Kevin Price named Bisto Care Caterer of the Year

The winner of the annual Bisto Care Caterer of the Year competition, in association with Country Range has been named as Kevin Price from Oulton Abbey Care Home in Staffordshire.

Price’s menu of Bisto Slow Braised Ox Cheek, and Country Range Lemon and Ginger Tart, won him the top spot at the final held at Premier Foods’ head office in St Albans.

Five finalists were required to prepare and cook three portions of their main meal and dessert dish recipes within 90 minutes. Each caterer was asked to include a Bisto product within their main dish and a Country Range product in their dessert, with the total budget for the two dishes not to exceed £2.25.

Sarah Robb, channel marketing manager at Premier Foods, commented: “The final was an incredible day; the standard of dishes was impeccable, and the contestants really thought outside of the box when it came to their menus, from the preparation to the final presentation. The detail that went into each dish was impressive, the contestants were asked to consider a lot of factors, from the cost of ingredients, to the final texture and taste.

“I want to say a huge thank you and congratulations to all those who took part and attended; you did the care catering industry proud.”

Country Range judge, Emma Holden, added: “This competition highlights the importance of the care catering industry and the incredible work which they do. Mealtimes are a key part of resident’s days within care homes and producing a menu which isn’t too time consuming, adheres to budget constraints and is an appropriate taste and texture, can be a real challenge.”

“My passion is to serve a balanced menu that provokes nostalgia amongst residents and means they enjoy their dining experience every day,” said Price. “At our care home we strive to make meal times a relaxed, memorable and engaging occasion that in turn promotes good nutrition. The Bisto Care Chef of the Year, from entry to the final, was so well organised and highlights the importance of all these aspects.

“The care sector is in fact one of the most rewarding industries to work in and I want to say a massive congratulations to all the talented chefs in the final, it is an honour to have been crowned the winner.”