Alliance in Partnership win over £8 million in new business

Alliance in Partnership (AiP), specialists in education catering, has secured £8.2 million in new contracts since the beginning of the academic year. This significant milestone highlights AiP's commitment to growing their partnerships with multi-academy trusts across the Midlands, London, and the South East.

Dedicated to delivering healthy and nutritious food, AiP enhances the school dining experience for over 400 primary and secondary schools, helping to fuel school children and students through a day of learning. The new and retained contracts encompass 42 schools, including:

• Our Lady of the Magnificat MAC in Leamington Spa, expanding from six to 12 schools.
• Maritime Academy Trust in Kent and London, extending from five to 11 schools.
• Five schools within Holy Spirit MAC in Warwickshire.
• Seven schools within the Stour Vale Academy Trust in Dudley.
• Three schools within Every Child Every Day Academy Trust in London and Surrey.
• Three schools with Elements Diocesan Learning Trust in Dudley.
• The Excel Academy in Stoke-on-Trent.

AiP collaborates with expert nutritionists to create balanced, nourishing meals that exceed Government School Food Standards. Their innovative approach includes chef-delivered sugar swap classes and initiatives to inspire healthy eating throughout the academic year.

For primary school pupils, AiP's Food Smart offering provides freshly prepared meals, such as roasted tomato & basil pasta, Mexican loaded beans, and garlic and lemon chicken, prepared by a dedicated catering team that surpass nutritional standards, served in a welcoming, friendly environment.

In secondary schools, Kitcheneers reimagines school food and dining spaces, becoming a focal point for school communities. The Kitcheneers’ menu features crowd-pleasers including katsu curry, peri peri chicken, and chipotle vegetable & bean rice bowl with healthy twists, customisable options, and a blend of on-the-go and traditional meals.

With a focus on sustainability, AiP’s menus utilise local suppliers, seasonal produce, and wonky vegetables.

Additionally, Sodexo's WasteWatch programme, implemented across all AiP contracts, helps manage kitchen waste by identifying efficiencies and making data-driven menu choices.

Steve Hawkins, managing director for schools at Sodexo UK & Ireland said: “The AiP team has built on last year's achievements and enjoyed an exceptional year. School meals play a crucial role in the school day, and we recognise the significance of providing children with tasty, nutritious lunches. AiP's robust partnerships with schools have grown significantly, and we are thrilled to see an increasing number of schools selecting AiP as their meal provider.'

Established in 1998, the AiP group of companies, including The Contract Dining Company and Class Catering Services joined Sodexo in December 2018.