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The source of our love: HCL's Partnership with Bidfood

The Heart of Our Kitchen

Our commitment to providing delicious, nutritious meals to schools is made possible through strong partnerships with trusted suppliers. Before February comes to an end, as we celebrate the month of love, we want to highlight our long-standing relationship with Bidfood, a key supplier that plays an essential role in ensuring high-quality ingredients reach our school kitchens.


A Decade of Trust and Quality

We have worked with Bidfood since our formation in 2013 and as one of our primary food suppliers, Bidfood ensures the robustness of our supply chain while maintaining competitive costs.

Bidfood Team accepting LACA award for Outstanding Supplier of the Year 2024
Bidfood Team accepting LACA Outstanding Supplier of the Year Award 2024

With an extensive range of suppliers and food categories, Bidfood enables us to offer diverse and high-quality menu choices using fresh and sustainable ingredients that meet the expectations of schools, parents and children.


The Value of Bidfood’s Support

Bidfood is more than just a supplier; they are a true partner in our mission to deliver quality meals. Their support extends beyond logistics and pricing—they contribute significantly to our operations by:


  • Providing seamless account management to maintain efficiency.

  • Hosting expos and supplier demonstrations that inspire culinary innovation.

  • Facilitating food development days with expert-led insights.

  • Championing sustainability initiatives aligned with our values.

  • Added value to support our teams with industry challenges, sector topics, inspiration, innovation and more.

 

A Supplier Aligned with Our Vision

Bidfood places equal importance on innovation and quality. Their team of food development chefs and nutritionists ensures that every ingredient meets the highest standards of freshness and sustainability. With a catalogue of over 10,000 products, Bidfood supplies us with everything from everyday staples to specialised ingredients that enhance our school menus.


Sustainability remains at the heart of Bidfood’s operations. They actively promote responsible sourcing through policies covering palm oil, soya, fish, cage-free eggs and animal welfare. Their commitment to ethical and environmental standards was recognised with the Sustainable Wholesaler Award by the FWD in 2024.


“We are committed to making a difference through sustainable sourcing, reducing food waste, and ensuring an ethical supply chain.” - Julie Owst, Head of Sustainability at Bidfood

Innovation continues to be a driving force at Bidfood. Wayne Wright, Food Development Chef, highlights our collaboration, stating,

“Working with HCL to develop nutritious meals for children is incredibly rewarding. Our partnership allows for the creation of menus that are both exciting and meet nutritional standards.”

Bidfood’s dedication to excellence is further reinforced by Vicki Hislop, National Account Manager for Education, who shares,

“At Bidfood, we work closely with HCL and our suppliers to ensure the highest level of quality in every kitchen.”

Bidfood Team at Lady Allen KIDS Christmas Charity work 2024
Bidfood Team participating in the Christmas KIDS Charity 2024

A Partnership Built to Last

Bidfood’s commitment and shared values make them the source of our love when it comes to delivering exceptional catering services. HCL's partnership with Bidfood continues as a collaboration, and as such, we are excited to further enrich school meals, develop innovative new recipes and ensure that nutritious food remains accessible and enjoyable for children.

 

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