New TUCO Chair Named 'Top 20 Influencer'

14th December 2016

The Chair of The University Caterers Organisation (TUCO), Matt White, has been named in the annual Top 20 Public Sector Influencers for the first time, just three months after taking up his new position at the Organisation.

The list, which is put together by the leading Industry title, Cost Sector Catering, brings together the most influential figures in public sector catering, and is selected by a group of independent judges which are embedded within the Industry.

Those on the list are recognised as the movers, shakers, influencers and campaigners who’ve had an impact on the big issues and challenges, which have shaped the marketplace throughout 2016. Most notably, this year the list reflects the work leading organisations have been doing to address, debate and implement aspects of the Childhood Obesity Plan across the Public Sector.

Matt, who is also the Director of Catering, Hotel and Conference Services at The University of Reading, has been recognised for the work TUCO and its members have been doing to drive healthy eating initiatives across campuses, and raise awareness of the role the University Sector has in educating people on eating more nutritiously.

Commenting on making the 2016 list, Matt White, said: “It’s an honour to receive this recognition from our Industry peers and I believe that it’s a strong reflection on the work of TUCO as a whole. This year we’ve undertaken a number of interesting and innovative projects with our members, designed to promote the healthy eating message to both university caterers and students.

“We make over 200 decisions about food and drink every day, most of which are subconscious thoughts. Over the past 12 months, we have been looking at how university caterers can create a situation that draws the customer’s eye to healthier, more profitable options using these subconscious decisions and through subtle ‘nudging’ techniques.
 
“Moving into 2017, we have a lot more initiatives planned to help professional caterers succeed in this increasingly competitive marketplace and meet government and business targets relating to sugar reductions and the healthy eating agenda. I look forward to what the next stage brings as we continue to work with our members through our Share, Learn, Buy, Grow philosophy.”