Hotel Guide_Foodbuy 2025 by Foodbuy

HOTEL

BUYER GUIDE

Offering a curated selection of products and services that offer solutions from the room to the table while maximizing your savings and rebates.

We're more than just food

As North America’s leading group purchasing organization for food and foodservice, Foodbuy offers the best portfolio of solutions and savings opportunities with a vast array of contracted partners

Furniture/ appliances

Davryl: Furniture, artwork, TV’s

Garland Commercial Ranges: Foodservice equipment

Heritage: Kitchen equipment repair and installation

United Trimen: Patio furniture, heaters, commercial equipment, refrigeration

Banquet Foodservicerooms/

Canadian Linen: Linens, napkins, tablecloths, floor mats

Chef Works: Uniforms, embroidery

United Trimen: Glassware, dinnerware, bar carts, kitchen equipment

Pico: Candle lamps, fuel

Cleaning

Waste Solutions: Waste disposal, recycling

Citron Hygiene: Washroom sanitation

3M: Sanitization and cleaning products, scrubbers, grill cleaners

Diversey: Chemical products for both back and front of house

Abell: Pest control service

Imperial Dade: Janitorial equipment and cleaning supplies

Contact your Foodbuy Account Manager for more information. info@foodbuy.ca foodbuy.ca

Daily Operations

Staff Shop: Staffing

Touch Bistro: POS systems

Perativ: ATMs

Chase Payments: Payment solutions

Grand & Toy: Office supplies

Ricoh: Photocopiers/fax machines

Grainger: Mops, buckets, light bulbs, maintenance equipment

HD Supply: Maintenance, repair and operations products

Welcome!

Welcome to the Foodbuy Hotel Buyer Guide

At Foodbuy, we recognize that hotels operate in a dynamic, highly competitive environment where quality, efficiency, and value are essential. That’s why this Hotel Buyer Guide has been carefully curated to meet the unique needs of the hospitality sector — helping you access the right products, services, and suppliers to elevate your guest experience while managing costs.

In addition to our extensive food and beverage solutions, this guide showcases a wide range of non-food and professional service providers. From equipment and maintenance services to operational supplies and technology partners, we are proud to offer trusted solutions that support every aspect of your business.

Behind every purchasing program in this guide is Foodbuy’s commitment to delivering value. Our procurement experts leverage deep category expertise, powerful vendor relationships, and the combined purchasing power of thousands of members to help mitigate rising costs. We help you get the most out of every dollar you spend — so you can focus on what matters most: your guests.

If you have any questions about the 40,000+ contracted products and services available through Foodbuy, or want help maximizing your purchasing power, we’re here to help. Contact your Foodbuy account manager for more information.

Troy Taylor

Vice President Account Management, Foodbuy

Head office: 1 Prologis Blvd., Ste. 400, Mississauga, ON, L5W 0G2

Foodbuy retains the right to amend or negate any portion or part of this informative should there be an error or omission and re-publish the correct listing, rebate, article etc. in a future informative without liability. Published July, 2025

GET TO KNOW US

We are North America’s largest group Purchasing Organization (GPO)

Our goal at Foodbuy is to help your business maximize profits and streamline your procurement processes.

Your free membership with Foodbuy guarantees you the best prices and rebates possible on food, nonfood items, and services.

We offer maximum purchasing flexibility through our partnerships with over 600 leading manufacturers and distributors, providing your business custom solutions.

We can simplify your procurement journey.

• Unmatched savings and rebates from nationally recognized vendors

• Improve business performance with expert culinary and operational consulting services

• Simplify and save time with our dynamic, ondemand reporting systems

• Sustainable, local and regional procurement programs

OUR PORTFOLIO YOUR ADVANTAGE

Vast and flexible food and non-food rebate programs

Data-driven decision-making

Facilities maintenance, cleaning and sanitation supplies

Small wares, disposables, and appliances

Uniforms, linens, and textiles

Furniture, fixtures, and equipment

Professional services solutions

Monthly rebate cheques

Detailed on-demand reporting tools

Specialized account management and 24 hr portal access

Direct supplier resources

Additional savings from optimizations

Operational and culinary expertise

SUSTAINABILITY

Globally, Compass group, the parent company of Foodbuy, is on a mission called “Planet Promise” to make a meaningful, positive, environmental impact through our business.

We continue to focus on and make progress on our top four priority areas:

• Responsible sourcing

• Packaging

• Food waste reduction

• Plant forward meals

We are committed to reach our goal of Net Zero greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions across our global operations by 2050.

We have to Work Together INSIGHTS

Foodbuy had the opportunity to check in with Tony Elenis, President & CEO of the Ontario Hotel Restaurant and Motel Association (ORHMA) for his views on the sector, where he discussed the tariff situation and the impacts and opportunities that lay ahead.

Tony Elenis, President & CEO of the Ontario Hotel Restaurant and Motel Association (ORHMA)

Tony felt that when you look back at the COVID-19 pandemic, people were together and that is not the case today. There are camps debating against each other and even hate coming through which is unfortunate. “I feel we just must narrow it down and do the best we can in our own world, from government to businesses to individuals. There's going to be a lot of concern, but we must stand firm and deal with the factual issues and not the ‘noise’. History proves the consequences of division are much worse.”

Elenis outlined what he feels needs to happen next.

“First, we need to stay united, and all governments need to come together and leave their egos behind. This is starting to happen throughout Canada and throughout the province of Ontario. We need to quickly lift interprovincial trade barriers, which should have been done decades ago. Second is speed. Speed is of the essence. And governments are not good at speed. This is not a committee-to-committee thing.

Elenis mentioned the need to get rid of the

governmental red tape. He saw this as a real opportunity, “Corporations and supply chains can adapt quickly when forced and if the red tape is removed. This could help the whole Canadian economy going forward. We saw this through COVID. The reaction time to meet the needs of the time was swift. We can do the same this time around.”

The other opportunity was on the processing side, “we are rich in raw materials, but we send them somewhere for finishing. And this is across multiple sectors We buy it back at a higher price.

That all needs to be dealt with short term and long term.”

From a hotel sector level, Elenis pointed out the need for our partnership to remain strong with the U.S. “There are more Canadians crossing the border than Americans coming here. If we just turn that around a bit, we will be better off. The anti-American thing I get right now, but we must be very mindful of the longer term. Governments change, animosity may not.”

One thing Elenis noted is that what we are missing is data. “We need to think about the bigger picture. Every time we buy something from Walmart the U.S. makes money, or go to Home Depot, if we buy U.S. foods, a Taylor Swift download, etc… It goes on and on… Then, let’s see where the deficit numbers land.”

One of the key policy positions being floated by ORHMA is the ask for the provincial government to bring back the “staycation” credits that supported the industry through the pandemic. Stay in a hotel and consumers can submit for an income tax type rebate. “Canadians do not want to support the U.S. right now, so let’s help encourage them to stay in Canada.”

One of the key policy positions being floated by ORHMA is the ask for the provincial government to bring back the “staycation” credits

The evolution of GPOs

Group Purchasing Organizations and the benefits to hospitality operators

Group Purchasing Organizations (GPOs) have evolved from simple cost-saving entities into indispensable partners for operators in the hospitality industry. Initially created to leverage collective buying power for improved purchasing contracts, GPOs such as Foodbuy, now streamline operators’ purchasing processes, improve efficiency, and reduce costs.

In the 1970s, GPOs primarily served the healthcare sector, helping hospitals save on procurement costs by pooling purchasing power. This model enabled smaller buyers to access bulk discounts traditionally reserved for larger organizations. Over time, the success of GPOs led to their adoption in other industries, including hospitality.

As costs for linens, food supplies, cleaning products, and technology rose, hospitality operators turned to GPOs for relief. Group Purchasing Organizations emerged that cater specifically to the needs of the hospitality industry, offering a comprehensive range of food and beverage purchasing programs. The GPO industry is evolving once again to further extend purchasing contracts beyond food and beverage into operational technology, furniture, specialized supplies and equipment, and professional service providers (such as restaurant consulting services, insurance, elevator maintenance etc). Foodbuy is the industry leader offering contracts on essential resources for nearly every aspect of a hospitality operator’s business.

GPO Membership Benefits to Hospitality Operators

Cost Savings

GPOs provide significant cost savings by negotiating favourable terms with suppliers. Hospitality operators can reduce expenses on food, beverages, cleaning supplies, linens, equipment and guest amenities without sacrificing quality, brand name partnerships or convenience. In a competitive marketplace, these savings help maintain healthy profit margins.

Time Efficiency

By streamlining procurement, GPOs save operators the time spent researching and sourcing suppliers, negotiating contracts and ensuring

accurate invoicing and rebates. Sophisticated digital tools track every purchase an operator makes, reducing in-house administrative tasks, providing purchasing transparency and allowing operators to prioritize operational excellence and guest satisfaction.

Broad Supplier Network

GPOs connect operators with a diverse range of suppliers, to meet the diverse needs of their business. Exclusive deals enhance the value of a GPO membership. Careful consideration should go into your selected GPO partner to ensure they offer the breadth and depth of supplier partners that you’re looking for.

Operational Efficiency

Modern GPOs provide data analytics to provide transparency into your operation’s specific purchasing as well as insight into spending trends. These insights help you to improve profitability and operational standards. Some GPOs, such as Foodbuy, offer consultation and culinary services to further optimize your procurement program.

Strong Vendor Relationships

GPOs leverage established supplier relationships to secure favourable contract terms, including cost-savings and priority service. During peak seasons, when volumes are low, or when there are disruptions in the supply chain, these relationships ensure availability and consistent quality, supporting seamless operations.

The Role of Foodbuy

As North America’s leading GPO, Foodbuy exemplifies the benefits of GPO partnerships in the hospitality sector. With expertise in procurement, Foodbuy helps operators save time and costs, and gain purchasing transparency by leveraging Foodbuy’s extensive vendor contracts, supplier relationships and digital tools.

SUPPLIERS MEMBERS

•

• Over 10,000 Products, In Stock and Ready to Ship

• Next-Day Shipping in All Major Markets

• 24/7 Online Ordering

Key strategies

for managing costs and meeting guest expectations in 2025

There is no question that we are facing an uncertain year ahead and the hospitality sector is adjusting to the new realities. In a recent podcast that I participated in with Tony Elenis, president of ORHMA, I was asked what to expect in 2025. The phrase I used then was, “2025 is going to be a bumpy ride.” I don’t see anything to change that opinion. With Prime Minister Trudeau now stepping aside, this has provided some with the renewed optimism that comes with change. Then again, what is in store via “the Trump effect?”

With the economy projected to continue with lower growth and higher rates, this directly affects consumers’ disposable income and businesses' operating costs. This softness will apply pressure on both the supply and demand sides of the equation.

What does this mean for the hotel sector?

If the Bank of Canada remains stubborn on rates, the result will be slower investment in new builds, expansions and renovations as projects face higher financing costs. International investors may also pause before committing to Canada. This could put pressure on the supply side, where Canada is already behind pace in keeping up with room demands. I have had the chance to speak with most of the provincial hotel association leaders and they all indicated more rooms are needed, right across the board.

The optimist in me would point to a recent Financial Post article by real estate reporter, Shantaé Campbell, where she writes: "Marriott International Inc. has dozens of new hotels in its Canadian pipeline, while Hyatt Hotels Corp. is set to more than double its footprint with 23 new locations by the end of 2026." This is good news. We know the pandemic paused many new builds and major renovations, meaning the efforts to catch up are ongoing.

Hotels usually set aside reserve funds for investments on five to seven-year cycles. Higher borrowing costs are forcing some operators to conduct renovations on a piecemeal basis. The challenge with that is being able to deliver a consistent guest experience, plus it is not necessarily cost-effective.

Inflation will continue to cause issues with energy prices and labour costs, and we can expect supply chain disruptions. To compound this, hotels are facing price sensitivity from travelers. While demand in some areas is returning, hotels may need to increase rates to offset rising costs. However, they must balance rates against price-sensitive consumers.

RBC's latest Consumer Tracking Report reveals that: “Canadian consumers are tapped out." And that recent retail spending is "nothing short of abysmal." These consumer cutbacks are also being felt hard across the restaurant sector and ultimately this will impact hotel F&B operations.

Additionally, most hotels have already adjusted their rates, capitalizing on the post-pandemic splurge and to better reflect comparable pricing to similar North American markets. If you have traveled recently, you will

have likely experienced sticker shock. This means that pulling the price lever in 2025 will become a little more difficult.

Four Key Drivers in 2025

The Continued resurgence of domestic travel

Domestic travel has been a lifeline for the sector due to lingering uncertainties from international travelers, compounded with higher airfare prices. Hotels can adapt by offering experiences tailored to regional tastes and promoting destinations that are less dependent on international travelers. Hotels should develop packages that highlight unique experiences and draw attention to local attractions to encourage weekend stays.

Give me an “experience”

Guests are also increasingly seeking authentic travel “experiences” that allow them to connect with local culture and communities. Hotels that collaborate with local artisans, guides, and chefs offering immersive experiences and activities such as cooking classes, cultural tours, and local art displays will be ahead of the curve.

Increased focus on sustainability and health

Leaving the whole Carbon Tax issue aside, travelers are increasingly prioritizing eco-friendly accommodation. Hotels will need to continue to invest in greener technologies and services to meet the needs of eco-conscious travelers.

The planet’s health goes hand in hand with our personal health. Hotels that focus on mental, physical, and emotional well-being will lead the pack. Wellness amenities including yoga studios, spa services, nutritious dining options, sleep-focused rooms, and even mindfulness programs are all on the rise. The emphasis should be on creating a “holistic wellness environment” that supports the planet and guests' health during their stay.

The Rise of bleisure travel

Working remotely and working-from-home is here to stay. This allows consumers to take advantage of flexible work schedules to explore new destinations. Hotels need to adapt by combining business amenities like high-speed internet and smaller meeting rooms with leisure activities such as local tours or wellness offerings. This is now about embracing the new reality of hybrid leisure travel.

How can hotels brace for tougher times ahead?

Increasing operational efficiency will be critical as hotels deal with rising costs. Investment in technology, such as energy-efficient HVAC systems, automated check-ins, and AI-powered booking platforms, can help reduce overhead costs while improving guest satisfaction.

Additionally, streamlining staffing and training employees to handle multiple roles can help mitigate labour shortages. At Foodbuy, we are helping operators look across the whole supply chain for optimization opportunities to drive cost savings. Operators should look to leverage purchasing expertise to keep costs in check and to be abreast of the multitude of new products hitting the marketplace.

Personalization is coming at us from everywhere and will be a tool for boosting guest loyalty. Offering things like contactless check-in, in-room smart controls, and tailored guest services can enhance the guest experience.

If you haven’t dealt with an AI concierge yet, you will soon. AI companies have created life-like bots to respond with highly tailored answers to specific guest inquiries about the hotel or surrounding area/activities. They also incorporate guestrelated information like reservation status, loyalty memberships, booking sources, etc. A new age is dawning!

“Technology may be influencing every aspect of everyday life, but it’s not a replacement for personal service and human-level hospitality. Hotels have to approach every investment and enhancement by examining what excites their guests, what inspires their employees, and ultimately, what will drive revenue for their business”.

– “Hospitality in 2025: AUTOMATED, INTELLIGENT… AND MORE PERSONAL” report from Skift & Oracle Hospitality.

While 2025 will pose significant challenges, there are opportunities for hotels that are agile, innovative, and responsive to these market dynamics. By keeping an eye on these trends combined with strategic investments, the hotel sector can successfully navigate the tough times ahead and emerge stronger through 2025 and beyond.

Troy Taylor, Vice President Account Management, Foodbuy Canada

From peak to pause

Hotels are navigating a shifting market

Foodbuy looked to gain insights on the hotel sector by reaching out to Nicole Nguyen, Senior Vice President, of CBRE. We asked Nicole for her views on the current state of the nation and for a glimpse of what to watch for through the trade wars.

“From my end, I feel we were going into this year with low expectations, basically muted growth. The industry is currently running at peak occupancy at approximately 65-66% so there's not a lot of upside on the occupancy end. That's really a function of capacity issues and because of the winter season. 2025 was not expected to be a home run year. We were not starting from a positive position of +6-7% growth. So, any downgrade is going to take us either to 0% growth or to a negative position.

We have moved from a ‘steady as she goes’, solid year, nothing crazy, to worrying that we don't have a buffer for what is potentially going to happen.”

Nguyen feels the industry is at, or near, peak RevPar levels as well. The key issue has been inflationary cost drivers - operating costs, labour, insurance, property taxes, utilities - all have been going up. Operators have been able to protect their bottom lines from a profit perspective however, a drop in income is certainly going to hit the bottom line. As Nguyen states, “The top line impact is one thing, but the impacts on the bottom line, because of operating costs - especially fixed operating costs such as utilities, insurance and property taxes aren't going down,which doesn’t leave operators with a lot of wiggle room and profit margins are tight. That growth has been swallowed up as it moves its way through operators’ P&Ls. All this was factored into 2025, until the tariff issue emerged.”

We know Canadians are rallying to support Canadian tourism and the industry. Nguyen

points out three key concerns; “The problem is, that's all well and good until your retirement savings account crashes, or until you feel like you can't put food on the table. At the end of the day, you can only stretch so far and travel and entertainment spending are discretionary.”

The second issue is how heavily tied we are to the US from a business relationship perspective. Companies will cut back on travel and entertainment when the tariff issue causes uncertainty. They are starting already and none of this is a good thing.”

The third issue is the mid to longer term impact. “Even if the tariff is short lived and we resolve this, the level of uncertainty that has been introduced into the markets will persist. People will still be cautious about spending their money.”

Over the recent four years, hotel rates have gone up as much as 35% and at some point, you are starting to get some push back. After COVID-19 people took to the road with pricier trips and maybe spent more money than they would have normally. That bubble has burst, and the money's been spent. “I feel that our collective financial pictures are getting tighter and maybe it's not two trips this year but just one. Maybe we will stay at grandma's house when we go somewhere instead of a hotel. That will have a ripple effect throughout the sector.”

Lastly the tariff uncertainty and inflation costs will slow down new builds. “Between 2020 and 2024, we only saw about 2 and 1/2-years’ worth of supply being built, which is about 55% of what we would have expected. Now the problem is material costs are way up along with interest rates. Development proforma will tip back towards being not feasible and that quickly dries up activity.”

The concern is the level of optimism developers and operators have about running their business and what operational costs are going to be. That potential weakening of the economy will linger long past a trade resolution. Operators will need to squeeze to hit targets for 2025 with tariffs impacting costs. However, for the mid-to-longer term, much will be put in a holding pattern until the political situation sorts itself out.

Operators will need to squeeze to hit targets for 2025 with tariffs impacting costs.

Nicole Nguyen, Senior Vice President, CBRE Canada

Water supply coverage

NAYA

Water –NEW SUPPLIER

• Can service all of Canada however not cost effective to service Western provinces

• Main product: 24x600mL

FLOW

Enhanced Water - National

• Available nationally

• Will continue - business as isfor regions currently serviced in Canada via Sysco

• Sustainability Required Covered (Cartons from recycled content)

BLUE TRITON

Water & Enhanced Water

• Available in Western Provinces (BC, AB, SK & MB)

• ON facility shut down Jan. 2025

• Brands:

For product availability and best products for cost and revenue savings, reach out to your Foodbuy account manager or email us at info@foodbuy.ca

STUDY

Improving corporate compliance and driving savings through strategic partnership with Foodbuy

THE CHALLENGE

The client, a geographically remote and seasonal property, faced challenges in meeting corporate compliance standards. While other properties in their portfolio were achieving a purchasing compliance rate that was twice as high as this location. Given the unique operating conditions and challenges due to their remote location, the goal was to increase compliance by 20% while continuing to maintain high-quality standards. This remote location made it difficult to access products, impacting their ability to achieve compliance targets. Being a seasonal business, the pressure was on Foodbuy to improve performance quickly and effectively before the season began.

THE SOLUTION

To tackle the challenge, Foodbuy Canada assembled a team of experts across multiple departments, including category managers, culinary experts, and Foodbuy’s Centre of Excellence financial analysts. The team’s approach focused on optimizing purchasing practices while ensuring that product recommendations would align with both operational requirements and corporate standards.

A detailed plan was developed to increase compliance rates through the following steps:

• Collaborative Approach: To understand the unique challenges of the client’s location, such as remote access and logistical constraints, the Foodbuy team worked closely with the client’s culinary team. This collaboration ensured that proposed solutions met the required quality standards and logistical needs.

• Opportunity Identification: The team identified a list of 100 potential opportunities for improvement in purchasing compliance, narrowing it down to 60 key recommendations. Each opportunity was evaluated for its potential impact on the client’s operations, focusing on quality, logistical feasibility, and costeffectiveness.

• Product Testing and Evaluation: The team focused on 60 high-potential products that met the requirements of both the client and corporate standards. These products underwent rigorous testing, during which the culinary team assessed them based on texture, appearance, colour, and other critical factors. The product

evaluation process was conducted blindly, with manufacturers kept anonymous to ensure objective feedback.

• Final Recommendations: After a thorough evaluation process, the client verbally approved 24 items. Foodbuy conducted a financial assessment of the approved product list, which formed the basis of the final procurement strategy.

• Ongoing Monitoring: To ensure long term success, biweekly procurement calls were implemented to track the execution of the newly implemented product selections throughout the season.

THE RESULTS

The collaboration between Foodbuy Canada and the client led to significant improvements in purchasing compliance and cost savings:

Purchasing program compliance rates up 20% Cost savings $200,000

• Purchasing Program Compliance Improvement: Compliance rates improved by the targeted 20%, demonstrating a significant improvement in a short period of time.

• Cost Savings: The optimized procurement strategy enabled the client to achieve approximately $200K in savings over the course of the season, creating more room in their budget.

• Tailored Solutions: Foodbuy worked with key suppliers to implement specific purchasing programs and onboarded new suppliers to support the client’s menu requirements and market needs.

This highly coordinated project demonstrated Foodbuy’s ability to provide tailored, actionable solutions that met the unique needs of a member despite a remote location and seasonal business cycles. The client benefited from Foodbuy’s hands-on approach, as close collaboration resulted in products and processes that aligned with their operational goals and corporate expectations.

Who ya gonna call?

Encountering challenges is an inherent part of any business operation. Whether it’s navigating through obstacles or finding information, the need for assistance often arises. However, the quest for help can also test one’s patience. Your first step in tackling any problem is contacting the right person. To streamline this process we’ve created this handy trouble-shooting list:

CALL FOODBUY IF...

• You need purchasing reports

• You have questions about your purchasing

• You want to know how switching products or suppliers will impact your business

• You need something sourced

• You want to know if you’re capturing Foodbuy savings and rebates with Direct Store Delivery (DSD) suppliers

• You want to save more money on non-food items and service purchases

• You want to know if your current purchasing is maximizing your savings and rebates

CALL YOUR DISTRIBUTOR IF...

• You received damaged, expired or otherwise unusable products

• You have questions about your deliveries

• You need to place a special order

• You need an ETC on an item that was shorted Contact the right person to get the answers you need

OUR SHRIMP BRINGS BIG THINGS

As a leader in seafood, we’re big on everything you crave – easy prep, sustainability, menu innovation, creativity, and flavour. With a huge variety of delicious breaded and battered shrimp in our extensive portfolio, the possibilities are as endless as the seas themselves.

Resilience in the face of challenge

How

BC hotels are adapting to rising costs, labour shortages, and shifting travel trends

As Canada's hotel industry gears up for a bustling summer season, operators are navigating a vastly different landscape marked by unprecedented operating costs, a tightening labour market, and evolving guest demands. In a recent conversation between Foodbuy and Paul Hawes, President & CEO British Columbia Hotel Association (BCHA), key insights emerged that highlight both the challenges and the resilient spirit driving the sector forward.

A Surge in Operating Costs

Coming off BCHA’s successful Summit, one of the most pressing issues facing hotels today is the dramatic increase in operational expenses. According to Hawes, the cost to operate a room at a downtown luxury property has ballooned to a staggering $200–$250 per night. This spike is driven by a convergence of rising insurance premiums, increased energy prices, and broader inflationary pressures affecting food and beverage, transportation, and cleaning services.

“The price to operate isn’t just up slightly—it’s up exponentially,” Hawes noted. “This makes it harder to keep hotel stays affordable while still maintaining the level of service guests expect.”

The Labour Crunch Deepens

Labour shortages continue to strain hotel operations across Canada, particularly in British Columbia. Hawes underscored the critical role immigration and short-term, seasonal workers play in the sector, with some properties relying on newcomers to fill over 30% of their frontline positions, including housekeeping and foodservice.

The root of the issue lies in a combination of post-pandemic workforce shifts and tightening immigration policies. “While we’ve

seen some workers return to the industry after trying other sectors, the shortage persists,” Hawes said. “The reduced issuance of visas and the complexities of immigration are creating bottlenecks— especially in a market like BC, which depends heavily on international labour.”

Immigration Policies Under Scrutiny

Hawes also discussed the broader implications of federal immigration decisions on the hotel sector. A recent move by the Liberal government, influenced by Conservative pressures, to block travel from Mexico has had farreaching consequences. Within six months of the policy change, traffic from Mexico to Canada has dropped significantly. Destination Canada has reported that traffic from Mexico is down by 41% in February compared to the same time last year. This has cut off a crucial pipeline of both travelers and temporary workers.

Paul Hawes, President & CEO, BCHA

“These policies have unintended ripple effects,” Hawes explained. “When we block one of our main sources of hospitality labour, we’re essentially tying one hand behind our back in terms of service capacity.”

To combat this, Hawes and the BCHA are working hand and hand with the Hotel Association of Canada on immigration advocacy efforts at both the provincial and national levels,

pushing for more flexible visa programs and streamlined immigration pathways for hospitality workers to gain permanent residency.

Regulation and Real Estate: Airbnb’s Impact in Vancouver

In BC, efforts to regulate short-term rental platforms like Airbnb are beginning to show early results. New policies are aimed at returning units to the long-term rental pool and tempering inflated property prices.

“It’s too early to call it a trend, but we are seeing early signs of downward pressure on both rents and sales prices,” said Hawes.

A Shift in Traveler Demographics

While the challenges are real, they’re being met with adaptive strategies and an evolving market mix. One positive trend is the resurgence of domestic travel. With more Canadians choosing to explore their own backyard, hotels are experiencing a shift from corporate and group business to more transient and leisure bookings.

“This change in segmentation isn’t necessarily a negative,” Hawes noted. “It just means we need to adapt our offerings and marketing strategies to meet the needs of leisure travelers who are now driving demand.”

A Wave of Development—and Municipal Support

The appetite for new hotel developments in Vancouver remains strong. Several major projects are underway, including a 15-storey building by Le Germain, three new hotels by Pinnacle, and a full dismantle and rebuild of the iconic Listel Hotel.

Crucially, local government is playing a supportive role. Hawes praised the Vancouver City Council and Mayor’s office for making legislative changes aimed at reducing red tape and accelerating development approvals.

A Promising Summer Ahead

Looking ahead to the summer season, there’s a strong sense of cautious optimism. Hotels across the country are seeing healthy booking levels and strong last-minute pickups, further evidence of the sector’s ability to bounce back.

“Hospitality has weathered crises before—9/11, SARS, the pandemic,” Hawes reflected. “What makes this industry remarkable is its resilience. We adapt, we pivot, and we always find a way to serve our guests.”

Tools for Success: Launching the Hospitality Playbook

To help operators stay competitive and positive amid ongoing challenges, the BCHA announced the launch of a new Hospitality Playbook. The playbook includes frontline training tools, best practices for food buyers, and tactics to improve service delivery in a high-cost, low-labour environment.

“Our goal is to equip hotels with what they need to thrive, not just survive,” Hawes concluded. “By sharing knowledge and building strong teams, we can meet the moment—whatever it brings.”

Enhancing environments through the power of scent

ScentAir is a fragrance marketing company that offers businesses customizable solutions that scale to meet your needs and goals.

• Welcome guests with a remarkable first impression

• Enhance the atmosphere

• Increase positive reviews on Google and TripAdvisor

• Take advantage of brand recognition with a consistent scent experience

• Custom scent options available

OPERATIONS

Optimizing Hotel Culinary Operations

with Foodbuy’s Procurement Solutions

The hotel industry thrives on delivering exceptional guest experiences, and the heart of that experience often lies in food and beverage offerings. Hotels are facing numerous backof-house challenges, from operational inefficiencies, staffing challenges, to rising food costs and food waste controls. Foodbuy provides procurement solutions that are designed to drive innovation, streamline operations, and improve profitability, while simultaneously improving the overall guest experience. Our team works closely with hotel operators to assess their unique challenges and implement tailored solutions.

Managing a high-volume hotel kitchen with a complex menu and multi serving points can lead to inefficiencies by having multiple ordering points/people, SKU variations, etc. All of which can drive increased costs. Our team helps to optimize your program for efficiency and ultimately guest satisfaction. Simplify recipes for consistency, reduce execution times and ensure your menu items align with budgeted food costs. Foodbuy benchmarks menu prices against industry standards to stay competitive and recommends strategic price adjustments to improve margins and drive sales.

By streamlining procurement and reducing unnecessary SKUs, we improve purchasing efficiency and increase buying power, leading to significant cost savings. Additionally, we provide expert insights and data-driven strategies to enhance revenue, boost profitability,

and optimize overall operations.

Consistency is key to maintaining standards and controlling costs. We assist in developing order guides tailored to hotel operations and track purchases to ensure compliance and cost savings. Our detailed reports on off-contract purchasing help hotels make informed adjustments and stay on budget.

Food waste is a major cost for hotels, but it can be controlled with the right strategies. Foodbuy helps reduce waste by optimizing portion sizes, refining production planning, and improving inventory tracking. These efforts not only extend self-life and minimize overproduction but also create opportunities for significant cost savings. However, achieving these results requires staff engagement and alignment. That’s why we support teams with culinary cuttings and samplings to review new products, in-depth product evaluations, and hands-on training to ensure seamless operational adjustments.

At Foodbuy, we understand that each hotel has unique challenges, and our solutions are tailored to meet those specific needs. By partnering with us, hotel operators can optimize their foodservice operations, ultimately driving profitability.

Are you ready to elevate your hotel's culinary operations? Contact us today to learn how our Culinary Solutions can help your business thrive.

FOODBUY | Hospitality Insurance Partner Solutions

CONCIERGE INSURANCE SERVICES

By working with one of Canada’s leading insurance groups, we’ll help you select the right coverages for your business, such as:

• Property and liability insurance

• Terrorism

• Boiler and equipment breakdown

• Ski and golf resort coverage

• Business interruption

• Liquor liability

• Abuse coverage

• Shuttle bus & valet parking

• Employment practice liability

• New construction/ builders' risk

• Crime/employee dishonesty

• Cyber insurance

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT SERVICES

Our exclusive buying group solution offers a premier platform that consolidates purchasing power to secure exceptional savings on employee benefits. By joining the Foodbuy Employee Benefits Buying Group, you unlock a range of benefits including:

• Group Purchasing Power

• Extended negotiated rate guarantees

• Exclusive access to cost-savings strategies

AROUND THE CLOCK CLAIMS SERVICE

CYBER SECURITY CHECK-IN

The hotel and restaurant industries are built on customer service and mass customization, meaning that both are a prime victim of cyber attacks. Malicious attacks will seek to access customer information such as addresses, credit cards, spending/ buying preferences and remote electronic access.

We oﬀer you comprehensive cyber coverage to protect client and employee information properly.

Your business is 24/7…so ours is too. With claims service available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, we’ll be there when you need us most. Your claim will be dealt with quickly and with as little interruption as possible, letting you focus on your business and your customers.

Steve Cox Managing Partner

Selectpath Insurance scox@selectpath.ca

Kevin Routley Partner

Selectpath Benefits & Financial kevinr@selectpath.ca

3 WAYS TO USE THEM:

NEW 7+1 CONCENTRATES

A SIMPLE EQUATION TO JUICE UP YOUR MENU

Our refreshing new concentrate is as easy as 7+1! This cost-effective solution is ideal for your restaurant: it’s shelf-stable, easy to use and contains natural flavours with no artificial colours. WITH A COLD BEVERAGE DISPENSER: For higher volumes WITH A PITCHER: For a personalized service FOR MIXOLOGY: In cocktails with and without alcohol

FRESHEN UP YOUR MENU WITH OUR FOUR NEW

DSD PROGRAMS

Get greater savings with Foodbuy's Direct Store Delivery partners

Pepsi has the most diverse brand portfolio with favourites such as:

Pepsi 7UP

Crush Bubly

Evian Brisk Dole Guru

Rockstar Gatorade Pure Leaf ...and more

Business solutions partner offering a wide range of products for every office

Office supplies

Printers

Computers Tablets

Monitors

Office furniture

Printing services

Marketing services

Canada Bread has 1,000 products, 18 brands, including breads, buns and tortillas

Dempster's Villaggio POM

Bon Matin Ben's Stonemill

Cutlery rental and sales

Nella is leader in professional restaurant supplies

Hundreds of commercial items and brands in stock for all your foodservice needs

One of Canada’s largest industrial suppliers

Batteries Tools

Plumbing

Laundry hampers

Washing machines

Appliances

A fresh baked goods supplier offering breads, buns, bagels and more

Wonder Breads D'Italiano Country Harvest

Casa Mendosa Gadoua

Canada's leading commercial and restaurant equipment service and repair professionals

Equipment repair

Installation

Planned maintenance programs

Professional pest control services

Commercial pest control

Wildlife control

Experts with mice/rodents, bed bugs, cockroaches, ants, wasps

Global leader in the manufacture, installation and servicing of elevators and escalators.

Hotel Hospital Office Residential

A leading distributor of foodservice packaging, cleaning supplies, janitorial equipment in North America.

Janitorial equipment

Restroom supplies

Waste containers

One of the largest uniform rental and supply companies in North America

Uniform rentals

Table linens

Healthcare linens/towels

Your one-stop shop for foodservice equipment and smallwares

Refrigeration

Holding/transport

Cooking

Bar equipment

Patio furniture

Work tables

Buffet and catering Cookware

Industry leading program for purchasing uniforms

Chef coats Pants

Aprons

Shirts Headwear Outerwear

Shoes

Embroidery logos

Commercial waste service

Waste collection

Commercial recycling

Shredding

Compactors

Roll off dumpster rental

For more information on these programs, reach out to your Foodbuy account manager or email info@foodbuy.ca

Laundry equipment

Carpet care products/equipment

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

Let us make your job easier

Whether you are renovating rooms and lobbies, rebranding your property, or opening a new location, HD Supply can deliver everything you need to exceed guests’ expectations. We have quality products that meet your brand standards and the project expertise you need to make capital improvement projects easy and stress-free.

Carts & Accessories

Coffee & Restaurant Supplies

Extended Stay Supplies

Front Desk Supplies

Furniture & Décor

Guest Room Supplies

Hospitality Lighting

Printed Supplies

Signage

Product Selection

Thousands of products in stock every day.

Fast Delivery

Free, next-day delivery on many items to major cities across Canada.

Dedicated Support

Personal assistance from our experienced staff.

Easy online ordering

Order tracking, history and re-order functionality. Realtime online stock availability.

Personal Care Amentities

Telephones & Tech Accessories

Textiles ...and much more

Make a committment to the environment (and save money too)

Guests appreciate seeing highly visible sustainable practices. With our products and practices, you can save money and actively lower your property’s environmental impact.

• Recycling Systems

• Save energy with integral LED fixtures and occupancy sensors

• Create a linen reuse program

• Low flow toilets with overflow protection can save thousands in repair and maintenance costs.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR YOUR ROOMS

Flat sheets

Fitted sheets

Pillowcases

Pillows

Duvet covers

Duvet inserts

Blankets

Towels

Washcloths

Bath mats

Shampoo

Conditioner

Body lotion

Mouthwash

Bar soap

Body wash

Deodorant

Toothbrushes

Toothpaste

Showcaps

Razors

Combs

Sewing kits

Tampons

Shaving cream

Plastic cups

Hot coffee cups

Lids

Ice buckets

Hair dryers

Irons

Ironing boards

Bathrobes

Slippers

Hangers

Luggage racks

Alarm clocks

Shower curtains

Utility carts

Bellman's carts

Lightbulbs

Door hardware

REGIONAL PRODUCE PROGRAM

Foodbuy offers everyday solutions for the most challenging purchase in your kitchen—produce. Our expansive portfolio includes a fresh, seasonal mix of fruits and vegetables all backed by our commitment to provide quality, traceable products with local options. With the regional produce program, our suppliers can deliver ingredients right to your doorstep.

The Foodbuy difference

• Direct delivery partners

• All suppliers meet Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) certification requirements

• Food traceability from field to fork

• Locally grown options as season permits

• Freshcut value add options, where available

• Get market updates on Foodbuy’s Member Portal

FOODBUY SKU listings

Foodbuy has numerous partnerships with suppliers that can take care of all your business needs from the conference room to dining room and everything in between. We’ve put together these lists based on top quality ratings and highest rebates. Reach out to your Foodbuy account manager with any questions and to see how much you can save.

DISTRIBUTOR PARTNERS

At Foodbuy, we maintain relationships with distributors far and wide because prices and rebates are only as good as what you can access.

EGG PROGRAM

MEATS/PROTEINS PROGRAM

CONDIMENTS PROGRAM

MEATBALLS PROGRAM

DISPOSABLES PROGRAM

CHEESE/DAIRY PROGRAM

COLD BEVERAGE PROGRAM

YOGURT / MILK ALTERNATIVES PROGRAM

BEVERAGE / SNACKS PROGRAM

BREAD PROGRAM

BAKED GOODS PROGRAM

186384

Strawberry On The Bottom (FS)

55415 Oikos Blueberry On The Bottom (FS)

55416

Creamy Cremix ST-VA/PE-VA/CH-VA/MA-VA (Smooth, No Piece)

51772

Aseptic Barista Almond

Aseptic Barista Oat

Aseptic Almond Dark Chocolate

165890

167518

165236

134979 Silk Aseptic Almond Vanilla

Oikos Pro Drinkable Mixed Berry

Oikos Pro Drinkable Strawberry Banana

10025293003054 134980

205299

205300

161723

161724

Make the journey even better

Traveling can be exciting – whether for work or pleasure – and small moments of joy make the journey even better.

With Frito-Lay products, your guests can satisfy their cravings anytime, anywhere. Our list of hotel-friendly snacks can enhance their stay and create a memorable experience. From Grab and Go Favourites, perfect for mini bars, lobby shops and welcome baskets to Snack Size convenience for easy snacking, there is something for everyone!

Stock up and give your guests one more reason to love their time away.

CEREAL PROGRAM

SNACKS PROGRAM

When it comes to serving hungry guests, you need solutions that work just as hard as you do — without sacrificing taste. That’s where Quaker comes in. Our Frozen Muffin Batter and Frozen Brownie Batter are crafted for simplicity, consistency, and beloved flavour.

With no mixing, no measuring, and no surprises, Quaker delivers warm, fresh-baked classics that your guests know and love — all with the trust of one of Canada’s most iconic food brands. Whether you’re presenting a buffet platter or enhancing your dessert offerings, Quaker fits seamlessly into any culinary setting.

Dependable and Delicious. You’ve got this.

JUICE PROGRAM

GRANOLA/BAKING MIXES PROGRAM

SPREADS/COFFEE

CONDIMENTS PROGRAM

BAKED GOODS PROGRAM

You could be missing out on money

Have you switched or added a new distributor?

We need to know!

Let your account manager know if you are doing business with, switched to or added another distributor. If you don’t, you could be missing out on money.

We cannot process your manufacturer rebates without knowing your distributor account numbers.

Your account number aligns you to our program for the sake of retrieving your velocities needed to invoice the manufacturers for your entitled money.

LINEN AND UNIFORM RENTALS

Tablecloth Spun White 1/1 Ea NP0105WHIT

Napkin AUS White 1/1 Ea NP0017WHIT

Tablecloth AUS White 1/1 Ea NP0018WHIT

Towel Bar Terry 1/1 Ea TO0324WGRS

Sheet Flat T200 60/40 1/1 Ea FB3392WHTT

Napkin AUS Black 1/1 Ea NP0017BLAK

Coat Chef AUS Polyester Button White 1/1 Ea GOC953WHIT

Pant Chef AUS Poly Baggy Fit Black 1/1 Ea GPC020BLAK

Mat Classic Cleated 1/1 Ea DMC001MDGY

Napkin Satin Cotton Band 1/400 Ct NC21SBN

Towel Dish Herringbone 1/1 Ea TO0328WGRS

Apron Bib AUS No Pocket Black 1/1 Ea AP0113BLAK

Towel Microfiber AUS Restaurant Front of the House Yellow 1/1 Ea TO0108YELO

Towel Hand Green 1/60 Ct H633GRN

Coat Chef AUS Poly Knot Button White 1/1 Ea GOC538WHIT

Tablecloth Black 1/1 Ea NP0105BLAK

Coat Chef SS White Button Front 1/1 Ea GO0095WHIT

Towel Bath White 1/1 Ea TO0327WHIT

Towel Glass Crash Weave 1/1 Ea TO0008WRDS

Cabinet First Aid Large 1/1 Ea CE0872XXXX

UNIFORM PURCHASE

Freight Purolator Ground 1/1 ea FPUGRD

Pant Baggy Black M 1/1 ea NBBP-000-M

Apron Bib Kitchen Black 1/1 ea APKBL -BLK-0

Pant Baggy Black L 1/1 ea NBBP-000-L

Shirt Cook Cool Ventt Black M 1/1 ea CSCV-BLK-M

Apron Urb Xback Bib Warren Maize 1/1 ea ABX04-MAI-0

Pant Baggy Black S 1/1 ea NBBP-000-S

Logo Std Stitch 1/1 ea EMBL-000-0

Shirt Dress Black M 1/1 ea D150-BLK-M

Cool Vent Basic Chef Coat Black M 1/1 ea JLCV-BLK-M

Dress Shirt Women Black S 1/1 ea W150-BLK-S

Shirt Cook Cool Ventt Black L 1/1 ea CSCV-BLK-L

Crosshatch 1/2 Bistro Apron Black Steel Grey 1/1 ea AHWXX012-BSL-0

Dress Shirt Women Black M 1/1 ea W150-BLK-M

Pant Baggy Black XL 1/1 ea NBBP-000-XL

Beanie Black Cool Vent Black 1/1 ea DFBB-BLK-0

Embroidery 3 Lines 1/1 ea EMB3-000-0

Apron Waist 3 Pocket Black 1/1 ea F9 -BLK-0

Cool Vent Basic Chef Coat Black L 1/1 ea JLCV-BLK-L

Shirt Dress Black L 1/1 ea D150-BLK-L

Distinctive Impressions

Elevated Attire for Every Role - Beyond the Kitchen

Ensure your team’s appearance reflects the luxury and professionalism your guests expect with an updated uniform program. Chef Works® provides a premium selection of apparel for every role at your property - from front desk to maintenance, and culinary to wait staff. Thoughtfully crafted for both style and performance, our collection embodies the impeccable standards of your brand.

Bridge Vest VNN02W / VNN02

Front Desk

Hartford Chef Coat BCLZ008 / BCWLZ005

Culinary

V-Neck Tuxedo Apron F23 Largo Short Bib ABN01W

Wait Staff

Durham Snap Shirt SBU01W / SBU01 Maintenance

Simon Zeng Account Manager

M: 519.318.7087

Simon.Zeng@foodbuy.ca