GPO Benefits That No One Tells You About

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GPO Benefits That No One Tells You About

The event industry was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, causing businesses across the board to look for ways to reduce costs. With an unstable economy, it’s vital to find additional strategies to bring in revenue and raise profit margins. However, even as events have made a comeback, caterers should still be mindful about spending.


One of the most effective ways to do so is by joining a group purchasing organization (GPO) for caterers. A GPO is similar to a mutual fund, but rather than stocks and bonds, caterers join together to buy food supplies. Forming a large group allows businesses to increase their buying power and get better prices due to the high volume of products they purchase.

Bulk orders tend to come at a lower cost than small orders, but you might not need to buy all of your ingredients in bulk if you're a smaller catering company. With a GPO, you can place orders at a discounted rate while only paying for what you need. Though you’re not getting any money back as you would with a rebate program, you will be saving money upfront with each order.

Joining a GPO is a great cost-saving strategy, and there are a variety of benefits when it comes to finding the right GPO for your business. Here’s what you need to know.

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How to Keep Up with Food & Beverage Trends Without Overspending

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How to Keep Up with Food & Beverage Trends Without Overspending

From the menus we create to the price points we offer, we all know that industry trends influence how we do business as caterers. In some cases, they can reduce expenses — like the shift towards plant-based proteins replacing traditional cuts of meat and seafood with cost-effective alternatives like tofu, tempeh, beans, and lentils.

However, trends often have the opposite effect on an event’s budget, driving up costs for high-demand ingredients and high-touch serving styles. As caterers, our goal isn’t solely to provide an excellent dining experience. We must also support our clients’ needs by maximizing their investment and helping them to save wherever possible.

Of course, there are plenty of ways to avoid overspending while still offering the trendiest flavor profiles, presentation styles, and menu options. Here are a few strategies to get the best of both worlds.

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Navigating Engagement Season as a Caterer

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Navigating Engagement Season as a Caterer

The beginning of the year is always a busy time for businesses that serve the wedding industry. Coming off the holiday season, newly engaged couples start their search for the perfect wedding team to bring their big day to life.

In a year where we’ll see the most weddings since 1984, filling your client base may seem like an easy endeavor — and it can be if approached strategically! But it’s important to recognize that today’s couples bring a different set of values, priorities, and preferences to the table than their pre-pandemic counterparts.

As we head into an unprecedented wedding boom, here’s what couples will look for as they consider whether to book with you.

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Common Money-Saving Mistakes Caterers Make

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Every business owner should be watchful of their profit margins, but it’s particularly vital for caterers who must balance revenue with significant overhead. A team of experienced chefs and a fully-stocked kitchen don’t come cheap, so it’s wise to employ saving strategies to maximize profits as much as possible.

Yet, saving money can feel challenging in a business with such high liquidity. When the cash flow is always churning, it’s difficult to pinpoint opportunities to cut down on costs and stack savings.

Fortunately, we’ve compiled the five most common mistakes that leave caterers at a loss — and how you can cover up those gaps and grow your bottom line.

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Should You Consider Purchasing New Products in the New Year?

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Should You Consider Purchasing New Products in the New Year?

Those who work in the food and beverage industry are no strangers to spoilage, and we’re quick to discard any ingredients that are past their prime. All you have to do is take a look (or a whiff) to know whether something is still viable. Keep it or toss it — it’s a simple choice in most cases.

On the other hand, with physical and non-perishable assets, it can be trickier to determine when it’s time to trade up for a new model. Think about equipment and technology — your refrigerators, stovetops, company cars, cell phones, and computers. It’s not as simple as giving it a sniff test; instead, you have to be mindful of a product’s depreciating value and how its performance measures up to industry standards.

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