Expert procurement support – essential in these challenging times?

The food and catering industry has been experiencing extraordinary challenges. In 2021 this took the form of staff shortages, supply chain disruption and rising, volatile food prices, as a result of a number of factors.

Suppliers across the board have been forced to propose price increases, staffing costs have risen, commodities and utility prices are still soaring. Food inflation is at a three-year high, a trend which looks like it is here to stay for 2022.

allmanhall have been engaged in hundreds of negotiations with suppliers over the last year and have successfully reduced or even negated a great deal of price increase proposals. School clients have needed to be able to continue the provision of a timely and good quality, nutritious foodservice.

As well as these day-to-day challenges, allmanhall have supported a myriad of other school needs, from sustainability goals to delivery of allergen training.

What do school clients say?

Stuart Burt, head of catering, Repton Schools:

“We manage an extremely high-volume in-house catering service across multiple locations, which is not just challenging but also operationally complex. Delivering the very best food and service for our pupils and staff is absolutely paramount. Considering the extreme supply chain challenges over the past few months, I am extremely grateful that we have been supported throughout by our partners at allmanhall. They have delivered proactive daily support and advice to resolve supplier issues, and mitigated the many supplier pricing increase proposals. Their support though such a difficult time has been invaluable.”

James Lindsay, operations manager, Badminton School:

“Having information emailed on a daily basis plus receiving greater details available via “The Pass” has been invaluable in allowing us to plan and adjust menus for any potential shortages or late deliveries, during the current logistic situation. allmanhall are always readily available to further support our service enabling us to continually serve.”

Alan Pierce, catering manager, Burgess Hill Girls’ School:

“allmanhall have continued to support me and my team by delivering expert advice, guidance and support throughout. Considering the current inflationary pressures, allmanhall have managed to mitigate a number of price increase proposals from our suppliers. The success of these negotiations has allowed me the opportunity to alleviate some of the budgetary pressures and focus on the task of producing exceptional food for the pupils and staff. I would be in a very different place had I not had the support of allmanhall and I am incredibly grateful for all their hard work managing my suppliers and mitigating the significant price increases that are now filtering down the supply chain.”

When it comes to managing the uncertainty, mitigating risk, handling delivery challenges and product shortages, as well as negotiating down supplier price increase proposals, allmanhall are a proven and essential support partner for schools.

A due diligence benchmark and procurement review from allmanhall will help you when planning your budgets. And for your peace of mind, your catering team will benefit from award-winning support. Find out more today!