Case Study: Dolce Tops School Caterer Ranking with Planet-Friendly Menu

Client Overview

Dolce Schools Catering has been recognised as the top school caterer in England for planet-friendly menus, following the release of the School Contract Caterer Ranking developed by ProVeg UK. This independent ranking assessed England’s top 25 school caterers based on sustainability, transparency, and promotion of plant-based meals.

The Challenge

Schools and local authorities across the UK are increasingly committed to reducing their environmental impact and providing healthier, more sustainable food choices. However, a lack of clear information made it difficult for decision-makers to compare catering providers on their environmental credentials.

The need was clear:

·         Transparent and measurable data on sustainability in school catering.

·         High-quality plant-based dishes that pupils actually enjoy.

·         A menu that supports schools’ long-term health and environmental goals.

The Solution

Dolce Schools Catering responded with a future-proofed menu strategy designed to make planet-friendly eating accessible and appealing for pupils. The approach included:

·         Two planet-friendly days per week in schools, with a strong focus on sustainable choices.

·         Celebration of plant-based options, with vegan and vegetarian dishes clearly labelled and promoted.

·         Creative, flavour-packed dishes such as roasted ratatouille pasta, southern-style jambalaya, and sizzling plant-based sausages with mash.

·         Engagement with pupils to ensure dishes are not only sustainable but also enjoyable and nutritious.

Neil Price, Head of Food Services at Dolce, explained:

“Offering children nutritious and healthy food has always been our priority. By providing pupils with a choice of plant-based dishes we’re helping raise awareness of planet-friendly eating, while ensuring the meals remains delicious and appealing.”

The Results

Dolce’s commitment to sustainable catering was recognised with first place in the School Contract Caterer Ranking – positioning it as the leading choice for planet-friendly school catering in England.

Key outcomes include:

·         Top ranking against 25 leading caterers, ahead of Sodexo (2nd) and Caterlink (3rd).

·         Recognition of Dolce’s Silver School Plates Award for its planet-friendly practices.

·         Validation from ProVeg UK that Dolce is setting the standard for sustainability in school meals.

Alex Jemison, School Plates Awards Coordinator at ProVeg UK, commented:

“This ranking gives us the opportunity to recognise the sustainable leaders in school contract catering, and allow schools to choose caterers who clearly align with their goals. We’re delighted at how many caterers showed an appetite to engage with our work.”

Why It Worked

The success of Dolce’s approach lies in combining planet-friendly innovation with child-friendly appeal. By prioritising flavour, choice, and transparency, Dolce has helped schools meet sustainability goals while encouraging pupils to try and enjoy plant-based meals.

Key Takeaways

·         Planet-friendly menus are no longer optional – they are central to modern school catering.

·         Children will embrace plant-based options when meals are well-designed, tasty and clearly presented.

·         Transparent communication and recognition help schools choose the right catering partners for their sustainability goals.

About Dolce Schools Catering

Dolce Schools Catering delivers fresh, nutritious meals to schools across the UK, with a strong focus on sustainability, health, and pupil engagement. By offering innovative plant-based menus and complete catering solutions, Dolce is helping schools prepare pupils for a healthier, more sustainable future.