Sustainability Supplier Showcase Connects FoodQuad Oxford Colleges with Sustainable Solutions

As sustainability becomes an increasingly important priority across the education sector, colleges are looking for practical ways to reduce environmental impact, strengthen responsible sourcing practices and create lasting social value.

To support these ambitions, Procured recently welcomed representatives from our client, FoodQuad Oxford Colleges, Oxford University, for a dedicated Sustainability Supplier Showcase Event.

Designed to showcase sustainable products, services and initiatives from across the supply chain, the event provided attendees with the opportunity to explore solutions that can help support sustainability goals while continuing to deliver value, quality and operational efficiency.

Procurement has an important role to play in helping organisations meet their sustainability objectives. From reducing waste and sourcing responsibly to supporting social enterprises and lowering carbon emissions, supplier partnerships can have a significant impact on long-term sustainability performance.

The Sustainability Supplier Showcase was created to help FoodQuad Oxford Colleges discover suppliers and solutions that align with these priorities. By highlighting products, services and initiatives that address key sustainability challenges, the event demonstrated how purchasing decisions can contribute to broader environmental and social goals.

The day began with welcome refreshments provided by PACT Coffee, a B Corp certified speciality coffee supplier, before attendees gathered for a series of presentations from the Procured team and sustainability specialists from across the supply chain.

The programme opened with Beau Robinson, Client Account Executive for Procured, and Jente Fabriek, Responsible Sourcing Lead at Foodbuy, who explored the support available to clients and the role responsible procurement can play in delivering positive environmental outcomes.

For the colleges in the room, three themes stood out as most directly useful: cutting waste before it's created, lowering carbon footprint across supply chains, and creating social value through supplier partnerships.

Attendees then heard from Andrew Allen founder of Open Doors and Shelly Morris from Bidfood, who shared insights into sustainability within the foodservice sector and the practical steps organisations can take to operate more sustainably with a focus on social enterprise. Steve Ramus from Reconomy Waste challenged delegates to think beyond recycling, highlighting the importance of reducing waste before it is created and sharing practical approaches to minimising food waste and supporting a more circular approach to resource management.

The conversation continued with Michael Christopherson from Coca-Cola, who discussed initiatives to reduce carbon footprints and lower environmental impact across operations and supply chains. Ed Dyer and Will Rooney from Tap Social then demonstrated how businesses can create meaningful social value by providing employment opportunities for people who face barriers to entering the workforce.

The final presentation of the morning came from Harry Lumsdon of Stickleback, who explored responsible fish & seafood sourcing and the importance of seasonal sourcing and sustainable fishing practices in supporting healthier marine ecosystems and more resilient supply chains within the UK.

Together, the sessions showcased the many ways organisations can embed sustainability into their operations, from responsible sourcing and waste reduction to carbon management and social value creation.

Following a networking lunch supported by The Menu Partners, Sandwich Express and Bidfood, attendees were able to explore a dedicated supplier showcase featuring organisations from across the sector.

The showcase gave the FoodQuad Oxford Colleges the opportunity to speak directly with suppliers, explore their sustainable products and services, and learn more about the initiatives helping drive positive change throughout the foodservice industry.

The Sustainability Supplier Showcase highlighted the breadth of support available to organisations looking to strengthen their sustainability strategies.

By introducing FoodQuad Oxford Colleges to suppliers committed to responsible business practices and sustainable innovation, the event provided valuable insight into the solutions available to help achieve both environmental and social objectives.

A big thank you to everyone who attended, and to all of our speakers, exhibitors and supplier partners who contributed throughout the day. Their support helped demonstrate how sustainable procurement can play an important role in creating a more responsible future for the education sector.