News

The Soil Association’s Food for Life Catering Mark has revealed new figures highlighting an increased spend on British, farm assured and organic products in the catering sector.

There is now over £40 million spent on Red Tractor assured meats by Catering Mark holders per year, increasing from £23 million in 2014.

In addition, £9 million is spent on organic, £5 million on MSC and £4.7 million on free range (including RSPCA and Freedom Food certified products) through the scheme.

Rich Watts, senior Catering Mark manager, said: “The growth of the Catering Mark is providing the opportunity for the public to eat more freshly prepared, ethical, sustainable food that meets nutritional guidelines.

“But more than that, it also provides a fantastic opportunity for producers that comply with the Catering Mark standards to supply to Catering Mark menus across the country.

“Following an increase in sales for many producers this year, we expect to see further growth in the coming 12 months and so the next challenge will be keeping up with demand!”

There are over 1.6 million Catering Mark standard meals being served every working day across the UK.