Caterers with a conscience: five UK food companies who are giving back
In an era in which consumers seek brands that make a difference, these businesses are achieving just that: serving up fabulous food at your PR event while doing right by the planet and the community
Amidst a growing demand for socially responsible brands, these UK caterers stand out for their commitment to delicious cuisine and ethical practices. From the likes of Social Pantry, who are employing ex-offenders, to Wild Roots Kitchen & Bar, planting trees for every sale, or certified B Corp Deli Lites, these companies prove that catering with a conscience isn’t just possible – it’s essential for a better future. Is it possible to “do right with every bite” when organising caterers for your PR event? Here’s the proof.
Social Pantry
The London-based Social Pantry say their mission is to deliver “extraordinary food” (everything from canapés and cocktails to opulent banquets) while creating “meaningful change”. They achieve this by sourcing fresh, seasonal ingredients from local farmers to reduce their carbon footprint, and by adopting zero-waste principles – what they call “nose-to-tail and root-to-flower cooking” – which minimises waste. But their socially conscious ethos extends beyond sustainability too. Since 2015, Social Pantry has been a pioneer in employing ex-offenders, partnering with charities such as Key4Life to provide meaningful employment and support prison leaver reintegration. They’re not just helping the planet – they’re transforming lives, too.
Explore Social Pantry's event catering services.
Wild Roots Kitchen and Bar
Based in south Wales, Wild Roots Kitchen & Bar say sustainability and social responsibility are “central to absolutely everything that we do”. By offering a wide range of plant-based options and using compostable packaging – even down to their label glue – Wild Roots ensure their services are eco-friendly from start to finish. Their collaboration with climate change charity Size of Wales involves planting a tree for every sale. And while half their team are plant-based or vegan – “don’t worry, we do create meat and dairy based dishes too for those of you who can’t give up the bacon sarnies and cheeseboards”.
Explore the event caterIng services of Wild Roots Kitchen and Bar.
Open Kitchen
Manchester’s leading sustainable catering company and social enterprise, Open Kitchen, is passionately committed to eco-friendly and ethical practices, such as reducing food waste, using compostable packaging, and helping the community – while serving up delicious menus ranging from “healthy to indulgent”. Working with a “huge range” of food businesses to intercept surplus food, and purchasing from local, sustainable suppliers, their profits are reinvested into providing meals, groceries and basic supplies for those facing food insecurity in Greater Manchester. Naturally, they very much champion fair wages and ethical supply chains, making them a standout choice for those seeking catering solutions with soul.
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Thomas Franks
Established in 2004 by Frank and Emma Bothwell, Oxford-based contract catering company Thomas Franks is going great guns in its commitment to ethical practices and community support. Sustainability is absolutely central to their mission, as evinced by their focus on reducing food waste, extensive use of biodigesters – and significant charitable drives, including the Thomas Franks Foundation, which supports disadvantaged youth, and initiatives such as Feeding Communities, which provides meals for those in need. Meanwhile, programs such as Beyond Education teach essential cooking skills, Feet up Fridays provides support for unpaid carers, and We Grow You Grow promotes sustainable food use.
Explore the event catering services of Thomas Franks.
Deli Lites
Deli Lites’ motto is: “Do right with every bite”, and they’re not kidding: as a certified B Corp (a business that meets high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency, using its profits to positively impact society and the environment), the Ireland-based gourmet caterers place people and the planet at the core of their operations. Among their noteworthy achievements, they’ve partnered with Farming Carbon to promote regenerative farming and adopted electric vehicles. Meanwhile their supplier code of practice ensures ethical sourcing, and regular employee feedback to improve working conditions. They also promote equal job opportunities and a diverse workforce.
Explore the event catering services of Deli Lites.