Red Tractor meat drives home Green Credentials for Schools
Cucina is among the first contract caterers in the country to use Red Tractor meat showing Cucina’s commitment to sustainable catering.
The majority of catering expert Cucina’s meat is now Red Tractor accredited, which means there are assurances that farmers are meeting standards of good agricultural practice and shows that Cucina is working to reduce its carbon footprint and environmental impact. The Red Tractor scheme includes more than 78,000 farmers who are committed to maintaining high standards of food safety, hygiene, animal welfare, environmental protection and traceability.
All coffee and chocolate used by Cucina in their 30 restaurants within schools nationwide is Fairtrade, with the coffee served being bean-to-cup. Cucina also uses bio-degradable packaging, which distinguishes them from many contract caterers. Cucina is developing further biodiversity initiatives, such as re-using oil used in the kitchens as fuel. Cucina sources ingredients from a range of local and national suppliers, setting high food provenance standards. All of the eggs and egg-based products in Cucina’s restaurants are free-range, all fish used is MSC certified from sustainable stocks, with more than 90 per cent of the fruit and vegetables grown in the UK.
Steve Quinn, Managing Director of Cucina, said:
“Cucina’s food promises and green credentials are strong and we are delighted to be among the first caterers in the country to use Red Tractor meat and to support British farmers. When Cucina set out to raise the quality of school meals, we sometimes felt like a lone voice in the wilderness. It is therefore particularly pleasing and rewarding to know that organisations such as Red Tractor, the Food For Life Partnership and the School Food Trust are recognizing and accrediting the values that companies like Cucina stand by.”
Lynda Lorentzen, Bursar for Southfield School for Girls Specialist Sports College, added:
“The standard of food at Southfield now wouldn’t be out of place in a restaurant and all the fresh fruit and vegetables on offer ensure that the girls get the nutrients they need. The girls’ behaviour is improving because they are eating better quality food at break time and at lunch. This increase in school meal takeup has also allowed us to practically eliminate our hefty catering costs so we are delighted on all fronts. We are extremely happy with Cucina and so are the girls.”
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PHOTOS (300dpi+) and more information at
http://www.marketingprojects.co.uk/clientpo/cucina
Notes to Editors
Cucina was founded by Steve Quinn, a food and support services professional with 26 years experience within the industry, working with international hotel groups such as Rank, Thistle, Hilton and Concorde (in France), as well as contract catering firms Sodexho (formerly Gardner Merchant) and the Compass Group. Steve works with a team of top chefs and professionals to ensure that his vision of great food is truly embraced and delivered.
What Clients say about Cucina:
Lynda Lorentzen, bursar for Southfield School for Girls Specialist College, said:
“Prior to Cucina’s involvement, less than 10 per cent of students and staff paid for school meals and most opted to bring in their own packed lunch which often included crisps and chocolate. Now more than 500 girls enjoy a cooked meal at lunch time”.
6th former Cassie Watts was one of the students on the selection panel for the new catering contract at Southfield School for Girls said: “I chose Cucina because when they made their presentation they spoke to us, not just to the adults. After all we’re their biggest customers, not the adults. And they have delivered exactly what they said they would. It’s the best decision we ever made.”
Steve Turner, Headmaster of Audenshaw School in Manchester, said:
“Cucina give a more personal service than larger catering companies. Cucina are real ‘foodies’ who provide interesting menus and their theatre of food was the biggest seller to us. The food that Cucina produce is of an excellent quality. They use fresh, well sourced ingredients which are very well presented. I like the relationship that the chefs and ladies in the canteen now have when they serve the pupils – there is a good rapport. I am very impressed with my ability, as Headmaster, to have direct line communication with Steve Quinn. I like his hands on style. I feel I have more of an influence than when we used a multi-national company and if I have any issues they are dealt with straight away. There has been some very positive feedback from the pupils and also the staff. Cucina have not disappointed and have made a real impression. At present, I can’t fault Cucina. They have put in experienced chefs and maintained the high quality.”
Nicola Hazelwood, Bursar for Esher Church of England High School in Surrey, said:
“Cucina’s approach is trendy and appeals to the students; it is not staid and traditional, but is vibrant and unique. Cucina have brightened up the service, with clear pricing and a modern, bright approach. It was Cucina’s whole approach to school catering that impressed us and is why we chose them. The students love the food. Our expectations for Cucina, which we are sure will be fulfilled, are that they will increase the student’s awareness of a range and variety of food and that Cucina will become integrated and part of the whole life of the school.”
For more details on Cucina’s Case Study for the Food For Life Partnership visit: http://www.foodforlife.org.uk/case-studies/CaseStudy709
For Cucina’s top recipes:
www.marketingprojects.co.uk/news/cucina/news/recipes-from-cucina
Further Case Study on Cucina Catering – inspiring dissatisfied students to give school meals a try again http://www.schoolfoodtrust.org.uk/casestudy-detail.asp?caseid=103
Please view the website for press releases or photos which are available on request at www.marketingprojects.co.uk in Cucina’s press office.
Press Office: Marketing Projects Tel: 01244 330000
Jane Harrad-Roberts Mobile: 07785 395705
Phil Brotherhood Mobile: 07884 493370
info@marketingprojects.co.uk www.marketingprojects.co.uk
Client Contact: Cucina Restaurants Ltd Tel: 0845 3891320
Steve Quinn Email: steve@cucina.co.uk
Managing Director Website: www.cucina.co.uk
