What is Foodbuy, the UK and Ireland's 'Largest GPO'?

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Foodbuy has a combined purchasing power of more than £2bn across around 70 categories
Compass Group says its procurement division, Foodbuy, has become the largest GPO in the UK and Ireland, enhancing its supply chain solutions

Compass Group, established in 1941, stands today as one of the globe's foremost catering and support services companies. It pledges an exceptional supplier network and a dependable supply chain, essential to delivering the fresh, high-quality and value-for-money items its customers depend on.

The company's procurement arm, Foodbuy, has recently escalated its scope of operations, setting up what is thought to be the largest group purchasing organisation (GPO) in the UK and Ireland. 

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Enhancing Purchasing Capabilities

Foodbuy UK&I, the newly-established division, is set to inject significant power into the supply chain and provide added value to its partners beyond mere procurement functions. 

With a staggering combined purchasing power exceeding £2bn across more than 70 categories, Foodbuy UK&I crafts custom solutions aimed at securing the best possible returns and efficiency from the supply chain for its client partners.

Under the banner of Foodbuy UK&I, a fresh ensemble of independently operated, sector-specific specialists such as Regency Purchasing Group, Equinoxe, EF-Group, Zero Procure and TheProcurementCo will provide both agility and a nuanced understanding of discrete sectors. Furthermore, this division will continue serving as the exclusive supplier for its parent entity, Compass Group UK & Ireland.

Karl Atkins, CEO of Foodbuy Group UK&I, states: “We’re thrilled to offer our partners the best of both worlds – the benefits of scale from Foodbuy Group and the operational sub-sector knowledge from Foodbuy UK&I’s independently run businesses who truly understand them.”

“With Regency Purchasing Group’s founder Alex Demetriou at the helm of Foodbuy UK&I, I’m confident the company will drive further growth across multiple market sectors while maximising savings and identifying new ways of bringing innovation to our long-standing and new client partners.”

Karl Atkins, CEO of Foodbuy Group (UK&I)

Client advantages and industry impact

The perks for clients interacting with Foodbuy UK&I extend beyond conventional support. The new entity promises competitive pricing, savings, transparency and reassurance, along with practical guidance and support in areas where client partners might lack internal capacity or expertise.

Foodbuy Group currently engages with more than 700 supply partners, each of which now stands to substantially increase their business volume, capitalise on growth opportunities, forge direct relationships with operators and introduce innovative products.

“The creation of Foodbuy Group is hugely exciting and exceptionally well timed," adds Alex Demetriou, CEO of Foodbuy UK&I. "While the industry is facing ongoing operational challenges and costs, by bringing together our purchasing power, we can deliver even greater value to our client partners and help them thrive.”

Alex Demetriou, CEO of Foodbuy UK&I

Alex goes on to highlight the internal growth and supplier benefits: "This latest move has opened up new jobs, with 16 roles already filled and more across the UK currently advertised.

"It has also created huge opportunities for the suppliers and brand owners we partner with, as we can now further support them with the delivery of their innovation and development plans. I’m excited to see what we can achieve as a collective.”


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