaxterStorey on the move, and urged other caterers to adopt a similar approach to sourcing food and drink.

“BaxterStorey’s decision is good news for the British livestock industry and shows that it is possible for catering firms to source good value domestic produce,” he said. “I congratulate them on their decision which will be good for their customers and for British farmers and urge other caterers to consider the benefits of using home-grown food and drink from the many local producers in the UK.”

The bacon used by BaxterStorey’s dining, hospitality, deli and grab and go facilities, as well as sister companies Cater Link and Holroyd Howe Independent, will be processed and sliced in Cornwall by Tulip Foodservices​, and distributed by Brakes.