Levy, the sports and hospitality sector of Compass Group UK and Ireland, has agreed a long-term contract extension for the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) for the delivery of food and drink experiences.
Now known as EICC Nourish, the food and beverage partner has provided the food and hospitality services at the venue since its inception in 1995. The contract sees the long-standing partnership extended until 2032.
Located in the heart of Scotland’s capital, the EICC has established itself as a premier global destination for conferences and events, with capacities of up to 5,000 pax. EICC Nourish will carry on managing all catering operations for events including conferences, corporate meetings, exhibitions, and live entertainment such as concerts, shows and special events.
Its 27-strong team is responsible for feeding tens of thousands of people each year.
The EICC and EICC Nourish have a shared vision when it comes to people and planet, with a dedication to sustainability, the local community and delivering social value. Together, they work with money-saving app, Olio to manage food waste and provide for local people in need. The team informs the app of any leftover food they have on a certain day, stores it at the correct temperature, then prepares it for delivery workers to collect. Anyone in the local community facing food deprivation can then go and pick up their meal for free.
Sustainability remains central to the renewed partnership. Levy's leadership in sustainable hospitality, delivering food and drink experiences that are better for both people and the planet, is matched by the EICC's own ambitions. Together, the partnership places Scottish produce and local suppliers front and centre, prioritising sustainable Scottish produce, such as wild venison and smoked trout. Similarly, they switched from EU flour to Wildfarmed Flour, made from crops which produce lower carbon emissions than conventionally grown equivalents.
Last month, EICC Nourish Executive Head Chef, Paul Hood was shortlisted for a prestigious Scotland Food and Drink and HIT Scotland Legacy Scholarship, one of just four candidates to reach the final stage.
Over the last 30 years, the EICC has played host to a multitude of world class events, from its royal opening in 1996 to global summits, cutting edge conferences and immersive experiences. Highlights include TED Summit, which brought together thought leaders from 84 countries across the globe, and The Hunter Foundation Dinner, where former President of the United States Barack Obama took to the stage, followed by former First Lady Michelle Obama the following year. The EICC has also twice welcomed the prestigious British Business Awards.
“We are incredibly proud to extend our long-standing relationship with the EICC. Over the last three decades, we have developed a deep understanding and successful partnership, which we’re really pleased to take into the future. The EICC celebrated its 30th anniversary last year, and we’re honoured to have been working with them since day one.
As we begin this extended partnership, we’re collaborating closely with the EICC team on some exciting developments in the coming months, and we're very much looking forward to seeing what we can achieve together at this spectacular venue.”
— Matthew Lewis, Chief Operating Officer at Levy
“Levy has been a trusted partner since EICC opened in 1995, and that long-standing relationship has played an important part in the quality of hospitality our clients and delegates experience. Extending the partnership reflects not only the strength of what we have achieved together, but the values we share. Levy understands that great food and service should also have a positive impact, with a genuine commitment to people, communities, and more sustainable practices. That alignment matters to us, and we look forward to continuing to evolve our offer and create experiences that are good for our clients, our delegates and the world around us.”
— Amanda Wrathall, Chief Executive of EICC
