167 Catering Support Regiment RLC is a specialist regiment within the British Army’s Royal Logistic Corps (RLC), dedicated to providing culinary and catering support across domestic and international military operations. Based in Grantham, Lincolnshire, the regiment plays a pivotal role in sustaining army personnel through high-quality food services, while also training and developing military chefs capable of performing under extreme operational conditions.
Company Background
As part of the Royal Logistic Corps, the 167 Catering Support Regiment operates as a reserve unit composed of trained chefs and logisticians. It has developed into one of the UK's most respected military culinary institutions, entrusted with field catering during exercises, large-scale deployments, ceremonial functions, and VIP service provisions.
The regiment is recognized not only for its operational capabilities but also for contributing significantly to the development of the British Army’s culinary standards, often competing in and winning military and civilian cooking competitions at national levels.
Product and Service Offerings
167 Catering Support Regiment delivers a wide range of specialist military catering services and training programs, including:
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Field Catering Operations:
- Support for domestic and overseas military exercises.
- Deployment-ready food services for large troops under mobile and austere conditions.
- Capability to serve hundreds of soldiers daily with full meals under field setups.
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Catering for Official Events:
- High-profile VIP military and royal events.
- Ceremonial functions across UK and British Army overseas postings.
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Training Programs:
- Class Three to Class One chef qualifications.
- Specialist culinary skills including advanced pastry, fish, and game preparation.
- Unit Catering Manager and Production Supervisor certifications.
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Leadership Development:
- Basic and advanced training for rank progression.
- Specialist leadership and management courses for catering operations.
Specialisation and Core USP
The regiment’s core strength lies in its ability to provide high-volume, high-quality catering under battlefield or remote conditions, supported by advanced training in logistics and food safety. Unlike traditional culinary organizations, 167 Regiment operates in both garrison and forward operating environments.
- Operational Readiness: Chefs trained to prepare nutritious meals in challenging and resource-limited environments.
- Multi-Disciplinary Expertise: Combination of culinary, logistical, and command competencies.
- Prestigious Recognition: Frequently competes in and hosts military cooking competitions such as Exercise ARMY SUSTAINER and the HRC Show culinary contests.
Financial and Operational Footprint
As a military unit, financial performance is not publicly disclosed. However, its operational footprint is substantial:
- Supports dozens of field exercises annually across the UK and NATO partner nations.
- Trains over 100 reserve chefs annually through modular and immersive programs.
- Participates in military culinary events and competitions with public visibility and inter-service representation.
The regiment’s impact is strategic—ensuring British Army units maintain operational readiness through reliable food support and elevating the culinary profession within the defense sector.
Shipment and Export Records
Not applicable, as 167 Regiment RLC does not engage in the commercial export of goods. All logistics are carried out within Ministry of Defence operational structures.
Target Market
While not a commercial entity, the regiment targets:
- Reservists seeking part-time military service in catering.
- Professional chefs looking to apply their culinary skills in a military setting.
- Young recruits and trainees entering through military apprenticeship and chef training programs.
- UK Armed Forces and NATO Allies requiring field catering services on deployment or exercises.
Capabilities
- Mass Catering: Prepare and serve meals for up to 1,000 personnel per service.
- Mobility: Deployable kitchens and field equipment for rapid setup in any environment.
- Advanced Food Safety and Hygiene Standards: Compliance with military-grade HACCP procedures.
- Instructional Expertise: In-house trainers with dual civilian and military culinary certifications.
Certifications and Compliance
- Accredited by the British Army Catering Training School and Royal Logistic Corps.
- Follows NATO food service standards and UK Ministry of Defence food hygiene protocols.
- Regularly evaluated by Army Inspectorate and RLC HQ for operational and culinary readiness.
Customer Testimonials
- “The dedication of the chefs from 167 Regiment RLC during our NATO deployment was second to none. They kept morale high with great food every day.” – Commanding Officer, British Army Exercise Unit
- “Training with the regiment taught me more about teamwork and resilience than I ever imagined possible in a kitchen.” – Chef Class Two Graduate, 2023
Major Achievements
- Multiple gold and silver medals in annual British Army Culinary Arts Competitions (2022, 2023).
- Hosted high-profile catering at Trooping the Colour and other ceremonial events.
- Featured in televised and digital culinary showcases by British Army social media and partner organizations.
- Development of bespoke Army Reserve Chef Recruitment Campaigns gaining traction across UK colleges and hospitality outlets.
167 Catering Support Regiment RLC exemplifies the fusion of military discipline with culinary craftsmanship. By training the next generation of Army chefs and supporting military personnel in the field, the regiment contributes both to national defense and the elevation of professional cookery within the UK armed forces.