Paul McGinley, Ryder Cup team captain
Mecco, supported by sister company Fresh Direct in Paisley, and Compass in Scotland’s Sport, Leisure and Hospitality division (part of Compass Group UK & Ireland), have been contracted to work in partnership to manage public retail catering and hospitality for The 2014 Ryder Cup – the global sporting event, which is expected to attract more than 250,000 visitors.
Both Compass in Scotland and Mecco are committed to putting Scottish food and drink on the global map, with long-term legacy benefits for the reputation of speciality foods and dishes. And more than 1,500 temporary jobs will also be created with both companies recruiting in Scotland.
In total, it is estimated The Ryder Cup will generate an economic impact of up to £100 million for the Scottish economy when it tees off at Gleneagles, Perthshire, 23-28 September 2014.
Showcasing Scottish specialities and fare
Mecco – who from the beginning of 2013 joined forces with Jamie’s Fabulous Feasts with the backing of Jamie Oliver Ltd and Fresh Direct – and Compass in Scotland will work closely with Scotland Food & Drink to showcase regional specialities and tasty seasonal fare to promote Scotland as ‘A Land of Food and Drink.’
Scottish food producers and suppliers will also benefit as a result of The Ryder Cup Green Drive sustainability initiative, with fresh, seasonal and organic ingredients being sourced locally to ensure quality and reduce food miles.
Mecco Managing Director Jeremy Wood said: “Our aim is to showcase Scotland’s wonderful and diverse array of food and producers by developing delicious seasonal menus in conjunction with Scotland Food & Drink for every facility, both in hospitality and on-course public areas at The Ryder Cup. With our sister company Fresh Direct, whose Scotland operation is based in Paisley, we will source suppliers across Scotland to provide ingredients and products to create traditional and innovative Scottish dishes and menus.”
Neil MacLaurin, Business Development Director of Sport, Leisure and Hospitality at Compass Group UK & Ireland, said: “We’re thrilled to have been awarded this contract and will work closely with our fantastic network of Scottish suppliers to promote everything that is great about Scottish food and drink.”
Huge logistical operation
Edward Kitson, Match Director for The 2014 Ryder Cup, said: “Providing high-quality catering for tens of thousands of spectators and guests in temporary structures is a huge logistical operation. Both Mecco and Compass have proven track records in this field and we are confident they will deliver an exceptional experience for all once again. Clearly, the operation will deliver economic inputs, including an estimated 1,500 temporary jobs in Scotland, and we are pleased that the sustainable approach to sourcing ingredients from local producers and suppliers will benefit businesses in Scotland.”
Green Drive initiative
The Ryder Cup Green Drive initiative, which is designed to integrate sustainability into all aspects of event planning, staging and legacy, has also introduced a zero waste policy with the intention that no waste will go to landfill. Working closely with Zero Waste Scotland, food and drink packaging will be recycled while food waste will be composted.