Why Local Sourcing Catering Matters in Corporate Catering and How Fraîche Excels
As sustainability continues to be a critical focus for businesses across all industries, corporate catering has started to evolve. The days of long-distance food shipments, excessive packaging, and overproduced meals are being replaced with more thoughtful, sustainable practices. One of the most effective approaches to improving the sustainability of corporate catering is through local sourcing catering. At Fraîche, we recognize the significant advantages that local sourcing brings (which is why we partner with fast-casual restaurants like Le Botaniste, Springbone, and Green Top Farms), not only for the environment but also for employees’ health and the communities in which businesses operate.
In this post, we’ll explore why local sourcing catering is crucial for corporate catering, how it supports sustainability, and the specific ways Fraîche is excelling at this model.
1. Reducing the Carbon Footprint with Local Sourcing Catering
One of the most substantial benefits of local sourcing catering is the reduction of carbon emissions associated with food transportation. Traditional catering services often rely on ingredients that are sourced from faraway regions or even other countries. The farther food travels, the more fuel is consumed, increasing greenhouse gas emissions and negatively impacting the environment.
By choosing locally sourced ingredients, companies can significantly reduce the distance food travels, thus minimizing their carbon footprint. According to the Sustainable Food Trust, food systems that prioritize local sourcing contribute to lower transportation emissions and a more sustainable food system overall.
At Fraîche, we emphasize the importance of sourcing ingredients as close to our clients as possible. This local sourcing catering model means fresher food, reduced transportation costs, and a more eco-friendly approach to office meals. For companies looking to align their catering with their sustainability goals, Fraîche provides an ideal solution by helping them lower their environmental impact while delivering high-quality meals to their employees.
2. Supporting the Local Economy Through Local Sourcing
In addition to reducing environmental impact, local sourcing catering plays an important role in supporting local economies. When companies choose local food producers, they are directly contributing to the growth and development of their communities. Instead of purchasing food from large-scale, distant suppliers, money stays within the local economy, helping small and medium-sized businesses thrive.
Fraîche has built strong partnerships with local farms, food providers, and small businesses that align with our commitment to quality and sustainability. These partnerships not only provide fresh, delicious food to our clients but also strengthen the local economy by supporting regional producers. This community-driven approach ensures that corporate catering is more than just about feeding employees—it’s about fostering economic resilience and promoting sustainable business practices.
Moreover, by using local suppliers, Fraîche helps create a more stable supply chain. When businesses support local producers, they reduce their dependence on far-reaching, complex supply chains that can easily be disrupted by global events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This model adds a layer of reliability and resilience that is becoming increasingly important for modern companies.
3. Fresher, Healthier Meals with Local Sourcing Catering
Quality and freshness are among the most obvious benefits of local sourcing catering. Locally sourced ingredients are fresher than those shipped from distant locations because they spend less time in transit. This results in food that retains more of its nutritional value and flavor, providing employees with healthier, tastier meal options.
Fraîche ensures that its smart fridges are stocked with meals made from the freshest local ingredients. These meals are not only healthier but also promote employee well-being by reducing the intake of processed and preserved foods. Healthier meals lead to improved focus, productivity, and overall job satisfaction—a win-win for both employees and employers.
The variety provided by local sourcing catering also ensures that employees have access to seasonal foods that are at their peak flavor and nutritional value. Seasonal eating supports natural growing cycles and reduces the need for artificial preservation methods. This model promotes healthier eating habits in the workplace while also contributing to sustainable agricultural practices.
4. Promoting Seasonal Menus for Better Sustainability
Another benefit of local sourcing catering is that it naturally encourages seasonal eating, which has significant sustainability benefits. Seasonal ingredients are grown and harvested according to the natural rhythms of the environment, which means less reliance on energy-intensive practices like hothouse farming or long-distance transport from warmer climates.
Fraîche excels at incorporating seasonal ingredients into our corporate catering offerings. By doing so, we not only reduce the environmental impact associated with non-seasonal foods, but we also provide employees with diverse and interesting menus throughout the year. Eating seasonally also means fresher, tastier meals, as the ingredients are harvested at their peak.
For example, during the fall season, Fraîche offers seasonal vegetables such as butternut squash, sweet potatoes, and hearty greens. In the summer, lighter fare with fresh fruits, tomatoes, and cucumbers takes center stage. This approach to local sourcing catering helps employees enjoy a variety of meals while keeping sustainability at the forefront of corporate dining.
5. Building Resilience in the Food Supply Chain
The importance of building resilience in the food supply chain became evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. Global supply chains were disrupted, and businesses that relied on distant suppliers faced difficulties in maintaining a steady flow of food. This created a wake-up call for many companies, highlighting the need for more localized and resilient supply systems.
Fraîche’s local sourcing catering model addresses this challenge by building resilience directly into the food supply chain. By partnering with local farms and suppliers, Fraîche ensures that there is a stable, reliable flow of ingredients for corporate catering needs. This means that even in times of global uncertainty, companies can continue to provide high-quality meals to their employees without interruption.
Local sourcing not only supports sustainability and community, but it also provides a level of reliability that is increasingly valuable in today’s unpredictable world.
6. How Fraîche Excels in Local Sourcing Catering
At Fraîche, we take pride in our dedication to local sourcing catering. We’ve developed strong relationships with local farms, food producers, and vendors to bring the freshest and most sustainable ingredients to our clients. Here’s how Fraîche excels in this area:
•Strong Local Partnerships: Our collaboration with local farmers and small businesses ensures that our meals are made with the best possible ingredients while supporting regional economies.
•Sustainability Practices: By focusing on local sourcing, we help businesses meet their sustainability targets, from reducing food miles to promoting eco-friendly practices.
•Seasonal Menus: Fraîche’s rotating seasonal menus ensure that employees enjoy a diverse array of meals, packed with fresh ingredients.
•Community Impact: Supporting local businesses is part of our broader mission to foster sustainable communities, making Fraîche a responsible corporate catering partner.
Why Local Sourcing Catering is the Future of Corporate Catering
Local sourcing is more than just a trend—it’s a key element in creating sustainable, healthy, and resilient corporate catering systems. By choosing local sourcing catering, companies can significantly reduce their carbon footprint, support local economies, and provide fresher, healthier meals for their employees.
Fraîche excels in local sourcing catering, offering sustainable corporate meals that align with the values and goals of modern businesses. Whether you’re looking to improve sustainability or simply provide better meals for your employees, Fraîche’s approach to local sourcing makes us the ideal corporate catering partner.
