Yesterday, VfL's eighth annual Awards for Excellence in Veg*n Care Catering celebrated trailblazers in plant-based care at the Houses of Parliament. With an increasing number of vegans and vegetarians entering residential care, these awards honour those dedicated to providing compassionate and innovative vegan and vegetarian options in care settings.
Opening remarks: A vision for plant-based care
VfL’s Chief Executive, Amanda Woodvine, opened the event with inspiring words, reflecting on the journey and growth of plant-based care. Amanda shared exclusive insights from VfL's most recent survey, revealing a 24% increase in vegans and vegetarians in UK care homes over the past decade. Nearly one in three care homes now supports residents with vegan or vegetarian lifestyles. “For me, it’s a clear signal that the future of care must include thoughtful and compassionate dietary choices for everyone,” she remarked.
Awards co-host Karin Ridgers of MAD Promotions/VeggieVision TV (right) pictured with VfL Patron Wendy Turner-Webster and Ambassador Victoria Featherstone Pearce (left).
Celebrating excellence across the industry
This year’s ceremony honoured four categories, each celebrating a unique contribution to vegan and vegetarian care catering.
Vegan/Vegetarian Care/Hospital Caterer of the Year – Sponsored by Middleton Foods
Matthew Thornton and the Catering Team at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust took home this award for transforming their hospital’s vegan offerings from five to over 12 plant-based dishes, enhancing both patient satisfaction and the role of food in recovery. Their innovative efforts in sustainable food options were also featured on 39 Ways to Save the Planet.
Highly commended finalists: Jody Marshall, Meallmore Ltd and Serco Patient Catering Team, University Hospital Southampton.
Vegan/Vegetarian Supplier of the Year – Sponsored by allmanhall
The award went to Vegetarian Express. Known for their extensive product range and commitment to sustainability as a certified B Corp, Vegetarian Express supports care facilities across the UK in providing high-quality plant-based options for today’s vegan and vegetarian residents.
Highly commended finalists: Bidfood and Raj Foods.
Chefs’ Hero Product – Sponsored by Bullseye Food Packaging
Henderson’s Relish was celebrated as a favourite among chefs for its versatility and rich flavour; perfect for enhancing vegan and vegetarian dishes.
Highly commended finalists: Marigold Engevita Vitamin D & B12 Yeast Flakes and Yutaka Silken Tofu.
Most Innovative Vegan/Vegetarian Recipe
BOSH!’s Ultimate Vegan Lasagne took this award for both its visual appeal and as a fantastic choice for meal prep, because the leftovers taste even better the next day.
Highly commended finalists: Fairfoods for their Roast Hazelnut, Sheese and Cashew Roast and Rhiannon Lambert, Rhitrition for her Green Shakshuka.
Workshops exploring fine-dining in care
Prior to the awards, attendees participated in hands-on workshops that delved into the elements of a luxury dining experience. Delivered by VfL's Roving Chefs Justina, Ollie and Alex, they explored key aspects of vegan fine-dining in care, from the nuances of nutrition and plating to creating an inviting dining environment. Through these workshops, participants gained valuable insights to help them design vegan fine-dining experiences suitable for care settings.
Looking ahead: A toast to innovation and compassion
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The theme of this year's event was inspired by the recent release of Gourmet vegan, VfL’s latest guide crafted to inspire care homes with beautifully designed vegan dishes. As Amanda noted, “A carefully prepared meal can make all the difference to a person’s day... offering vegan fine dining enriches lives, bringing joy, health, and moments of connection.” A toast celebrated everyone’s efforts and commitment to setting new standards in compassionate, plant-based care.
Celebrating Tom’s achievement
Among the gathered attendees, Amanda gave a special mention to Tom Wise, VfL's Head of Business Support, who raised over £600 for VfL through a recent half-marathon. “Not only are you an example of commitment in your day-to-day work, but you’ve gone above and beyond to make an impact outside the workplace as well,” she said, as attendees lifted their glasses to toast Tom’s accomplishment and the bright future of plant-based care.
Congratulations to all the winners, whose dedication and innovation are paving the way for a more inclusive, compassionate care experience.
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