Foodservice Cateys 2024: Education Caterer of the Year – The Pantry

Judges described this year’s Education Caterer of the Year as a “real feel-good entry” that embodied the spirit of the industry through its unending enthusiasm for new initiatives.

The Pantry has reported a surge in contract wins in recent years, having secured 35 contracts over 2022-2023, and an additional 58 in 2023-2024, which has equated to an exceptional rise in turnover. Since 2021, the company has grown from a portfolio of 40 to now more than 150 schools across the UK, serving 35,000 meals a day and with 700 members of staff.

While the figures speak for themselves, the judges were particularly inspired by the Pantry’s determination to go above and beyond, making every effort to promote healthy eating and sustainability. As a case in point, more than 60 primary schools have received in-person Healthy Eating Engagement Sessions on the dangers of sugar, while the caterer’s super-salad bars, which feature the likes of steamed leeks with lemon vinaigrette, curry potato and cauliflower, and festive vegan sprout slaw, have proven to be a resounding success across all age groups.

The Pantry also launched its Eco Champion scheme in partnership with Carma, which means that every time a pupil orders a meal, trees are planted across the UK and Africa in support of the company’s global reforestation project. The business collaborates with Friends of Essex & London Homeless to distribute any leftover food across the region, while the Pantry Fridge hosts a weekly food distribution day for parents looking to take extra meals home for free.

The caterer also gives students the opportunity to learn about nutrition outside the classroom, and has put together step-by-step video guides for all of its recipes.

As well as serving to clients, the business has demonstrated firm dedication to its staff, whether that is through delivering thoughtful gifts such as 700 Pantry-branded chocolate bars with hand-signed cards in the run-up to Christmas, or developing a pipeline of future talent through its mentorship programme at the Prince’s Trust (soon to be the King’s Trust). Owner and managing director Luke Consiglio even started the inaugural Pantry Apprentice Scheme at Isleworth & Syon Secondary School to offer Year 9 students a unique insight into building a successful business.

Consiglio has been an active spokesperson and ambassador for the industry, having recently attended the Houses of Parliament to engage with MPs about the issues facing the education catering sector, as well as regularly speaking to trade press.

As one judge said, it is clear the Pantry “genuinely cares” about what it does and that  it has instilled a strong awareness for nutritious meals and a culture of support into the heart of the next generation.

What the judges said

“A good, solid submission with strong customer standards and great commercial evidence.”

Simon Knight

“The Pantry is going above and beyond
with some standout innovation and a culture that genuinely cares.”

Jo Harley

See previous winners of the award here