The achievements of the elite foodservice companies working behind-the-scenes to improve the nation’s health and wellbeing were recognised 23 January at this year’s Health & Vitality Honours during a lunchtime ceremony at Lord’s Cricket Ground.
Promotion and practise of health-conscious business
The 2014 Health & Vitality Honours – hosted by corporate sustainability champions Footprint – saw some of the biggest names in the foodservice and hospitality industries receive awards for their exceptional contribution to the promotion and practise of health-conscious business.
Winners include Sodexo UK & Ireland, who received the award for Health & Vitality Sourcing; Lexington Catering, winners of the Healthy Hospitality category; and Compass Group, who took home Public Sector Health & Vitality Honours.
Expert judges
There were 7 different categories and winners were chosen by a panel of expert and widely experienced judges, including Dr Susan Jebb, Chair of the Department of Health’s Public Health Responsibility Deal Food Network; Amanda Owen, Bupa’s Global Wellbeing, Health & Safety and Diversity Director; Professor John Stein from Oxford University; LACA chair Anne Bull; TUCO chair Julie Barker; and nutritionist and writer, Amanda Ursell.
Driving forward nutrition and wellbeing
Nick Fenwick-Clennell, CEO of Footprint congratulated the winners saying this year’s honours were a ‘showcase’ of the excellent work so many companies, and individuals, are doing to drive forward nutrition and wellbeing across the industry, adding:
“The past year has demonstrated how important it is for foodservice companies to take an active role in the health and wellbeing of the general public, especially in line with the government’s Responsibility Deal.
Greater responsibility of hospitality and catering services
“The rising obesity numbers in Britain and emphasis on healthy eating programmes, has meant the hospitality and catering sectors have an even greater responsibility to ensure that schools, restaurants, and people in the workplace receive a balanced and nutritional diet. These awards provided the opportunity to recognise the exemplary achievements foodservice organisations have already made to tackle the health issues facing today’s society.”
Health & Vitality Honours is associated with Footprint Forum, a member organisation open to all senior professionals who work within the foodservice supply chain. Footprint’s aim is to create a community where food industry stakeholders can discuss and share best practice with one another as well as continue to change food attitudes and practise through legislative debate.
The Health & Vitality Honours for 2014
Health & Vitality Communication and Engagement Honours
Winner: Premier Foods
Health & Vitality Sourcing Honours
Winner: Sodexo UK & Ireland
Public Sector Health & Vitality Honours
Winner: Compass Group
Corporate Vitality Honours
Winner: CH&Co
Healthy Hospitality Honours
Winner: Lexington Catering
Responsible Manufacturing Honours
Winner: Nestle UK & Ireland
Health & Vitality Product of the Year
Winner: Pret A Manger