Convenience manufacturer Greencore welcomed His Majesty The King to its Warrington site to showcase how the food industry is tackling food waste.

During the visit, The King watched the Greencore team prepare examples of the one million fresh meals the business has donated to community groups over the past year through the Coronation Food Project.

In November 2023, senior leaders from across the UK food industry united at the launch of the Coronation Food Project, signing a pledge to reduce all forms of waste within the food supply chain and to increase the redistribution of surplus food to those most in need. The industry then created Alliance Food Sourcing, an initiative convened by IGD.

As a manufacturer of convenience food, Greencore is one of the businesses supporting the Alliance Food Sourcing initiative. Working in partnership with Sainsbury’s, Greencore said it has contributed around 400 tonnes of food to communities in need through the Coronation Food Project.

During the visit, The King met teams responsible for putting food waste reduction measures into action. He also met Greencore’s engineering apprentices, who are being trained as the company’s next generation of multi‑skilled engineers, which Greencore said was “essential to enabling a sustainable, low‑waste and future‑focused” food sector.

Dalton Philips, CEO of Greencore Group said: “It was a privilege to welcome The King and to showcase the innovation happening across Greencore. From pioneering new ways to reduce food waste to developing the highly skilled engineers of the future, our teams are proving just how dynamic and forward‑thinking the food industry can be. Reaching one million donated meals is an important milestone – and one we are committed to building on as we continue to support communities and push for a more sustainable food system.”

Nicola Robinson, director of Alliance Food Sourcing said: “The food industry really is stepping up to the challenge and Greencore is one of those leading the way. Through the Coronation Food Project, thousands of tonnes of healthy nutritious food, which might otherwise have gone to waste, are reaching the plates of hungry people. I am so pleased we are able to recognise the achievements of companies across the sector at this visit today.”

Dame Martina Milburn DCVO CBE, executive chair of The Coronation Food Project said: “As the cost-of-living crisis continues to put pressure on families across the UK, it’s so great to see this initiative making such a difference. Through these innovative approaches, we are tackling food waste, reducing greenhouse gases and getting food out to the community groups that are experiencing unprecedented demand.”