Foodservice Cateys 2023: Boutique Caterer of the Year – Green & Fortune
Sponsored by Britvic
The winner of the Boutique Caterer of the Year employs 240 staff delivering retail, events and business and industry catering across four sites in London: Kings Place in King's Cross; Sea Containers Events; Central Hall in Westminster; and its newest contract, Rose Courts Events.
The company was founded in 2008 and judges praised its impressive growth, evidenced by the Rose Court contract win in 2022. Here, the caterer looks after one of the capital's largest roof terraces, along with an events space used for awards, conferences, parties and weddings, as well as catering for 2,300 employees.
While four sites may not seem a huge number, the operations run at these prestigious London venues are multi-faceted and lead to significant revenue, with the business predicting growth of over 20% in the current financial year. Over the last year Green & Fortune has served an average of 1,650 lunches per day across its retail outlets, as well as catering for over 150,000 delegates.
Time and time again, the company has proven to be nimble and reactive, while also being able to quickly trial new ideas and be innovative. One such example is the business's response to the cost of living crisis. Green & Fortune worked with its partners to create wallet-friendly breakfast and lunch deals from £3, which subsequently saw an increase in lunch covers by an impressive 25%. Meanwhile, internally Green & Fortune has made two cost of living payments to support its lower-income team members over the last year, with a cost to the business of £100,000, which has paid off, with staff retention improving by 27%.
Sustainability is another area very close to Green & Fortune's heart, with ambitions to become B-Corp certified seeing the company create a new head of systems, supply and sustainability in January to really show its commitment to the cause. It has removed or reduced single-use plastics wherever possible, as well as making changes to its supplier list to ensure partners share the same approach to the environment. It is also the only events business in London with its own farm. The site in Northumberland allows it to include quality beef and lamb on its menus while keeping prices competitive, as well as ensuring it truly understands its impact on the environment.
Green & Fortune has also worked with clients to develop new ‘Food for Thought' menus which have been created with underused ingredients and food that may have otherwise gone to waste. The positive uptake has resulted in more mindful eating, but also an additional £100,000 in revenue.
Its multi-faceted approach, along with sustainability goals, charitable work and the value it places on its employees ensured the win. What the judges said
"A company that constantly gives not only to its clients but the whole community. An outstanding business that is unique and brilliant in everything that it does." Sarah Prentice
"A business that puts its hand in its pocket to look after its team and customers is brilliant. Commitments like this change an industry, make others pay attention and set a standard for others to strive to meet." Natalie Mainwaring
The shortlist
Bennett Hay
Green & Fortune
Signature Dining
Past winners
2022 Houston & Hawkes
2019 Green & Fortune
