Celebrating Local Produce with Creativity and Purpose
When a leading global natural resources company set out to host a brand launch in Kent, they wanted a breakfast experience that went beyond the ordinary – one that embodied their values of sustainability, quality, and innovation.
Working in collaboration with MGN Events, Vanilla Bean was invited to deliver a brand launch catering experience that told a story about provenance, sustainability and the beauty of imperfection. The brief called for food that would spark conversation, connect guests to Kent’s agricultural heritage, and reflect the brand’s ethos through thoughtful, flavour-driven design.
The Brief: A Fresh Approach to Brand Launch Catering
The client’s goal was to celebrate Kent’s finest produce and demonstrate how sustainability can be woven into a luxury experience. They wanted guests to see, and taste, how ingredients that might otherwise be overlooked could become the centrepiece of an elegant event.
Vanilla Bean was tasked with crafting a menu that married sustainability with sophistication, championing local farms and producers while ensuring that every element of the breakfast felt polished, professional and memorable.
The creative challenge was to elevate so-called “wonky” produce – fruit and vegetables that may not fit traditional aesthetic standards – into dishes worthy of a brand launch attended by discerning corporate guests.
The Solution
Vanilla Bean’s culinary team approached the brief with a balance of creativity and precision, designing a five-dish breakfast menu that celebrated sustainability through every flavour and detail.
Each dish highlighted a different aspect of responsible sourcing:
- Locally Sourced: Kent-farmed spicy eggs with English feta and Bloody Mary tomatoes showcased the region’s agricultural excellence.
- Zero Waste: Birch muesli with yoghurt, honey, apple and cinnamon was served in an edible wheat bowl, reducing waste and delighting guests with its originality.
- Sustainable: A “smash and grab” garden pea guacamole with sourdough crisps and fresh mint demonstrated simple, plant-based creativity.
- Wonky Fruit: Seasonal fruit compote — perfect in flavour but naturally varied in shape and size — paired with dairy farm yoghurt and honey, reminding guests that nature’s imperfections are often its strengths.
- Small Producer: Dunkeld cured salmon on bagels with cream cheese and sea vegetables highlighted the importance of supporting small, high-quality producers.
Every plate was designed with colour, freshness and purpose, proving that sustainable choices can feel luxurious and indulgent. The Vanilla Bean team managed sourcing, preparation and service, working seamlessly with MGN Events to align the culinary presentation with the wider brand experience.
The Event
Set within a modern docklands-style location in Kent, the venue’s modern, industrial aesthetic married clean-lined luxury with the brand’s forward-thinking ethos.
Guests were greeted with the aromas of freshly prepared local ingredients and beautifully plated dishes that encouraged conversation about the story behind each course. The edible wheat bowls and “wonky” fruit compote in particular became talking points, capturing the essence of the event’s sustainability message.
The Vanilla Bean team ensured that service ran flawlessly, from coordinating timing with MGN Events to maintaining the visual and sensory impact of each dish. The result was an experience that felt both refined and relevant, combining the artistry of fine catering with the values of conscious consumption.
The Results
The event was met with outstanding feedback from both guests and MGN Events. Attendees praised the freshness, creativity and originality of the breakfast, noting how it stood out from typical corporate brand launch catering. The “Zero Waste” and “Wonky Fruit” dishes in particular resonated with guests, reinforcing the event’s sustainability narrative and sparking genuine engagement.
For Vanilla Bean, the project served as a testament to how culinary innovation can drive brand storytelling, transforming thoughtful sourcing into an unforgettable experience.
Key Takeaways
- Sustainability reimagined: Demonstrated that local, seasonal and “imperfect” ingredients can deliver luxury-quality experiences.
- Collaborative excellence: Seamless partnership with MGN Events ensured creative and logistical alignment.
- Authentic storytelling: Each dish embodied the client’s values, inspiring guest connection and discussion.
- Positive feedback: Guests praised the food’s flavour, freshness and originality, cementing Vanilla Bean’s reputation for event catering with purpose.
Bring your brand story to life through food
From brand launch catering, to product launches, press events and corporate celebrations, Vanilla Bean designs bespoke menus that reflect your brand values and leave a lasting impression.
Get in touch to explore how we can elevate your next event. Call 01932 356180, or email surrey@vanilla-bean.co.uk
