Fuelling productivity - All organizations need to think differently about food service.

After all the difficult times, a new era could be ready to emerge

Every organisation will be thinking about their food service offers as the New Year starts. Food service has been proven to play a pivotal role in almost every organization, of every type all across the country.

In business, the employee today holds the position of influence and wants to feel supported. In schools, food supports health & well-being. Hospitals are looking at how to they can raise standards. Universities are looking at new solutions. Stadia are creating new offers; theatres, museums and heritage sites are seeking to create destinations for their audiences. All are looking for new ideas, new thinking, new innovation which will support how they perform and improve.

Food & Drink makes a difference. It raises productivity. It engages. It is the heartbeat to create social interaction; it makes business happen. It brings people together.

One of the calls has been for companies to be stronger once again in their business planning. Experts have noted that over recent times, real planning and investment in internal services has been seen as a cost; not for the importance of what it serves. The calls are for this to change. If companies do not want to invest more, then at least be prepared to work in stronger partnerships with their partners and to be more open-minded in how they make services work.

Food & Drink makes a difference. It raises productivity. It engages. It is the heartbeat to create social interaction; it makes business happen. It brings people together. For too long, food service has maybe not been at the fore. It should be now.

A new landscape will emerge and it could well see a shift in not just the role that food service plays. Organisations should actively possess strong strategies for how Food & Drink can support the achieving of goals. It is no coincidence that the whole discussion over “vested” models has come more to the fore. Many want stronger partnerships and less of the mistrust which did plague relationships.

Much will become clearer during the year ahead but research does suggest F&D will play a central role. It will require even more thought, understanding, insight and care. This will be a time when expert understanding of trends, new ideas and innovation will need to be considered as part of any planning.