Location and events catering company Moveable Feasts is increasing its presence in the South Island with the acquisition of part of Continental Catering Group.
Established 35 years ago, Moveable Feasts has purchased, for an undisclosed sum, the event catering arm of Continental Catering Group.
Sarah Robinson, director of Moveable Feasts, said their company and Continental Catering had been rivals over the years. Both had mutual respect for each other competing in a specialised sector to the extent they formed a joint venture for a one-off event.
Sarah Robinson, director of Moveable Feasts.
“We worked together during the Golden Oldies festival in Christchurch last year and it was out of this that we started to discuss a possible acquisition which will give us greater strength and depth throughout the South Island,” she said.
Moveable Feasts will now take over large events such as the Heineken Urban Polo, South Island Fielddays, and renew their previous association with the Canterbury A+P Show.
“These large events such as the fielddays, where 30,000 people visit over the three days, will just be a part of our business. We also have contracts at the Transitional Cathedral and Christchurch Art Gallery.
“Weddings are also a strength and we will do up to 150 in a season. Some weeks we will cater for eight weddings on the one day, having done six the day before,” she said.
Moveable Feasts employs 20 fulltime staff and up to 120 casual staff at busy times. David Cartwright acquired the Continental Catering Group from the Ward family in June last year and was taking this opportunity to streamline the Rangiora-based business.
“Having worked with Moveable Feasts at the Golden Oldies tournament it just made sense to have one strong player in the market delivering a greater depth of services.
“This move will allow us to focus on our Mona Vale Homestead, Christchurch Tramway Restaurant and Percival Street Rangiora Bakery operations.
“At this stage, we expect staff numbers will not be affected although our key salesperson in the events area will be joining the Moveable Feasts team,” he said.
