2012 Food Strategy Launched

LOCOG has outlined its vision for food at the 2012 Games – the largest peace-time catering operation in the world – which will aim to be sustainable and focus on local sources.

The strategy marks what food and drink will be available for all customers, with over 14m meals being served during the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, across 40 locations. LOCOG is also responsible for feeding the 15,000 athletes.

In 2010, LOCOG will launch a Food Charter, a campaign to encourage organisations throughout the events, catering and hospitality sectors to commit to supporting and implementing local, seasonal, healthier and sustainable standards across the industry.

In line with London 2012’s sustainability commitments, the London 2012 Food Vision has set out benchmark standards in how it sources food.  The benchmark standards will be the most challenging ever set by a summer Games.  LOCOG has set Red Tractor standard as the benchmark standard across meat, fruit, vegetables, salads, cereals and dairy.  All dairy products, beef, lamb and poultry must be British. 

In addition, bananas, tea, coffee and sugar will be Fairtrade or ethically sourced and traditional British cheese such as cheddar must be British.  Eggs must be British Lion mark free range and RSPCA Freedom Food Certified chicken will be available.  All chocolate sold will be Fairtrade or ethically sourced.  All fish will be sustainable, including the complete exclusion of species and stocks identified by the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) as ‘fish to avoid’ and all wild-caught fish meeting the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries.  

The London 2012 Food Vision has been developed in consultation with the London 2012 Food Advisory Group, which includes representatives from DEFRA, Food Standards Agency, the National Farmers Union and Sustain: The Alliance for Better Food and Farming.  

The publication of this document coincides with the beginning of a major procurement push for LOCOG in the catering sector to supply food, staff and catering outlets.  Opportunities exist for suppliers of all sizes and from all locations – contracts will be advertised via CompeteFor, the London 2012 business portal.  Any companies interested should register their details here www.london2012.com/business for more details.  

In addition, LOCOG has confirmed that free drinking water will be made available at all Games venues.

Olympic gold medallist and London 2012 Sustainability Ambassador James Cracknell commented, ‘As well as the millions of ticket holders and spectators, the Organising Committee is also responsible for feeding more than 15,000 athletes across both the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.  When you’re an athlete at a Games, you want to know that the right food is available at the right time – it’s a vital part of your preparation.  The approach being taken for the food provision at London 2012 is the same for both athletes and spectators – responsibly sourced and ensuring a wide choice.’