Finalists announced for NACC Care Chef of the Year 2026
Twelve of the UK’s leading care catering professionals have secured places in the final of the National Association of Care Catering (NACC) Care Chef of the Year 2026 competition following a series of closely contested regional heats. The annual competition, which celebrates excellence in care catering, saw chefs from across England compete in semi-finals held […]
The Importance of Reducing Food Waste in Care Homes
Sustainability and reducing food waste has become a defining priority for UK care homes, driven by rising energy costs, evolving regulatory expectations, and growing demand from residents and families for ethical, responsible services. In the catering function, one of the highest-impact areas in a care setting, sustainability is becoming a strategic pillar of modern care […]
CATERING MONTH: Navigating food safety regulations while innovating care catering
The UK’s care home sector faces a complex catering challenge: balancing strict regulatory compliance with the need to deliver engaging, nutritious, and enjoyable dining experiences. With new expectations around allergens, hygiene, and sustainability, catering teams must now combine precision and creativity in equal measure… Compliance: The Non-Negotiable Foundation Food safety and hygiene remain the backbone […]
How to Enhance Well-Being Through Mealtime Experience in Care Homes
Mealtimes in care homes are more than just moments of nourishment: they’re moments of connection. Creating positive mealtime experiences in care homes plays a vital role in supporting residents’ well-being, encouraging social interaction, and improving overall quality of life. As the sector evolves, many operators are rethinking catering not simply as a functional service, but […]
Finding the Best Food Suppliers for Care Homes: 5 Tips From Industry Professionals
Choosing the right food suppliers for care homes is about far more than securing a reliable source of meals. The right supplier can help improve resident wellbeing, meet complex dietary requirements, support regulatory compliance and enhance the overall dining experience, while also delivering value for money and operational efficiency. For senior care home managers, selecting […]
CATERING MONTH: Moving towards sustainable, nutrient-dense meals for residents, at the right cost
Catering solutions for the UK’s care homes have been evolving significantly since the pandemic, focusing on enhancing nutrition, personalisation, and operational efficiency. Senior care home management professionals are adopting innovative catering trends to improve resident satisfaction, meet dietary needs, and optimise costs. Here’s an overview of the biggest trends, covering usage scenarios, technology and cost […]
Human-led service still preferred despite rise of tech in care home environments
Although technology is seen as a potential enhancement to care, an the overwhelming majority of respondents prioritise human-led interactions in care environments, according to new research. A survey conducted by Caterplus obtained insight into the attitudes and preferences of 3,000 respondents, aged between 45 and 75, who may or may not already be living in care home and retirement […]
Enhancing Food Safety Standards in Care Homes: A real-life example of success
By Navitas Safety In care homes, maintaining the highest level of food safety is critical for the health and well-being of residents. With stringent regulations from the Food Safety Act 1990 and oversight from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and local authorities, care homes must stay proactive to avoid food safety violations, which can lead […]
INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT: Ensure seamless catering operations with PKL and Rental+
Founded in 1977 in Northern Ireland, Lowe Corporation have grown to become a global leader in the provision of sustainable rental services. With a dedicated team of c. 450 employees worldwide, the company operates through 3 divisions and from 12 strategic distribution centres around the globe. PKL and Rental+—two leading brands within Lowe Corporation—offer comprehensive solutions […]
CATERING MONTH: In-house provision vs third-party suppliers
Catering in care homes is a critical aspect of providing quality care, encompassing not just the nutritional needs of residents but also their overall wellbeing and quality of life. Care homes have two primary options for managing their catering requirements: in-house provision and outsourcing to third-party suppliers. Here we look at the advantages and challenges […]