Avanti West Coast invites businesses to pitch products for inclusive and sustainable menu
Avanti West Coast partners with Foodbuy Group to host unique opportunity for small businesses to pitch their products.
- Avanti West Coast partners with Foodbuy Group to provide a platform for sustainable suppliers to showcase their business
- Local enterprises invited to pitch food and drink products for inclusive menu options onboard Avanti West Coast trains
- ‘Pitch Social’ initiative designed to diversify supplier base and deliver social value
Avanti West Coast is inviting small socially conscious businesses to apply for the chance to have their products or services featured as part of an inclusive and sustainable menu on its trains.
Partnering with its food procurement supplier, Foodbuy Group, the train operator is hosting a unique initiative to engage small purpose-driven businesses that can deliver diverse menu options.
Titled ‘Pitch Social’, the initiative offers micro, small to medium-sized enterprises, startups, social enterprises and minority-owned businesses the opportunity to showcase their products and services. Teams from Avanti West Coast and Foodbuy will then decide whether to take them on.
The annual event organised by Foodbuy Group is designed to diversify its supplier base. This year marks the first joint event with Avanti West Coast, enabling the train operator to connect with socially and environmentally conscious suppliers. It was proposed as part of Avanti’s Supplier Sustainability Contest – an initiative led by the train company’s procurement team to bring together businesses to collaborate and innovate on sustainable ideas.
This year, submissions are encouraged from those who can deliver diverse and inclusive menu options for rail travel – accommodating a wide range of dietary needs, such as vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and allergen-free.
Applications are also welcome from businesses that champion sustainable sourcing and food preparation practices, as well as those who offer environmentally responsible food packaging.
Those shortlisted will be given the opportunity to attend an event to pitch their products and business to a panel of Foodbuy Group and Avanti West Coast representatives – with the potential to become a supplier.
The event, which will take place in Chertsey, Surrey, on 5 November 2025, will offer participants the chance to build new partnerships and access mentoring advice from Foodbuy Group.
Dr Theresa Robberts, Social Value and Accessibility Manager at Avanti West Coast, said: “We’re passionate about creating a greener, fairer future, which is why we’re inviting like-minded businesses to help us do just that through this initiative with Foodbuy Group.
“By carrying out activities that contribute positively towards society and the environment along our route, we can make a lasting impact to peoples’ lives and continue our efforts to be a responsible business.
“We’re looking forward to meeting new suppliers who can help us offer an improved customer experience while making a positive difference to the communities we serve.”
Harinder Singh, Foodbuy Group’s Head of Sustainability and Compliance, said: “By supporting small and socially conscious suppliers, we’re able to create real impact through how we spend. Through our Pitch Social event, we’re excited to partner with Avanti West Coast to provide a valuable platform to connect with these suppliers. We look forward to teaming up with new suppliers to offer passengers menu choices that are both sustainable and inclusive while making a meaningful difference.”
To find out more about Pitch Social and apply to take part, visit: https://www.foodbuy.co.uk/sustainability/pitch-social-powered-by-foodbuy-group-2025/
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Contact Information
Notes to editors
Entries for Pitch Social close on Friday 3 October 2025.
About Foodbuy Group
Foodbuy is a leading food procurement organisation based in the UK. With over £2 billion in managed spending, we bring together the broadest range of food and hospitality clients on the planet to buy wholesale food and non-food-related supplies.
We work closely with our clients to deliver market-leading procurement consultancy solutions and insights for the service industry, backed by the world’s largest contract caterer.
About Avanti West Coast
Avanti West Coast, operator of intercity rail services on the West Coast Main Line, is a joint venture between FirstGroup and Trenitalia, delivering a cleaner, greener railway that drives the West Coast forward. Avanti West Coast serves key UK cities, including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow as well as North Wales.
We’re on a mission to be the transport of choice – connecting customers and communities along the West Coast. Our award-winning Pendolino refurbishment programme transformed the UK’s hardest working fleet with all 56 of the iconic trains providing best-in-class comfort.
Our Evero fleet, which offers more seats, improved comfort, and a substantial cut to carbon emissions, was introduced in June 2024 and is the result of a £350m investment in sustainable travel. Built by Hitachi, the 23-strong fleet, consisting of 10 seven-carriage electric trains and 13 five-carriage bi-modes, serves routes from London to the Midlands, Chester, North Wales and the North West.
We want to make a positive difference to the people and places we serve – helping to drive economic growth, green travel, and break down barriers. Our efforts to contribute to society and enable people to benefit from the opportunities rail offers through purpose-led initiatives including Feel Good Field Trips and award-winning female driver recruitment campaign has seen us create over £1billion in social value impact.
We’re tackling climate change wherever we can, from reducing energy and water use to training drivers in eco-driving techniques and sourcing food and drink from local suppliers. Our goal is to be net zero carbon by 2031. We’re on track.
For the latest news, visit the Avanti West Coast Media Centre: https://newsdesk.avantiwestcoast.co.uk/
Press Office: 0845 000 3333