Compass Group UK & Ireland’s Meet the Grower range has gained the Red Tractor kite-mark.

The programme-wide accreditation means that from Red Tractor Week (14 - 20 June), 500 of Compass Group UK & Ireland’s workplace and university sites which run Meet the Grower dishes will see the familiar Red Tractor logo.

The Red Tractor logo recognises food companies that meet high standards of food safety and hygiene, animal welfare and environmental protection and by qualifying for this accreditation, Compass is able to display the independent endorsement of its commitment to British agriculture.

Mike Walden, executive director - commercial, Compass Group UK & Ireland, said: “Last year Compass launched its own British guarantee, Truly British, Truly Local, to celebrate the best of truly British provenance, and the recognisable Red Tractor logo gives us further kudos and credibility with our discerning customers who are increasingly looking to support British farmers and growers. Our customers know that behind the logo, extensive auditing goes on to show that our producers are reaching the highest standards in safety, hygiene, animal welfare and environment so it is a mark of which we are extremely proud.”

Penny Beauchamp, trade marketing manager at Assured Food Standards, said: “Qualifying for the Red Tractor logo is a significant achievement and we are delighted to have such a company as Compass Group UK & Ireland on board. We know that Compass is committed to simultaneously supporting the British farming community while maintaining tough standards which makes the partnership between Compass and Assured Foods a very solid one.”