Brakes and Unilever boost sustainability of catering supplies

01-Mar-2011 - Last updated on 26-Apr-2021 at 19:16 GMT

Unilever's 'Better Planet' campaign

Foodservice suppliers Brakes and Unilever are both putting an extra push into their sustainability efforts, which they hope can be handed down to their customers in the hospitality sector.

Brakes Group

Following a review of its Corporate, Social and Environmental Responsibility (CSER) programme, Brakes recently announced a series of new commitments that will act as measurable drivers in its CSER efforts.

The commitments fall into five ‘Pillars of Responsibility’ which cover environment, responsible sourcing, health and nutrition, communities and Brakes people, said the firm.

“Each area is underpinned with detailed commitments such as reducing food miles, doubling Marine Stewardship Council products, meeting government health and nutrition targets, delivering 1 million meal equivalents to vulnerable people and establishing an employee volunteering programme.”

“We are totally committed to this CSER strategy and implementing these initiatives and plans,” said James Armitage, Brakes marketing director.

“Whether driving down food miles, responsible sourcing, or supporting the communities in which we work, our customers can have confidence in Brakes Group to do the right thing,”

Unilever Food Solutions

Via its recent Four Promises initiative – the biggest investment Unilever has ever made in its Knorr brand – the firm is hoping to appeal to chefs and caterers looking to offer a sustainable menu.

The reformulated and repackaged recipes are made using ethically sourced ingredients and sustainable packaging.

By 2012, the company aims to have all Knorr vegetable and herb suppliers enrolled in its Growing for the Future programme, which ensures that soil fertility and biodiversity is maintained.

Unilever said the programme also allows it to retain long-term partnerships with its farmers, enabling them to sustain their livelihoods with an income and improve their living conditions.

In addition, Unilever has cut down on Knorr packaging and made this all easy to recycle, a move it says has resulted in a reduction of carbon emissions, as well as less kitchen waste.

“We decided to pledge ‘Better Planet’ as one of our Four Promises as it’s such a large part of what we do. We know that today it’s not enough for caterers and chefs to just have great tasting dishes, they need to understand how the products are produced and if the ingredients are ethically sourced,” said Claire Sullivan, marketing director at Unilever Food Solutions.

“By working closely with our farmers we understand the difference sustainable farming can have on their livelihoods, as well as the impact it has on our business as a whole. It’s great to see chefs are just as keen as us to become actively involved in offering an ethical alternative on their menus, and support the work we’re doing.”