Great Food Starts Long Before It Reaches the Plate
It begins with the farmers, growers and producers who work tirelessly to supply quality ingredients, and with the relationships that connect them to caterers, chefs and customers. Strengthening those connections was the focus of a recent industry discussion at the Royal Three Counties Show, where Angel Hill Food Co.’s Operations Manager, Rob Cass, joined farming, foodservice and public sector leaders to explore the future of British food.
Hosted by Alexia Robinson, Founder and Chief Executive of Love British Food, the panel brought together representatives from across the supply chain to discuss how greater collaboration can support British agriculture, strengthen food security and create more sustainable food systems.
Bringing the Supply Chain Together
Rob was joined at the event by Jennifer Brown, Culinary Development Manager at Angel Hill Food Co. While Rob represented public sector catering as a panellist, Jennifer attended to support the event and engage directly with farmers, producers and industry leaders. The experience provided valuable insight that will help inform future menu development, supplier engagement and sourcing conversations across the business.
For Angel Hill Food Co., the discussion reflected many of the principles that sit at the heart of its For the Love of Food philosophy.
As OCS’s specialist contract catering brand, Angel Hill Food Co. delivers food services across education, healthcare and workplace environments, serving thousands of meals every day. Creating great food experiences relies on strong supplier relationships, responsible sourcing and a clear understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the wider food supply chain.
Supporting British Food Production
Representing public sector catering, Rob shared insights into the realities of delivering nutritious, high-quality meals while balancing increasing financial pressures:
“One of the strongest messages from the day was the importance of communication. Farmers, producers, suppliers, and caterers all want to achieve the same thing, but we don’t always understand the challenges each part of the supply chain faces. Bringing those groups together creates opportunities to find solutions that work for everyone.”
Discussions explored how organisations such as Love British Food, The School Food People, producers and caterers can work more closely together to support British food production while ensuring public sector catering remains affordable and accessible. The panel also considered how stronger engagement with government could help address funding challenges and support both British farming and school food provision.
Learning from British Agriculture
The event provided an opportunity to hear directly from farming representatives, including discussions around livestock production, sustainability and the role British agriculture plays in feeding communities across the country.
Attendees also took part in a livestock tour led by Countryfile presenter Adam Henson, offering valuable insight into British farming practices and the care, expertise and investment behind food production.
Building Relationships from Farm to Fork
For Rob, the event reinforced the importance of maintaining close relationships throughout the supply chain.
“We have a responsibility not only to the customers we serve, but also to the wider food system that supports them,” he said. “The more we engage with farmers and producers, the better equipped we are to make informed decisions that support quality, sustainability and value.”
These conversations are particularly important as Angel Hill Food Co. continues to develop menus that balance nutrition, affordability and environmental responsibility. Through seasonal menu planning, plant-forward innovation, responsible sourcing and supplier collaboration, the business remains focused on delivering food that tastes good, does good and supports the communities it serves.
The Royal Three Counties Show discussion formed part of Love British Food’s 25th anniversary celebrations and wider efforts to strengthen links between British producers and the public sector.
For Angel Hill Food Co., it was a valuable reminder that delivering great food starts with understanding and supporting every stage of the journey from farm to fork.
