Elior, the contract catering company running the restaurant at St Fagan’s open air museum in Cardiff, has scooped a highly commended award at today’s prestigious Food and Drink Federation (FDF) Community Partnership Awards. The Awards, which took place at the Institute of Directors in London, reward the contributions and dedication shown by organisations throughout the food chain for making a positive difference in their local and business communities.

Elior was presented with the award in the environment (consumer) category by the event’s host Tim Campbell, the first winner of the hit BBC show ‘The Apprentice’, for its ‘Pig Project’ at St Fagan’s Museum.

The Pig Project champions local food suppliers by using meat from St Fagan’s farm’s free range pigs as a key ingredient for many of its dishes. The restaurant and museum worked closely to ensure visitor awareness of the initiative and the progress of its food from farm to plate. Elior also works with local schools, through the museum education centre, to involve them in the ethos of the project and the local community’s taste panel has been involved in choosing the new sausage flavour for 2011.

FDF Director of Communications, Terry Jones said: “FDF’s Community Partnership Awards recognise the tremendous positive contribution UK food and drink companies make to society. Despite the many challenges businesses are facing, our sector has remained committed to making a positive difference, be it by reducing their environmental impact or by supporting local schools. This year’s winners are an inspiration to all businesses, both in and out of the food chain, and show not only what can be achieved when companies are committed to making a positive difference, but also why our sector is a such great place to be.”