Vacherin, a London-based contract caterer, has launched its annual sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) report. The report, produced by Yeshna Mistry, Vacherin’s in-house sustainability lead, outlines the current challenges and opportunities for the foodservice industry. It also acts as an annual statement of progress and continuing commitment from the business.
The report shows that not only does Vacherin continue to be a zero to landfill business, but in the past year has diverted 6,920kg of ‘I’m Perfect’ misshapen fruit and vegetables, recycled 11,210kg of used coffee grounds and 11,520 litres of used rapeseed oil. In 2017/18 Vacherin also took the first step towards plastic reduction at its sites and removed all plastic straws from its operations, switching towards biodegradable alternatives.
Based on 2017 sales, Vacherin has estimated in the report that, compared to eating food from the high street, its customers have consumed 3,395g less salt, 30,240g less saturated fats and 21,420g less sugar. The wider foodservice trends outlined in the report show that the industry is collectively moving towards a more flexitarian diet, cutting down on the amount of meat we eat as a nation, improving health and reducing carbon footprint simultaneously. As a result, Vacherin has pledged to develop more plant-based menus and has already been substituting traditional ingredients for healthier options to meet customer’s adapting needs.
Yeshna Mistry, Lead of Sustainability and CSR at Vacherin, who joined the business back in January from the Sustainable Restaurant Association, said: “We are proud of the progress made in 2017-18 and of our acknowledgements in our commitment to sustainability, winning a Foodservice CATEY award for CSR. Looking towards the future we will be driving further improvements such as strengthening our partnerships in the community, working to reduce, reuse and recycle waste at every site and continuing to source great quality ethical ingredients.”
Phil Roker, Owner and Managing Director said: “It gives me great pride that Vacherin continues to be recognised as a sustainability leader in the industry. In 2017, we were the only contract caterer to make the Sustainable Restaurant Association’s top 20 list showcased as part of the Food Made Good Business of the Year Award. We were also in the top 25 with the GivX Community Investment Awards. Our work is being recognised and we urge others in the sector to read our report and familiarise themselves with the findings.”
