Set 2025 Up for Success with a GPO
/As the catering industry continues to evolve and the economic landscape remains shaky, staying competitive while managing costs is more critical than ever. With rising food prices, supply chain concerns, and a growing demand for creative, high-quality menus, catering professionals must explore smart—and sometimes unfamiliar—solutions to keep their businesses thriving in the new year.
One of the most effective ways to streamline operations and boost profitability is by joining a group purchasing organization (GPO). If you haven’t considered this option, it might be just the solution to upcharge your business in 2025.
A GPO pools the buying power of its members—in some cases, thousands of businesses—to negotiate better prices, provide access to a wider variety of products, and offer expert support tailored to your needs. In other words, membership grants time and cost savings. Here’s how a GPO can transform your business in the new year.
Reclaim your time
Time is one of your most valuable resources, so it’s best to save it where you can. By handling price negotiations and streamlining the procurement process, GPOs take the burden of supplier management off your plate so you can reinvest those hours into your business (or your personal development!). Instead of spending precious time researching vendors, comparing prices, and placing individual orders, you can place a single order and let the GPO handle sourcing and negotiation with a network of trusted distributors.
Reduce the cost of goods sold
Food and supply costs can add up quickly, so keeping a finger on the pulse of your expenses is vital to protecting profit margins. Saving money is a GPO’s bread and butter — by leveraging collective buying power, it’s able to secure wholesale discounts no single company could get. Saving on products and ingredients you use every day makes a noticeable difference to your bottom line, allowing you to reinvest in other areas of your business like upgrading equipment or hiring more staff.
Expand access to inventory
Many food distributors partner with specific brands, which supports their business. However, for clients, that means a limited selection of products to purchase. Even if you don’t notice gaps in your menu, you’re likely missing out on savings from brands that offer the same items at a more affordable price. Working with a GPO broadens your access to source ingredients from the top food suppliers in the nation, providing more options at better rates. This expanded access also provides consistency, reducing the risk of last-minute shortages or substitutions that could affect the integrity of your menus.
Gain support from purchasing experts
Most catering business owners are experts in culinary matters, but not necessarily in running a kitchen efficiently or growing a successful business. GPOs are more than just purchasing agents; they’re also business partners who have been “inside” thousands of kitchens. Local representatives can provide support and advice for menu curation, inventory management, equipment maintenance, pricing, and additional cost savings. Partnering with a GPO means having a trusted advisor in your corner, helping you build a more resilient and profitable business.
As you prepare for 2025, joining a GPO could be the game-changing strategy you’ve been looking for. Membership benefits are designed to save you money, improve efficiency, and strengthen your operations — all worthwhile goals for the new year. Don’t let rising costs or time constraints hold your business back. Take the step and let a GPO do the heavy lifting, allowing you to focus on what you do best: delivering outstanding culinary experiences.
Clint Elkins is the V.P. of Sales forSB Value, a Group Purchasing Organization that helps culinary professionals save an average of 16% on every food order. Membership is 100% free. No hidden fees. No extra work. Just extra profits. See how much you can save on your next food order when you become an SB Value member.Request a quote today.
