Sysco GB, the UK’s largest foodservice wholesaler, held its first parliamentary reception last week. The event, ‘From Pasture to Parliament,’ highlighted the importance of the UK’s food supply chain, the positive impact it has and the challenges it faces to a wide range of MPs and Peers, including Daniel Zeichner, Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs and Mike Reader, Chair of the Food & Drink APPG.

More than 30 parliamentarians attended the reception, where Sysco businesses presented with suppliers to showcase the partnerships that bring innovative British suppliers, farmers and producers to market across the public sector, hospitality and catering.

Andy Cato, co-founder of leading regenerative business, Wildfarmed, delivered a keynote address calling on others to follow Sysco’s lead and collaborate on supporting a more sustainable supply chain, while Mike Reader MP reinforced the importance of the sector in helping to support out of home eating.

Paul Nieduszynski, Chief Executive of Sysco GB: “Food and drink wholesale contributes almost 1.5 million jobs across the UK and generates £57bn of value added to the economy each year. And we often work behind the scenes.

“Bringing together the food supply chain in Parliament was a brilliant opportunity to raise the profile of our work and the value we can create together – from increasing social mobility, to supporting British farmers, and contributing to thriving high streets.

We’re looking forward to continuing our discussions, with the aim to develop a more resilient, sustainable and secure food supply chain in the UK.”