Tasty success for Bord Bia scheme as catering company signs up for Féile

FÉILE BIA, which is committed to sourcing quality local food produce, has been given another big boost.

Sodexho Ireland, one of country’s leading catering and management services companies with 180 outlets, has signed up to the scheme.

It means that an extra 120,000 people will be eating quality assured food in staff restaurants every day.

The move brings the number of food outlets taking part in the Bord Bia scheme to over 1,500.

Féile Bia members commit themselves to using beef, bacon, lamb, poultry and eggs from recognised quality assurance schemes.

Sodexho Ireland estimates it will spend over 10 million on meat, poultry and eggs purchased from these schemes in 2003.

Wilson Barrie, managing director, said Féile Bia offers Sodexho the opportunity to showcase its commitment to purchasing quality food produce from traceable sources.

Feile Bia is supported by the Restaurants Association of Ireland, the Irish Hotels Federation and the farming community.

Michael Duffy, chief executive, said developments in retailing clearly show that customers appreciate information on quality assurance and country of origin.

The Féile Bia programme responds to growing consumer concerns when eating outside of the home.

Sodexho Ireland’s participation provides it with the opportunity to reassure its customers that it is committed to food traceability and quality, he said.

Sodexho Ireland, which employs 2,500 people, is part of Sodexho Alliance, which has over 18,700 locations and 270,000 employees operating across 74 countries.