ESS has won the Caterer of the Year Award at the Public Sector Catering Awards 2026.
The event celebrates individuals, teams and organisations who have delivered outstanding foodservice in the public sector.
ESS was recognised for its work across defence, police, secure environments and central government, focusing on the delivery of innovation, sustainability and social value initiatives. These include:
- The introduction of wild venison onto menus, delivering substantial nutritional and sustainability benefits.
- The launch of exciting new food concepts that reflect what is popular on the high street.
- The partnership with Olio to redistribute food to local communities, reducing waste and supporting those in need.
- Working with clients to remove single-use cups in key locations.
- The Junior Chef Academy to teach schoolchildren aged 14-16 fundamental cookery skills.
- Providing supported internships for young adults with a learning disability, autism spectrum condition, or both.
Scott Freeman, Culinary Director for ESS, commented:
“I’m really proud to have collected the Public Sector Catering Award for Contract Caterer of the Year for ESS. Awards like this are never about one or two people — they’re about a whole team pulling in the same direction, aspiring every day to be better for our customers and the organisations we support. From our kitchen porters and managers to our SMEs, chefs and every role in between, thank you to the whole ESS team.”
