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September 2025 was a month defined by sustainability, social impact, and investment in people across the catering and contract foodservice industry. From Sodexo and Rhubarb strengthening leadership with key appointments, to Thomas Franks and CH&CO driving apprenticeship and skills development, the sector demonstrated its commitment to long-term talent pipelines. Partnerships with schools, universities, and cultural institutions further underlined catering’s central role in education and community life. Sustainability remained a dominant theme, with zero-waste initiatives, carbon reduction in meat supply, and recognition of climate-friendly catering practices making headlines.
Sodexo – Published: September 1, 2025
Announcement: Sodexo appointed Alex Verjee as Managing Director for its universities business, strengthening leadership in the higher education catering sector.
Read more: Sodexo appoints Alex Verjee as MD for universities business
BM Caterers – Published: September 2, 2025
Announcement: BM introduced Guest Coffee, a women-powered initiative from bean to cup, promoting equity and sustainability in coffee sourcing.
Read more: BM introduces Guest Coffee powered by women from bean to cup
Thomas Franks – Published: September 2, 2025
Announcement: Thomas Franks launched a chef apprenticeship programme for 16–19-year-olds, helping young people gain entry into professional kitchens.
Read more: Thomas Franks launches 16–19 chef apprenticeship programme
Cuisine Centre – Published: September 2, 2025
Announcement: Cuisine Centre became the first production kitchen to achieve Green Kitchen Standard certification, recognising sustainable operations.
Read more: Cuisine Centre achieves Green Kitchen Standard certification
BaxterStorey – Published: September 3, 2025
Announcement: BaxterStorey shared “Peels to Plates,” a sustainability initiative from chef CJ showcasing food waste innovation for nutrition.
Read more: From Peels to Plates – BaxterStorey sustainability recipe
GLL / OVG – Published: September 3, 2025
Announcement: GLL appointed OVG to provide elevated food and drink at London’s Copper Box Arena.
Read more: GLL appoints OVG at Copper Box Arena
Rhubarb Hospitality Collection – Published: September 4, 2025
Announcement: Rhubarb appointed Clare Clark as Director of Sustainability to drive greener operations.
Read more: Rhubarb appoints Clare Clark as Director of Sustainability
Freemans Event Partners – Published: September 5, 2025
Announcement: Freemans Event Partners marked its 50th anniversary with a visit from HRH The Princess Royal.
Read more: Freemans Event Partners welcomes HRH The Princess Royal
WSH & Bidfood – Published: September 6, 2025
Announcement: WSH and Bidfood partnered to introduce a lower-carbon meat supplier to foodservice menus.
Read more: WSH and Bidfood launch lower-carbon meat partnership
Neller Davies – Published: September 7, 2025
Announcement: Neller Davies secured a place on a key public sector catering framework.
Read more: Neller Davies awarded place on public sector framework
Alliance in Partnership – Published: September 9, 2025
Announcement: AiP secured over £4 million in retained school catering contracts.
Read more: Alliance in Partnership secures £4m retained business
Somerset House – Published: September 15, 2025
Announcement: Somerset House marked its 25th anniversary with a celebration of culture, creativity, and community.
Read more: Somerset House turns 25
SS – Published: September 16, 2025
Announcement: SS partnered with Noje to serve coffee with a purpose, supporting social causes.
Read more: SS launches purposeful coffee with Noje
Aramark UK – Published: September 16, 2025
Announcement: Aramark partnered with Devorer to redefine campus dining with data-led innovation.
Read more: Aramark UK and Devorer partner on campus dining
APCO – Published: September 17, 2025
Announcement: APCO appointed as an official caterer for London’s Guildhall.
Read more: APCO appointed Guildhall caterer
Olive Dining – Published: September 19, 2025
Announcement: Olive Dining launched new zero-waste initiatives for the school year.
Read more: Olive Dining launches zero-waste initiatives
Compass Group – Published: September 22, 2025
Announcement: Compass colleagues united to celebrate National Inclusion Week across the UK.
Read more: Compass celebrates National Inclusion Week
Chartwells – Published: September 22, 2025
Announcement: Chartwells delivered summer cooking and nutrition workshops to 3,000 children.
Read more: Chartwells delivers summer workshops
Industry Report – Published: September 23, 2025
Announcement: A sector-wide reflection asked whether enough is being done to prevent food waste in schools.
Read more: Zero waste goals in schools
BaxterStorey – Published: September 24, 2025
Announcement: BaxterStorey hosted its People Awards 2025, celebrating hospitality leaders.
Read more: BaxterStorey People Awards 2025
HCL – Published: September 26, 2025
Announcement: HCL called for protected lunchtime funding to safeguard school meal quality.
Read more: HCL calls for protected lunchtime funding
Freemans Event Partners – Published: September 29, 2025
Announcement: Freemans Event Partners launched a multi-year catering contract with RG Live.
Read more: Freemans Event Partners multi-year deal with RG Live
CH&CO – Published: September 30, 2025
Announcement: The CH&CO Apprenticeship Academy gained royal recognition for skills development.
Read more: CH&CO Apprenticeship Academy royal recognition
Eden Caterers – Published: September 30, 2025
Announcement: Eden Caterers partnered with St John’s Waterloo to deliver climate-friendly catering for arts, charity, and community events.
Read more: Eden Caterers delivers climate-friendly catering
September 2025 spotlighted sustainability, skills development, and community impact across catering and foodservice. Sodexo, Rhubarb Hospitality Collection, and CH&CO advanced leadership and apprenticeship initiatives, while Thomas Franks and Chartwells invested in youth training and education. Sustainability was a dominant theme, with Cuisine Centre’s Green Kitchen certification, Olive Dining’s zero-waste programmes, and WSH/Bidfood’s lower-carbon meat partnership driving greener operations.
The month reflects a sector embedding environmental responsibility, nurturing future talent, and strengthening community connections, positioning catering and foodservice as both a driver of innovation and a force for social good.
