Leading pub trade supplier 3663 has launched a drive to communicate its credentials on sustainability to its customers.
The company believes that by delivering the facts about its green credentials to pubs, the message will be passed on to customers concerned about the supply chain behind the food and drink they order.
3663 was the first foodservice company to achieve a corporate ISO 14001 Certified Environmental Management system, and is putting the same focus on sustainability, integrating it into its business and future strategy.
Examples of this approach in practice include trials of recycled oil in vehicles, and a new refrigerated delivery fleet which saves more than 12,000 tonnes of CO2 per year by running fridges off a generator powered by the truck engines
Chief executive Fred Barnes said: "Few other companies in the hospitality industry have made moves towards a more sustainable type of operation, but we need a concerted approach if we are going to make the world a more secure prospect for future generations. 3663 is ready to make a difference. We have expert credentials and a wealth of experience to share, and we hope there are others lining up alongside."
3663 parent company Bidvest is one of only four South African companies listed in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index 2007.
Fred Barnes adds: "There will come a point where we have to ask suppliers the question 'are you managing your business in a way that puts people, product and environment in the forefront of strategy and decisionmaking?' In the future, we will be looking to do business with people who share our values in this area."
Among the suppliers partnering 3663 is Essex-based Fairfields Farm Crisps. Owner Robery Strathern said: 'We linked up with 3663 because of its local sourcing work in the East Anglia area.
"'To us, local sourcing is important. We source all our flavourings from local suppliers: chilies grown in Suffolk, local Aspall Cyder and Suffolk cheese. We want to work with distributors and outlets who have a genuine interest in supporting local producers - we don't just want lip service."