Packed with practical tips and recipes to keep your customers coming back for more.
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F&B Trends & Insights 2026–27
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Plant-Based Food Trends 2026
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Contents Spring/Summer 2026
Women
Taking control across 17 sites: Smarter procurement in the care sector with HICA Group
WHERE IS YOUR CATERING OPERATION LOSING VALUABLE TIME?
Our eProcurement system, Pi, helps reduce manual administration 50
A look at some of the people on our European operations team doing the behind-the-scenes work to support our clients
THE NEXT CHAPTER OF PLANT-BASED FOOD
What you need to know for 2026-27
EDITORIAL AND PRODUCTION TEAM
Editor-in-Chief: Simona Hardy
Editorial Director: Emily Rodway
Assistant Editor: Dayene Moreira
Designer: Nick Goodyear
Copywriter: Peppa Sheridan
Welcome to the Spring/Summer Edition of the Avendra Edge Magazine!
I’m David Reynolds, Managing Director at Avendra International Ireland, and I’m delighted to share the latest edition of The Edge Magazine.
As we move into the new season, operators across hospitality, healthcare, and education continue to face a demanding trading environment. Rising costs, changing customer expectations, labour pressures, and the need to do more with less are all shaping day-to-day decisions.
In this edition, we look at how procurement can play a practical role in helping organisations respond, from reducing purchasing complexity and improving supplier value, to supporting fresher menus, smarter systems, and greater control over spend.
Culinary Insights & Food Trends
Paul Bloxham, Head of Culinary at Avendra International – Europe, shares the latest plant-based trends from our culinary guide, alongside wider food and beverage insights designed to inspire menu development and help teams keep their customer offering fresh, relevant, and commercially effective.
Success Stories
This issue features real examples from clients across our key sectors and regions across Europe, including Busy Bees and PREM Group in
Ireland and HICA Group and University of Birmingham in the UK.
Their stories show how organisations are using procurement more strategically - not only to manage costs, but to improve supplier performance, simplify processes, strengthen operational control, and create more time for their teams to focus on service delivery.
Smarter Operations
We also explore practical ways operators can balance quality, experience, and cost in a challenging market. From cost-saving strategies to hospitality insights on luxury personalisation and guest loyalty, this edition looks at the operational decisions that can make a measurable difference.
You’ll also find insight into how our Pi eProcurement platform is helping teams move away from manual, paper-based processes by improving visibility, simplifying ordering, and giving teams greater control over purchasing, stock, and spend.
People & Leadership
Finally, we shine a spotlight on the people driving impact across Europe, including a feature on women in procurement leadership and the teams helping shape the future of the industry.
Plus,
much more…
We hope this edition gives you useful ideas, practical insight, and inspiration to support your own organisation.
As your procurement partner, we’re here to help you get the best value from your suppliers, reduce complexity, and support your teams with the tools, insight, and expertise they need.
Please feel free to reach out to us at News_Europe@avendra.com.
Happy reading!
Streamlining procurement for Busy Bees Ireland
workable at a local level, this created inconsistencies in pricing, supplier relationships and financial visibility at a group level.
Greta Paskauskiene Health & Safety Manager
Busy Bees Ireland
Introduction
Across its 34 sites in Ireland, childcare provider Busy Bees was operating with a decentralised procurement model, where individual nurseries managed purchasing independently. While
“It felt like operating 34 individual businesses,” says Greta Paskauskiene, Health & Safety Manager for Busy Bees Ireland. “Each centre had its own approach, and there was no central overview. Our accounts team spent a lot of time managing invoices manually.”
One eProcurement system to centralise operations
To address this, Busy Bees Ireland partnered with Avendra
Client Busy Bees Ireland
Sector Childcare / Catering Procurement
Challenge Decentralised procurement across 34 sites, requiring a unified approach to pricing, supplier management and limited visibility
Solution Rollout of the Pi eProcurement system to centralise ordering, supplier management and spend tracking
Result €500,000+ projected savings, reduced admin, improved contract compliance and full visibility of purchasing spend across all nurseries
International to roll out the Pi eProcurement platform, marking a shift from manual processes to a fully centralised system.
With Pi in place, procurement is now managed through a single online platform that integrates ordering, allergen tracking, menu planning and spend visibility. This provides real-time oversight across all sites, enabling the team to monitor activity, track issues and ensure consistency from one central dashboard.
Instant commercial and operational gains
The impact has been immediate. The business is projecting savings of over €500,000 in its first year, while credit card usage has been reduced by more than half. Administrative workloads have also been significantly reduced through invoice consolidation.
“It’s a fresh start – a game changer,” Greta says.
“The Avendra International team is there when you need them, and we’re already seeing the benefits. It’s been a brilliant step forward – for me, my department, and the business overall.”
Beyond efficiency gains, the system has introduced a new level of consistency. Allergen information is now standardised and accessible across every site, supporting safer and more compliant operations.
The rollout has been supported by a hands-on partnership approach from the Avendra International team, with regular check-ins and ongoing support.
As Greta adds, “The system works, the Avendra International team is there when you need them, and we’re already seeing the benefits. It’s been a brilliant step forward –for me, my department, and the business overall.”
With Avendra International at its side, Busy Bees Ireland now has a procurement model that delivers both immediate efficiencies and a strong foundation for future growth.
https://bit.ly/BBcasestudyIE
Get in touch. If you’re interested in streamlining procurement, reducing admin and improving spend visibility, get in touch: News_Europe@avendra.com.
In 2026 and beyond, the forces reshaping what people eat and drink aren’t just culinarythey’re pharmaceutical, technological and deeply cultural.
There is a real opportunity for operators to evolve, not just by refreshing menus, but by rethinking how they feed and serve customers in ways that improve margins, strengthen competitiveness, and stay future-focused.
In our latest Culinary Guide, F&B Trends and Insights 2026-2027, I explore twelve of the most significant trends shaping food and drink today - from changing eating behaviours and functional drinks to global cuisine authenticity and data-driven waste reduction.
Here’s a snapshot of five, and the opportunities they open up for your operation.
#1 Small Plates & Sharing
The traditional three-mealsa-day model is losing ground. Customers, particularly younger audiences, are replacing structured mealtimes with flexible grazing and sharing.
Small plates, bold flavours and shareable formats are resonating strongly. The opportunity isn’t simply to divide existing dishes, but to design menus that are built for variety, discovery and social dining from the outset.
#2 The Ozempic Effect #3 Functional Drinks
GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy are reshaping how millions of people eat. Users typically eat smaller portions, prioritise protein and nutrient density, and are less drawn to ultra-processed options. European adoption is still growing, but the direction of travel is clear.
The opportunity isn’t to restrict your menu. It’s to ensure every menu has something genuinely nourishing and pleasurable for every customer - alongside the permissible indulgences that keep everyone happy.
Customers increasingly want drinks that do something - promote relaxation, sharpen focus or lift mood - without sacrificing flavour. Adaptogens, nootropics, proteins and mushroom-based ingredients are moving out of the wellness aisle and into the hands of bartenders and baristas.
Try introducing one or two functional ingredients into your drinks programme - think adaptogen-infused lattes, mushroom hot chocolates or botanical sodas with a wellness story. As always, lead with flavour first, function second.
#4 Global Cuisine Done Properly
Customers are revisiting their favourite global cuisines - like Japanese, Italian, Indian, Mexican, and Iberian - with a more critical eye. They demand authenticity and integrity, driven by ancient techniques (like fermentation and fat browning), global twists on local comfort foods, and chef secrets shared on social media.
The opportunity isn’t to widen your menu, but to go deeper. Focus on regionality, technique, and provenance to build a food narrative customers can genuinely connect with.
#5 Rethinking Food Waste
Reducing food waste is no longer just a sustainability goal - it’s a clear commercial opportunity.
Through eProcurement solutions like Avendra’s Pi system, operators can connect purchasing, ordering and usage data, helping to align supply more closely with demand and reduce over-ordering before it happens. Meanwhile, packaging and storage innovations are minimising spoilage, and unavoidable by-products are increasingly being repurposed.
Recipe Armenian Duck Quesadilla
Pipelchuma, Pomegranate & Kale Serves 4
Ingredients
250g shredded duck confit
2 sweet potatoes, chopped 1cm cubes
1 red pepper, thin strips
2 red onions, thin strips
15 ml extra virgin olive oil
15 ml paprika + 5g cumin
20g Zaatar crunch (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
4 large whole wheat tortillas or lavash flatbread
150g grated mozzarella
150g crumbled feta or goat’s cheese
50ml pomegranate molasses syrup
Kale salsa
1 avocado + 200g kale
1 lemon juiced
1 large jalapeno deseeded
15g bunch fresh coriander
Salt and pepper to taste
Pipelchuma dip
3 cloves garlic
25ml extra virgin olive oil
25ml pipelchuma or harissa paste
25ml Greek yogurt
25ml sour cream + 25ml mayo
Salt & pepper to taste
10ml lemon juice
Method
Component prep
▶ Roasted sweet potato: Toss sweet potato cubes with oil, cumin, lemon zest, and paprika; bake at 200°C for 15–20 mins, then coarsely mash with a fork.
▶ Kale salsa: Blanch kale for 2 mins, shock in ice water, and pat dry. Blend with other salsa ingredients until smooth.
▶ Pipelchuma dip: Sauté chopped garlic in oil until aromatic; whisk into the yogurt, sour cream, mayo, and pipelchuma or harissa paste.
Quesadilla assembly
1. Sauté shredded duck confit for 2-3 mins over medium heat.
2. Place a tortilla in a dry pan; on one half, layer sweet potato, duck, peppers, onions, both cheeses, za'atar, molasses, squeeze of lemon juice.
3. Fold tortilla and dry fry or griddle for 2-3 mins per side until golden and cheese is melted.
4. Serve the hot quesadillas alongside the kale salsa and pipelchuma dip.
Scan the QR code to watch our video
These five trends are just the starting point.
Explore all 12 in detail, alongside practical actions and chef-developed recipes designed to help operators turn insight into impact.
Download your full guide
Alternate link: https://bit.ly/f-and-b-2026
To explore how we can support your menu strategy, contact your account manager or email News_Europe@avendra.com
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PREM Group: Part 2
A Procurement Partnership that Delivers Beyond Savings
Paul Dempsey Chief Operating Officer PREM Group Ireland
Following on from our Autumn/ Winter edition of the Edge Magazine, where we explored how PREM Group Ireland has streamlined procurement and reduced costs through its partnership with Avendra International, the relationship continues to deliver value across digital transformation and culinary innovation.
Working closely with Chief Operating Officer Paul Dempsey and his team, Avendra supports PREM across multiple areas, from supplier management and cost control to sustainability, menu development and day-to-day operational support.
As Paul puts it, “When you’re dealing with tight margins and rising prices,
Client PREM Group Ireland
Sector Hospitality / Hotels & Serviced Apartments
Challenge Rising costs, complex supplier management and increasing pressure on operational teams to balance food and non-food procurement requirements alongside day-to-day hospitality delivery
Solution Strategic procurement partnership with Avendra International, combining hands-on account management, supplier consolidation and implementation of the Pi eProcurement platform
Result Improved cost control, reduced administrative burden, enhanced visibility across multiple sites and significant savings, including reduced system costs and more efficient purchasing processes
“When you’re dealing with tight margins and rising prices, you need a system and a team you can trust. That’s exactly what we’ve got with Avendra International.”
you need a system and a team you can trust. That’s exactly what we’ve got with Avendra International.”
Pi
eProcurement system is driving control, visibility and efficiency
A central pillar of the partnership is Pi, Avendra International’s e-procurement platform, which has become an essential tool across PREM’s operations.
Designed to simplify ordering, invoicing and supplier management, Pi enables hotel teams to manage procurement through one intuitive system. For chefs and managers, this means less time spent on admin and more time focused on delivering exceptional guest experiences.
As Paul adds: “Pi is one of the best systems I’ve worked with. It’s intuitive, efficient and it saves our chefs a massive amount of time.”
Beyond ease of use, Pi delivers meaningful financial and operational benefits. Automated invoice capture flags discrepancies, while centralised purchasing ensures consistency and control across multiple sites. The system also removes the need for costly third-party platforms, delivering significant savings on licence fees alone.
Confirms Paul, “Pi gives us the level of transparency and assurance we need when operating and managing multiple sites.”
Culinary: Supporting recipe creativity and menu innovation
Alongside digital transformation, Avendra International is playing a key role in supporting culinary innovation across the PREM portfolio.
Working closely with Avendra’s Head of Culinary, Paul Bloxham, the team is bringing fresh ideas and practical solutions to kitchens across the group. From trend-led menu development to new product sourcing, the focus is on delivering dishes that excite guests while remaining operationally viable.
One standout example has been the development of a Guinnessproofed pizza dough for The Hoban Hotel’s outdoor dining offer; a simple but distinctive concept that helped set the venue apart.
As Paul reflects, “Paul Bloxham is brilliant. He speaks the language of chefs… and brings ideas that are realistic and exciting. It’s like having a development chef in your back pocket.”
This level of support is proving invaluable across the group, with ongoing collaboration helping to refresh menus, introduce new concepts and inspire kitchen teams.
The value of a long-term procurement partnership
As the partnership continues to evolve, PREM Group Ireland is wellpositioned to build on its progress, combining digital tools, expert support and culinary innovation to drive further efficiencies and enhance the guest experience.
Get in touch. Reach out to our team to explore how Avendra International can help your organisation: News_Europe@avendra.com.
https://bit.ly/PREMcasestudyIE
KNOW:
Supporting Clients Across Europe Lara Thoenemann GET TO
With more than 15 years of experience across retail and hospitality, Lara has built her career around transforming supply chains, strengthening supplier partnerships and delivering long-term value through procurement strategy.
We spoke with Lara about her journey into supply chain
leadership, the trends shaping the industry, and the advice she would give to women looking to build a career in the field.
How would you describe your journey into supply chain leadership?
Lara: “My journey in supply chain has been shaped by a deep
“What has driven my development is a consistent focus on transformation - understanding where processes need to evolve, building the right partnerships, and implementing solutions that are both sustainable and commercially valuable.ˮ
interest in how complex networks work and how the right structures can create real, measurable value. Over the past 15 years, I’ve built my experience across procurement, category and supplier management, performance frameworks, and endto-end supply chain optimisation.
What has driven my development is a consistent focus on transformation - understanding where processes need to evolve, building the right partnerships, and implementing solutions that are both sustainable and commercially valuable.
This mindset ultimately led me to my current role leading the Supply
Chain function in Germany, where I focus on creating resilient, efficient and future-ready supply chain strategies that support both our clients and our business growth.”
What has been the most rewarding part of your career so far?
Lara: “The most rewarding part has been seeing the impact of long-term transformation -when a strategy you develop doesn’t just work on paper, but actually makes life easier for operations, strengthens supplier relationships, and creates measurable value over time.
I also find it incredibly motivating to help teams grow. Watching
colleagues gain confidence, take ownership, and succeed in their roles is something I deeply value.”
What trends in supply chain are you most excited about?
Lara: “I’m especially excited about how data transparency and digitalisation are reshaping procurement. Tools that allow us to proactively predict risks, optimise categories more precisely, and collaborate more effectively with suppliers will fundamentally change how we work.”
What advice would you give to women aspiring to leadership in this field?
Lara: “My biggest advice is: own your expertise. Supply chain is an environment where deep knowledge truly matters, and you should feel confident in the value you bring.
Second, build strong relationships - across functions, across markets,
and across teams. Collaboration is one of the most powerful leadership tools in this field.
And finally: don’t wait for the ‘perfect moment’ or the ‘perfect skill set’ before you step up. Growth happens when you stretch yourself, not when everything feels comfortable.”
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Lara: “Outside of work, I enjoy switching off through activities that help me reset - whether that’s being outdoors, travelling, or discovering new places with family and friends.
I also have a habit of turning everyday situations into small optimisation projects - whether it’s organising a pantry or planning a travel route. It seems my supply chain brain never fully switches off!”
“I’m especially excited about how data transparency and digitalisation are reshaping procurement”
Women in Procurement: Leading with Impact
Behind every well-run supply chain is a team making smart decisions under pressure, and across hospitality, healthcare and education, women are playing an important role in shaping procurement.
Learn more
Perspectives on Leadership. Simona Hardy, Nicola Davidson and Francesca Fowler share their experiences, with five themes emerging, from building confidence and capability to enabling teams to perform at their best.
Five Tips for Career Growth
1. Confidence grows through action - not perfection. Progress rarely comes from feeling fully ready. It comes from stepping forward, taking ownership, and learning in real time - supported by a team that creates space to do so.
3. Stretch opportunities build capability. Taking on unfamiliar challenges - whether projects, roles or environments - builds resilience, confidence and practical experience that cannot be gained otherwise.
5. Leadership shapes confidence and progression. Leaders who recognise potential, provide opportunities and actively support their teams play a direct role in how individuals grow and progress.
2. Mentoring and support accelerate growth. Actively seeking support - whether through mentors, peers or wider networks - can unlock faster development. Equally, offering that support strengthens capability across the team.
4. Learning is an ongoing responsibility. Strong performers stay curious. They ask questions, seek different perspectives and continue to build their knowledge to adapt to new challenges.
What They'd Tell You
“You can be a mentor at any stage - and you’ll often learn as much as you give.”
Francesca Fowler Senior HR Business Partner
Supply Chain & GPO’s Europe and LATAM
“Don’t wait to be asked - reach out. Most people are more than willing to support you, and often feel valued when you do.”
Simona Hardy Marketing Director Europe
“Your background doesn’t limit you. What matters is how you use it - and having the confidence to step forward.”
Nicola Davidson Client Services Director UK
The Common Thread
When individuals are supported to grow, and leaders actively invest in their teams, the impact goes beyond careers; it strengthens performance, collaboration and outcomes across the organisation.
5 WAYS TO USE
Luxury Personalisation TO BUILD GUEST LOYALTY
Dorien Murphy Director of Luxury Accounts
Avendra International US
Ihave spent my career working across boutique and luxury hospitality, with a particular focus on food and beverage. What has always fascinated me is how the smallest details, often the ones guests never consciously notice, are the ones they remember most.
In today’s luxury landscape, where curated experiences are everywhere and expectations are higher than ever, true
luxury isn’t about excess. It’s about ease. It’s about creating a stay that feels seamless, considered and quietly tailored to the individual.
Guests are travelling less frequently, but spending more when they do; choosing meaningful, high-quality experiences over volume. That puts loyalty and repeat stays firmly at the centre of any luxury strategy. And the key to earning that loyalty? Intentionality.
Here are five ways I see leading operators embedding that thinking into the guest experience: PRE - ARRIVAL
1
Set the Tone Before They Arrive
The experience starts long before the guest reaches reception. Prearrival communication is one of the most underused opportunities in luxury hospitality and is ideal for helping to understand intent.
For example, in the welcome email, ask for purpose of travelling, what matters to them on this trip, preferred forms of address, or whether they are celebrating something. Simple touches like this allow you to shape the experience in a way that feels natural and not staged.
When this is done well, the guest arrives feeling expected, not processed.
ARRIVAL & FIRST IMPRESSIONS
2Set the Emotional Tone
The first 30 seconds sets the tone so it’s important to get this right.
In a luxury setting, the goal is simple: remove friction. Greet guests personally, acknowledge why they are there and make check-in feel almost invisible. It’s about creating a sense of calm and confidence
from the outset: we were ready and expecting you.
One approach I’ve seen work particularly well is a simple daily team briefing focused on key arrivals, ensuring everyone understands who is arriving, what matters to them and how to deliver a consistent experience across departments.
If a guest can relax the moment they walk through the door, you’ve already done a lot of the work in building trust and loyalty.
IN-ROOM PERSONALISATION
Make it Feel Considered
The guest room is where personalisation becomes tangible. Let the room prove they were expected: a personalised key sleeve, a favourite drink already chilled, a regionally inspired keepsake for a child or milestone.
These thoughtful yet tangible moments become the stories they take home and the reason they return. Details are the new souvenirs.
Across the UK and Europe, I’m seeing more properties lean into a sense of place whether that’s locally produced food and drink, artisan products, or regionally inspired details.
These are the moments guests take home with them, along with the story of how it made them feel.
FOOD & BEVERAGE
4
Make It Feel Natural
Food and beverage is one of the most powerful tools for personalisation but it has to feel effortless.
The key is continuity. Preferences should follow the guest throughout the property. Dietary requirements, pacing, even small details like preferred drinks or portion sizes should be understood without repeated conversations.
When done well, service feels caring and intuitive rather than data-driven. The best F&B personalisation is only as good as the products behind it - which means having reliable access to the right quality ingredients and supplies, delivered consistently, so your team can focus on the guest rather than the logistics.
WELLNESS BEYOND THE SPA
Bring it into the Stay
Wellness is no longer confined to the spa, particularly in the European market, where wellbeing is increasingly seen as part of the overall travel experience.
We are seeing growing demand for in-room wellness touches: sleep-focused amenities, calming teas, curated wellness minibars, fitness or recovery tools, and small rituals that help guests unwind on their own terms.
This doesn’t replace the spa experience but complements it. In many cases, it actually encourages further engagement. When guests feel rested during their stay, they associate that feeling with where they are and that’s incredibly powerful.
We Get It, and We Can Help. The details are the difference. If you'd like to talk through how to build these moments into your guest experience, consistently and at scale, we'd love to help.
News_Europe@avendra.com.
Actionable Tips for Creating a Personalised Guest Experience
Start early
Use pre-arrival emails to understand guests’ purpose of travel and preferences.
Capture what matters
Record occasions, preferred forms of address, and personal details in your systems.
Align your team
Review notable arrivals and guest insights in daily briefings.
Address guests with intention
Use their preferred names, titles and pronouns.
Acknowledge their journey
Warmly recognise the reason for travel - celebration, business, or rest.
Perfect the arrival
Keep check-ins calm, coordinated and efficient.
Cut out and duplicate this list for distribution or recurring meetings. TIP
Add subtle touches
Personalise key packets, room amenities and welcome details.
Think beyond amenities
Tailor snacks, drinks and dietary options; offer curated in-room rituals (tea, cocktails, wellness).
Anticipate needs
Use guest history to reduce unnecessary questions.
Elevate wellness
Offer spa-curated items in-room and use thoughtful touchpoints to inspire bookings.
Reflect return visits
Build on previous stays and preferences.
Add local or family-friendly elements
Ground the experience in place and match it to the guest profile.
Taking control across 17 sites: Smarter Procurement in the Care Sector
In early 2025, HICA partnered with Avendra International to bring greater structure, visibility and efficiency to its procurement activities.
Mark Midgley Group Hospitality, Wellbeing & Procurement Manager, HICA Group
The HICA Group is a not-forprofit care provider operating 17 care and support centres across the North of England. With more than 150 suppliers spanning food, beverage, uniforms, waste, energy and more, procurement had become increasingly complex.
Mark Midgley, Group Hospitality, Wellbeing & Procurement Manager, shares, “What started as a food procurement conversation has very quickly developed into a much wider partnership.”
Pi Procurement system: Centralising control and simplifying operations
A key part of this transformation has been the rollout of Avendra’s Pi eProcurement system, designed
Client HICA Group
Sector Care Sector / Residential & Specialist Care
Challenge Managing 150+ suppliers across 17 sites, with limited visibility, high administrative burden and rising costs across multiple categories including energy
Solution Strategic partnership with Avendra International, combining food and non-food supplier consolidation, energy procurement support and implementation of the Pi eProcurement system
Result Streamlined supplier base, improved cost control and governance, and approximately £100,000 annual energy savings alongside wider operational efficiencies
to bring ordering, invoicing and supplier management into one central platform.
Mark says, “We’ve got 153 suppliers supporting our 17 centres, so our ultimate goal is to centralise ordering and invoicing through one digital platform.”
Pi is already delivering significant benefits, enabling teams to track spend, manage supplier orders and ensure compliance - all from one place.
“Pi does all of that … that level of control, cost management and forecasting in one place is a game changer.”
The system also supports menu management, allergen tracking and cost-per-serve insights, helping chefs maintain consistency and compliance across sites.
Mark adds, “Our chefs are loving the menu management module … It’s given us consistency and control.”
“Avendra understood our wider needs, stepped in and handled the whole process. The savings were significant and, more importantly, it removed a huge piece of work from my desk.”
“It’s great to continually review everything… Avendra will benchmark what suppliers are proposing and check the market on our behalf.”
Energy: Unlocking significant cost savings
Beyond core procurement, Avendra International has also supported HICA in reviewing and optimising its energy contracts, an area often overlooked but with significant cost-saving potential.
Working with specialist energy partner Radius, Avendra conducted a full review of HICA’s gas and electricity procurement, taking the organisation to market
to secure competitive fixed-rate contracts.
The result was approximately £100,000 in annual savings, alongside reduced administrative burden and improved contract visibility.
“Avendra understood our wider needs, stepped in and handled the whole process,” Mark says.
“The savings were significant and, more importantly, it removed a huge piece of work from my desk.”
A long-term procurement partnership
As the partnership develops, HICA continues to expand its use of Pi, with plans to centralise procurement across all categories, from food and uniforms to contracts and reporting.
Mark says, “It’s great to continually review everything… Avendra will benchmark what suppliers are proposing and check the market on our behalf.”
Looking ahead
By combining digital tools, expert support and strategic insight, HICA is building a procurement model that reduces complexity, improves control and frees up teams to focus on delivering high-quality care.
Mark reflects, “Our chefs are busy. They need to be able to go online, order what they need, and trust that it’s all tracked, approved and efficient. That’s where we’re heading, and Avendra is helping us get there.”
ENERGY: A smarter opportunity for savings
Energy is often one of the most overlooked areas of spend - but as HICA’s experience shows, it can also be one of the most impactful opportunities to reduce costs.
Through our partnership with Radius Energy, Avendra International supports clients in reviewing and optimising their energy contracts.
Even if you’re mid-contract, we can:
▶ Benchmark your current energy rates
▶ Identify immediate cost-saving opportunities
▶ Advise on forward pricing and improved contract terms
https://bit.ly/HICAcasestudyUK
To find out what this could mean for your organisation, speak to your Avendra International account manager or contact us at News_Europe@avendra.com.
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Where is your catering operation losing valuable time?
Jeff Watts eProcurement Solutions Manager
Our eProcurement system, Pi, helps reduce manual administration to help teams focus on providing exceptional customer experiences.
Across hospitality, education, and healthcare, catering teams are being asked to deliver more with fewer people, tighter budgets, and rising expectations. At the same time, valuable time and resource are often being absorbed by manual administration behind the scenes.
Pi, Avendra International’s eProcurement platform*, is designed to simplify and connect everyday operational processes - helping reduce administrative pressure, improve efficiency, and give teams more time to focus on delivering exceptional customer experiences.
Here are some of the areas where it can make a big difference to your operations.
*Note: Avendra's eProcurement system Pi is available across Europe, with some modules currently offered in selected markets as part of a phased rollout.
Menu Management Update Once, Apply Everywhere
Even a small menu change can create a chain of manual updates - production sheets, purchasing lists, allergen information, printed menus, and internal communications all need to be amended individually.
Pi’s Menu Management tool centralises this process, allowing a single update to flow automatically through recipe ordering, purchasing, allergen data, and reporting.
For multi-site operations in education, healthcare, and hospitality, the efficiency gains can be substantial, helping teams maintain consistency across locations while removing duplicated effort and version control issues.
Stock Checking Moving Beyond Paper and Spreadsheets
Paper stock checks and manually maintained spreadsheets are still widely used across many catering operations, despite the time they consume and the risk of inconsistency.
Pi supports a more structured stock management process. Once a stock count is completed, the system generates an accurate stock valuation, while automatically allocating values at nominal code level. This removes the need for manual calculation and reduces the administrative burden of post-count reconciliation.
The result is clearer financial visibility and more reliable stock control information, helping teams understand true stock value and performance without additional manual processing.
Invoice Processing
From Hundreds to One
One of the biggest hidden drains on resource is invoice management. Processing hundreds of supplier invoices each month by manually entering data, reconciling discrepancies, and chasing errors is time-consuming and prone to mistakes.
With Pi, supplier invoices are consolidated into a single online statement, which reduces manual administration and improves visibility across procurement and finance teams.
More Time for What Matters
Individually, each improvement saves time. Collectively, they can transform how a catering operation runs.
By automating repetitive administrative tasks, Pi allows teams to refocus their time on food quality, customer experience, and operational excellence - the areas that truly make a difference.
Get in Touch.
To find out how Pi could support your operation, get in touch with the Avendra International team today: News_Europe@avendra.com
IRELAND’S NUMBER 1 DAIRY BRAND
With over 55 years of experience, Curley’s Quality Foods is a trusted, family-run business supplying Ireland’s hotels, hospitals, restaurants, and businesses with the freshest, highest-quality produce.
Known for its commitment to excellence, Curley's is not just about delivering products, but about up holding a promise of quality, freshness, and exceptional service.
Curley’s works closely with both local farmers and trusted global growers and suppliers to bring you the nest fruits, vegetables, and artisan products. By sourcing locally whenever possible, Curley’s supports Irish growers while also ensuring reliable supply of premium-quality produce year-round.
Whether you’re looking for staple vegetables or speciality items, or culinary creators Curley’s guarantees that everything is fresh and ready to meet your business needs.
Unmatched Quality:
Every product at Curley's is handpicked with care to ensure the freshest, highest-quality produce reaches your business.
Exper ienced Team:
Local & Sustainable:
Supporting local farmers and promoting sustainable practices is at the heart of Curley's mission, allowing your business to source locally and responsibly.
Family Values:
With over 100 dedicated sta members—many of long-term customer relationships, o ering personalised
with exceptional experience in foodservice Curley's delivers unparalleled service and expertise.
As a family-run business, Curley's prioritises building service and tailored solutions to help your business thrive.
To learn more about how Curley's can meet your business needs, contact us at:
Supporting Clients Across Europe
Meet the Operations Team
Julia Hemsley Head of Operations Avendra International Europe
As a hospitality or foodservice operator, your focus is on delivering great experiences for your customers. Managing procurement, chasing supplier invoices, training staff on new systems and keeping data accurate - that's where the Avendra team come in.
We see ourselves as an extension of your team, a proactive partner
working every day to reduce costs, resolve issues and free up your time for what matters most.
Here's a look at some of the people on our European operations team doing the behind-the-scenes work to support our clients.
* Avendra's eProcurement system Pi is available across Europe, with some modules currently offered in selected markets as part of a phased rollout.
P i SUPPORT *
Ellis Carlin
Client Operations Manager
What does day-to-day Pi system support look like?
Day to day, Pi support is focused on helping clients, suppliers and internal teams keep everything running smoothly. That includes system support, training, and resolving a wide range of operational queries to ensure a consistent and reliable service.
Can you share a recent example where Pi support made a real difference for a client?
A recent example involved a healthcare client who regularly uses one of our Intelligence reports. Over time, they identified opportunities to improve how the report functioned for their internal processes and shared detailed feedback with us.
We worked closely with them to gather requirements and collaborate with our system development team
on enhancements. Once implemented, the updated report allowed the client to improve the accuracy of their internal reporting and use the system more effectively across their organisation. It’s a strong example of how client feedback directly shapes the evolution of Pi.
How do you ensure training delivers real value for clients?
Training is designed to be consistent, structured and easy to engage with, ensuring clients feel confident using the system from day one.
What’s one Pi feature clients may be underusing?
There are a lot of powerful features within Pi that clients don’t always realise the full value of, and it often depends on how they operate day to day.
One example is the Food Checker feature available within the menu management module, which allows operators to generate a simple URL or QR code that provides consumers with allergen and nutritional information. This helps customers make informed choices quickly and easily, while supporting compliance and transparency across the operation. For many clients, this can be a really practical way to enhance the customer experience.
ANALYTICS & PROCUREMENT SUPPORT
Darya Goodfellow
Analytics & Billing Operations Manager
What does day-to-day procurement support look like?
We're working in the background to make sure orders, pricing and supplier performance are all where they should be. You have someone who knows your operation, understands your pressures and is there to take problems off your plate before they escalate.
Why does benchmarking matter to operators?
It's about making sure your contracts deliver the value they promised. We track supplier performance and flag where things are being met, exceeded or underperforming - giving you
clear evidence to stay in control and make confident commercial decisions, rather than relying on assumptions.
What might clients not realise you can help with beyond contracts?
There's a lot of value to be found beyond the initial contract. We continuously monitor performance and identify opportunities - whether that's cost reductions, product alternatives or supplier consolidation. It's about making sure your agreements keep working hard for you over time, not just at the point of signing.
Can you share a recent example of impact?
We identified a number of pricing lines for a client where increases had been applied that weren't supported by wider market trends. We pulled together all the evidence and shared it with their Avendra Procurement Manager, who was able to use it to have a direct conversation with the supplier. Those prices were reviewed and reduced - a tangible saving, and a good example of what active contract management can deliver.
We're working in the background to make sure orders, pricing and supplier performance are all where they should be.
EBILLING *
Lisa Dow
eBilling Coordinator
What does your day-to-day work involve?
Day-to-day, we're processing and validating supplier invoices and managing queries from clients, suppliers and colleagues. Getting this right gives clients confidence that what they're being charged is correct and that suppliers are being paid accurately and on time - running smoothly in the background, so they don't have to think about it.
Why should operators move away from manual billing?
It's time-consuming, and it's easy for things to get missed when you're dealing with multiple suppliers and invoices. eBilling brings everything into one place, applies consistency and catches issues early. It's not just about saving time - it's about having better visibility and control over your spend.
What difference has it made in practice?
One client was dealing with a high volume of invoice queries and spending considerable time going back and forth with suppliers. By using Pi eBilling, we help the client to standardise their process, identify recurring issues and resolve them at source. The number of queries dropped significantly and, importantly, the client team got that time back to focus on running their operation.
We're Here When You Need Us.
What you've read here is just a snapshot. Across Europe, our Avenda operations team is working every day, across time zones, markets and languages, to make sure your operation runs smoothly, your costs are controlled, and you and your team have the time to focus on delighting your customers!
Think of us as the team behind your team.
If you want to understand more about what we can do for your operation, we'd love to hear from you: News_Europe@avendra.com
Not
long ago, plant-based menus were defined by what they removed. Today, they’re defined by what they addflavour, creativity, comfort, and choice.
Paul Bloxham Head of Culinary Avendra International Europe
Across the kitchens and teams I work with throughout the UK, Ireland, and Continental Europe, plant-based eating has quietly shifted from niche to normal.
Vegan, vegetarian, flexitarian, and reducetarian diets are no longer separate lanes, they’re blending into a shared appetite for food that feels good and tastes great.
The plantbased shift
This shift to plant-based eating is also reflected in the numbers. The global plant-based food market was valued at USD 14.2bn in 2025 and is forecast to reach USD 44.2bn by 2035, growing at around 12% a year. But what matters most isn’t the growth itself - it’s how operators and chefs respond to it in practical, creative ways.
Plant-based food today isn’t just about replacing meatit’s about reimagining what’s possible on the plate. Chefs, catering teams and foodservice operators are putting vegetables, grains, pulses, sea ingredients, and fermentation at the centre of menus, creating dishes that are flavourful, visually exciting, and genuinely craveable.
That thinking sits behind our Culinary Guide: Plant-Based Food Trends 2026. The full guide explores ten trends in depth - and here’s a glimpse at five of these shifts we’re seeing take hold across Europe.
#1 Crafting tradition #2 Comfort re-loaded
There’s a renewed appreciation for traditional cuisines, particularly Mediterranean cooking, where vegetables have always played a central role.
Regional ingredients, small plates, and historic recipes are being reinterpreted with modern techniques, proving that plantforward food doesn’t need to feel new to feel exciting.
Comfort food is also making a return - but with a clear evolution.
Familiar dishes are being elevated through premium ingredients, global influences, and thoughtful plant-based creativity. The result is food that feels indulgent and reassuring, while still aligning with today’s expectations around health and sustainability.
#3 Wellness beyond protein #4 Sustainability as standard practice
Wellness continues to influence menu development, though the focus has widened beyond protein alone.
Fibre, gut health, mental wellbeing, and balanced nutrition are increasingly shaping plantforward menus. Functional mushrooms, fermented foods, adaptogens, and sea vegetables are moving from niche applications into everyday dishes.
Sustainability now underpins many menu and procurement decisions.
Root-to-stem cooking, waste reduction, and regenerative sourcing are no longer seen as optional. They’re practical responses to cost pressures, supply challenges, and the growing expectation for transparency across the food chain.
#5 Technology shaping what comes next
Alongside these shifts, technology, particularly AI, is quietly influencing how plantbased food develops.
From recipe innovation to personalised nutrition and faster product development, it’s helping chefs and brands reduce trial-and-error and move more confidently from concept to plate.
Recipe Shanghai Hot & Sour Claypot
with Sticky Jasmin Rice & Holy Basil
Ingredients
500g smoked tofu
Ⓥ Vegan
3 large aubergines, 2cm cubes
3 large courgettes, 2cm cubes
400g large chestnut mushrooms, thickly sliced
2 onions, thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, crushed
100g piece root ginger, grated
50ml sunflower oil
150g red Thai curry paste Ⓥ
3 limes, juice and zest
100ml hoi sin paste
75g brown sugar
100ml ketchup Manis soy sauce
100ml black bean sauce
1 bunch fresh Thai basil leaf
1 bunch green onions, shredded
1kg cooked jasmin or glutenous rice to serve
Method
1. Heat oil in wok or large frying pan, add onion, garlic ginger, cook for 1 minute.
2. Stir in curry paste, cook for 1 minute.
3. Add tofu, aubergine, courgette and mushrooms, cook until lightly golden.
4. Add lime juice, hoi sin paste, soy and black bean sauces and 750ml water, bring to boil.
5. Simmer until the Courgette, tofu, aubergine and mushroom is tender and sauce reduced in consistency, thick and syrupy.
6. Stir in half the basil, place in a bowl alongside some steamed rice.
7. Zest the lime over the hotpot and remaining basil leaves and green onions, then serve.
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your full guide