Compass sees sales of 1% milk soar

Compass Group has seen sales of 1% milk soar as health and nutrition continues to stay high on the public agenda.

The catering giant, which buys 25 million litres of milk every year, introduced the lower fat alternative to semi-skimmed milk in February and consumption has grown ever since.

The amount of 1% milk used by Compass sites doubled between July and August and unit sales since its introduction have increased fivefold.

Mick Hickman, food service director at Compass Group UK & Ireland, said: "The availability and promotion of 1% milk across our sites is just one of the steps we are taking to help our customers make healthy choices and showcases how the business is embracing the Responsibility Deal pledges.

"In addition we are developing a whole new range of healthy promotions for our sites and rolling out new initiatives due to be launched in the next few months."

The healthier 1% option contains 41% less total and saturated fat than standard semi-skimmed milk, and has a higher calcium content.

Blind taste tests in 2009 by the Food Standards Agency found that participants liked the taste of 1% milk as much as standard semi-skimmed milk and at least 94% thought it was an acceptable alternative to semi-skimmed milk.

Menu labelling and the Public Health Responsibility Deal >>

Aramark to reduce saturated fat in switch to 1% milk >>

Why we shouldn't fear the Responsibility Deal >>

By Janie Stamford

E-mail your comments to Janie Stamford here.

If you have something to say on this story or anything else join the debate at Table Talk - Caterer's new networking forum. Go to www.catererandhotelkeeper.com/tabletalk

Catererandhotelkeeper.com jobs

Looking for a new job? Find your next job here with Catererandhotelkeeper.com jobs