The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) has released its vision for food at the Olympic Games in 2012 and called for a celebration of the “diversity and quality of British food”.
In its London 2012 Food Vision document, LOCOG outlines its plans to deliver the largest peace time catering operation in the world and ensure the best of British food is on offer. It has also produced a sustainable sourcing code which potential suppliers will have to meet.
Catering for the games will be a mammoth task. More than 14 million meals will be served across 40 locations. LOCOG is responsible for feeding the 15,000 athletes across the games but there will also be contract catering opportunities at the various venues and throughout the capital.
The London 2012 Food Vision has been developed in consultation with the London 2012 Food Advisory Group, which includes representatives from DEFRA, Food Standards Agency, the National Farmers Union and the British Hospitality Association.
It includes the concept of a Red Tractor standard, which will be the benchmark standard across meat, fruit, vegetables, salads, cereals and dairy. All dairy products and meat must be British, while eggs must be British Lion-mark free range and fish should be sustainable. Any chocolate sold will be Fairtrade or ethically sourced.
London 2012 chief executive Paul Deighton said: “We want to ensure everyone at the Games has a fantastic experience and key to that is the food and drink that’s available – we want it to be affordable, sustainable and celebrating the fantastic diversity and quality of what Britain has to offer. We also want to ensure that there is a great legacy for the catering industry in this country, ensuring it is even better equipped to provide quality, sustainable food and drink for events both large and small.”
The procurement of catering contracts will be made through CompeteFor.com and based on LOCOG’s food sourcing standards.
McDonald's food brand monopoly at London Olympics not set in stone >>
Industry criticises plans for McDonald’s to be sole Olympics food brand >>
Hotels overcharging during Olympics could harm UK tourism >>
By James Stagg
E-mail your comments to James Stagg 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.caterersearch.com/tabletalk
Caterersearch.com jobs
Looking for a new job? Find your next job here with Caterersearch.com jobs
| | Newsletters
For the latest hospitality news, sign up for our e-mail newsletters. | | |