Delivering sustainable food service: what we do today matters

Our commitment to delivering environmentally sustainable food service means we understand the importance of, and our responsibilities to, the businesses we supply, as well as the broader impact our operations have on our communities and the planet.

Since joining the Country Range Group (CRG) in 2024, we are excited to take the next step in our sustainability journey with their support. CRG, like us, recognises that sustainable practices are essential for doing business, especially within wholesale foodservice. With the future of the sector shaped by consumer trends, government legislation and technology, it is more important than ever to focus on our environmental impact. By being part of the Group, we are confident that we will continue to grow in a more environmentally sustainable way.

First Choice Foodservice are focussed on the present, to ensure we can maintain our commitments to the environment, well into the future. By understanding what works for us and what doesn’t, we can be more confident that sustainability isn’t just corporate ‘greenwashing’, but a tangible and measurable activity that is consistently applied throughout the business. Moreover, our practices should clearly demonstrate their inherent value and yield positive results that can be maintained day-to-day.

Practical steps to sustainability

We take a pragmatic approach to operating more sustainably. This includes, but is not limited to, reducing unnecessary fuel consumption, energy use and waste, carefully planning delivery routes, intelligent recycling, upgrading systems, and regularly reviewing our operational efficiencies and our sustainability rationale. 

Delivery fleet 

Currently, 90% of our delivery fleet are Euro 6 compliant which are more efficient and reduce harmful emissions. From 2026, we will gradually transition to Euro 7 vehicles which will become the standard.

Our near-term goal is for all delivery vehicles to be Euro 7 compliant. Regular maintenance and optimised route planning means that fuel consumption is reduced, as well as less wear and tear on the vehicles.

Sales team vehicle fleet 

Our team of BDMs use self-charging hybrid vehicles, which reduces fuel consumption and carbon emissions. The fleet will gradually be replaced by plug-in hybrids, before transitioning to fully electric. Working from home when operationally appropriate, further enhances these reductions. 

Energy saving initiatives

We have fitted energy efficient LED lighting throughout the depot, including sensor-operated zonal lighting. Our freezer and chiller storage uses the latest in compressor, condenser, evaporator and insulating technologies, which are monitored closely for temperature and seasonally adjusted. Having recently increased our freezer capacity, we have reduced deliveries and therefore unnecessary food miles. A simple, yet effective recent upgrade to our heating system from gas to electric, has taken our depot’s EPC rating from E to C.

Procurement

Local suppliers play an important role in making sure we source products that by definition, involve less transportation and therefore lower food miles. Preference is given to suppliers who themselves meet higher sustainability standards.

Waste

All customers are encouraged to participate in our used cooking oil collection service, for later conversion to biofuel. Our policy on paper reduction is an easy win for us as we bring more digital communication tools on stream. Our sales team is encouraged to strike a healthy balance between working from home and face-to-face customer interactions, to help reduce mileage, wear and tear, and fuel consumption. Careful monitoring of surplus food, ensures out of date goods are limited in volume, and whenever possible any surplus is donated to local charities.

Recycling

Cardboard waste at the depot is bailed and packed for recycling, along with internal policies for recycling waste paper, and other recyclable materials (plastic bottles, cans etc.). We bail all cardboard and plastic waste which is returned for recycling. We are currently implementing a new scan/picking system, using the latest technology which will result in a significant reduction in paper usage, once it is fully operational.

Community initiatives

We actively encourage locally-employed staff which brings inherent benefits to the local community. Our year-on-year expansion in turnover has meant these opportunities are now significant for local employment figures. Walking and cycling to work becomes more common for those who can and live nearby (we are members of the cycle-to-work scheme), with car sharing a benefit to those who participate. Delivery drivers are recruited locally, who know the area well, which can make savings when last minute route changes and deliveries are required.

Charity work and community commitments

Locally, First Choice sponsor Burton Albion FC for selected match days as well as the Burton and District Football Association. We support our own staff and those at Country Range who undertake charity fundraising commitments – all of which help raise the profile and money for some great causes. Closer to home, we support local homeless charities (through the YMCA) with donations to cover food and accommodation.