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ESG unwrapped setting the tone for 2026
On 19 January, we celebrated a milestone moment: our first-ever themed AGM. The brief was ambitious and unambiguous, this AGM had to be bigger, better, bolder, and centred around ESG.
Demystifying ESG
Of course, ESG is vast. It could have taken us in a million different directions. But with several exciting new initiatives launching in 2026, we found the perfect foundation for an evening dedicated to demystifying ESG and answering the question we all hear so often: what does it actually mean?
Putting clients at the centre of ESG
Throughout the planning process, we challenged ourselves to truly understand our clients’ priorities and how we could better align our practices and policies with their sustainability ambitions. This sits at the heart of who we are — a bespoke, client-first contract caterer — and shaped every decision we made.
From my experience, ESG is not a buzzword that will quietly fade away. Instead, it is a continually evolving set of targets grounded in good and necessary intentions. These targets will shift as new information and best practices emerge.
They may become more tangible and realistic as we move beyond the post-Paris Agreement haze of idealism. But their purpose, and the need to fulfil them, will remain steadfast.
Why we created ESG unwrapped
With this in mind, ESG unwrapped was designed to energise, enthuse and excite our teams. The goal was simple: introduce fresh ideas and practical initiatives that genuinely support our clients’ ESG goals.
After what felt like endless planning and organising, excitement built quickly. The event sold out, and before we knew it, the day had arrived.
Innovative food concepts with sustainability at their core
Following an introduction from Angus Brydon. We kicked off with a deep dive from our Development Chefs, who unveiled our newest food concepts:
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Low and Slow – celebrating the art of slow cooking
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SWAPS – reformulating recipes to lower environmental impact
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Souped Up- our refreshed, comforting soup concept.
Each concept was designed with flavour, innovation and sustainability firmly in mind. Showing how great food and ESG can go hand in hand.
Perkee at 10: Coffee with purpose
Next, our Head of Coffee, Graz, shared the exciting future of our Perkee coffee brand, which is celebrating its tenth birthday this year.
Alongside a fresh new look, Perkee is launching a new coffee line — Aponte West — sourced directly from the Inga community in Nariño, Colombia. Staying true to Perkee’s legacy of delivering social impact globally, this premium coffee supports descendants of the Incas in preserving their culture and livelihoods.
We were also proud to announce Perkee’s partnership with Fair Shot, a charity dedicated to integrating individuals with learning differences into the workforce through barista training. Together, we’ll be delivering training, fundraising and exploring meaningful employment opportunities.
Our ESG strategy and chosen charities for 2026
Our teams were then given a first look at our ESG strategy for the year ahead, including the announcement of our designated charities: Little Troopers and Hospitality Action.
Our connection with Little Troopers goes back decades. Our founder, Wendy Bartlett, is a founding trustee and has supported the charity throughout its journey.
This year, we also chose to support Hospitality Action, a charity that gives back directly to our own community. Hospitality Action provides vital support and resources to hospitality professionals who have fallen on hard times — something we believe is more important than ever.
Suppliers, sustainability and a quiz winner
To close the session, teams mingled with suppliers selected specifically for their environmental or social impact, including Caulibox and Waste Knot, while experiencing our chefs’ new food concepts first-hand.
The food was delicious and the room buzzed with positive energy, even more so when we announced the winner of the ESG Unwrapped quiz. One of our London-based Head Chefs will now enjoy a well-earned dinner at a restaurant of his choice, thanks to his engagement and attention throughout the day.
Looking ahead
We are incredibly thankful to have delivered such an impactful and inspiring AGM — one that truly sets the tone for 2026. A huge thank you goes to everyone involved, from our teams and suppliers to our client who generously hosted us in their space.
ESG Unwrapped was just the beginning.
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