Wilson Vale adopts 50 beehives

Catering company Wilson Vale has committed to adopting 50 beehives from the British Beekeepers Association to support research into honey bee health and education in good bee husbandry.

Andrew Wilson, co-founder of Wilson Vale, said: "We are doing what we can to support Mother Nature. As big users of quality honey throughout our 85 catering operations nationwide, we feel that this is a great opportunity to support the wonderful work carried out by the British Beekeepers Association."

The company is also supporting its client's beekeeping initiative at Kellogg's in Manchester. Kellogg's has partnered with Plan Bee, a sustainability company that establishes and manages on-site honeybee hives for businesses.

An initial eight honeybee hives are being managed and maintained by Plan Bee at the Kellogg's headquarters and manufacturing plant in Talbot Road.

Wilson Vale chef manager James Wood (pictured in foreground) and his head chef Jason Alexander (pictured in background) will be supporting the initiative and plan to undertake a beekeeping course next year.

Wilson added: "There are approximately 660 people at the Kellogg's site so our chefs use the honey from the on-site hives within the staff restaurant and the busy on-site hospitality service for dishes such as honey-glazed gammon ham, honey and mustard salad dressing, and honey and banana sponge cake. The Talbot Road branded jars of honey are also available to be purchased by employees.

"Our chefs are delighted to be involved in this initiative as it is perfectly in tune with our fresh food and sustainability ethos."

The news coincides with the launch of Wilson Vale's latest CSR report. It's a Natural Choice outlines the company's wider sustainability initiatives and achievements. It includes the use of ‘ugly' produce for cooked dishes and the company's ongoing commitment to planting trees in the New Forest for every new client gained.

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