Leading contract caterer, Elior, was thrilled to win the CSR Award and four other awards at the 2022 Contract Catering Awards.

The CSR award, accepted by Sophie Challinor, corporate responsibility and sustainability executive, is testament to how Elior is encompassing social, economic, environmental and sustainability factors across all its business and ensuring that its initiatives are backed by measurable data and results.

Charlotte Wright, head of corporate responsibility & sustainability at Elior, works closely with the leadership team to ensure that CSR objectives and activities form part of the business strategy and sustainability is embedded into all business operations.

Charlotte has introduced a broad range of initiatives to drive positive change including: a monthly report which shows progress made against key sustainability targets; hosting monthly on-line Footprint Forum sessions to provide guidance and highlight new initiatives; publishing a Sustainability Bulletin three times a year which shares best practice with colleagues, clients and suppliers.

Elior has worked hard to reduce food waste and when sites were closed during the pandemic, it partnered with OLIO’s Food Waste Heroes Programme and redistributed over 10 tonnes of surplus stock to nearly 14,000 people. The company launched an Eco-Points loyalty scheme which has led to an increase in demand for low carbon meals and has introduced recycling initiatives; increased sustainable and plant-based packaging; committed to transfer its entire fleet to electric and hybrid vehicles and pledged to raise £100,000 for Alzheimer’s Society.

Catherine Roe, CEO of Elior, said: “We are so proud to have won the CSR award at these prestigious industry awards. It highlights our commitment to CSR and our ambition to continue to implement initiatives that are making a positive and measurable impact. I would like to thank Charlotte Wright for all that she has done to drive our CSR strategy and activity forward. Sustainability and corporate responsibility are at the core of our business model and we delighted to have received this award.”

The annual Contract Catering Awards, formerly the FSM awards, recognises outstanding individuals who have made a significant contribution to the industry – the exceptional talent of the contract catering world.

In addition to winning the CSR award, Elior employees also picked up the following awards:

  • Lifetime Achievement – Julia Edmonds, corporate business development director
  • B&I – Alan Fordred, general manager, Lexington Catering
  • Education – Michelle Perry, catering manager
  • People Development – Wendy Elliott, learning & development manager.

The Contract Catering Awards are judged by industry peers and the winners received their awards at a ceremony at the Leonardo Royal Hotel, Tower Bridge in London, on 29th March 2022.