Top Ways a GPO Will Make 2023 Your Best Year Yet

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As we ease into the new year, you’re likely wondering, “How can we make 2023 even better than 2022?”

You’ve learned countless lessons each year in business, but if you’re truly looking to maximize growth in the coming year, it’s time to start thinking differently. One of the best ways to grow? By saving money and putting more time into your schedule — which is exactly what joining a group purchasing organization (GPO) will allow you to do. 

GPOs leverage collective purchasing power, so group members receive better pricing through bulk savings (without compromising on quality). This means you’ll save big on food orders and eliminate the stress of price shopping. Companies that join a GPO can take advantage of bulk rates and discounts to position themselves for success in the new year.

If you’re new to GPOs and hoping to skyrocket your growth in 2023, here are four ways a GPO can help you achieve that.

Cut costs

Though there are a handful of ways to save money in the food industry, it’s hard to find strategies that don’t compromise the quality of your menus. Fortunately, a GPO allows you to get the high-quality items you need without breaking your budget. In addition, with an efficient shipping and delivery process that’s more sustainable for the supplier, you’ll get a lower cost per item without purchasing more than you need.

Put more time into your schedule

How many hours have you spent scouring the marketplace for unique brands and the latest deals? What if you could spend that time on revenue-generating activities instead? With a GPO, you can let someone else handle the heavy lifting. Experienced GPO managers have extensive knowledge in the catering and culinary industry, are familiar with negotiation best practices, and have a network of ingredient suppliers at their fingertips. As a result, you’ll get everything you need while having more time to focus on doing what you love. 

Access more options

If you’ve purchased from the same handful of distributors, you’ve likely had to deal with limited options. Most food providers partner with specific brands, so you can only access their available inventory. The result? Limited menus and fewer opportunities to turn a profit. Fortunately, GPOs have access to some of the top food suppliers, so you can get better options at better prices when sourcing ingredients. 

Rely on professional support

The best GPOs provide members with worthwhile resources, education, and support that allows them to grow their businesses. You’ll become part of a group that understands the ins and outs of your industry, so you can get the advice you need to move the needle in your business. Whether it’s menu development or maintenance solutions, your GPO can help guide you as you grow.

If you’re looking to scale your business in 2023, now’s the time to consider joining a GPO. Memberships have no fees, so you can rest easy knowing you won’t be locked into any purchasing requirements. Grow your business, cut costs, and start 2023 on a high note!

Clint Elkins is the V.P. of Sales for SB 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.

Seasonal Fall Menu Hacks

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Seasonal Fall Menu Hacks

It’s hard to think about fall favorites when the summer is still going strong, but now is the time to start menu planning for upcoming autumn celebrations. And if you are planning on simply dusting off the old menu from last year, think again.

Navigating today’s market may feel more challenging than in most years, so this season calls for creativity and flexibility. Between supply chain blockages and ever-evolving culinary trends, your fall menu deserves a refresh — and we’re here to show you how.

As we head into the cooler months, let’s switch gears and start thinking seasonal with foods and flavors. We have touched on seasonality before, but in a year presenting caterers with countless challenges, it is more vital than ever to lean into seasonal fall ingredients as a way to save money, mitigate setbacks, and satisfy clients’ tastebuds.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when you head to the menu drawing board.

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Incorporating Food Prices and Staffing into Your Quotes

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Incorporating Food Prices and Staffing into Your Quotes

Profitable businesses are built on an effective pricing strategy, which starts and ends with accurate customer quotes. Too high and you may price yourself out of contention; too low and you risk eating into your bottom line. Calculating the sweet spot in pricing requires proper valuation not just of the end product but the cost of goods and services that go into its execution.

As you build customer quotes, two of the most important (and often most confusing) areas to price are your food prices and staffing costs. With supply chain concerns, increased inflation, and a tough employment market, it’s more crucial than ever to ensure your quotes adequately reflect your expenses to keep your profit margins healthy.

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The Supplier Relationships You Need to Be Cultivating

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The Supplier Relationships You Need to Be Cultivating

Few things are more valuable than a great relationship with a food supplier. For caterers, the relationships you build influence more than just the quality of food and services — they also directly impact your profit margins.

And in a time when high demand meets inconsistent supply chains, your must protect your bottom line at all costs.

It’s easy to see why relationships matter in such precarious circumstances. After all, a great supplier can alert you to market trends, pricing expectations, supply updates, and more. They’re also mindful of your expenses, as a profitable client is a long-term client in their eyes.

Those out to nickel-and-dime caterers will inflate prices, obscure upcharges at the bottom of your invoice, and fail to meet quality standards for service and inventory.

You may have ongoing relationships with many suppliers who provide you with:

  • Bulk ingredients

  • Fresh produce

  • Meat and seafood

  • Non-alcoholic beverages

  • Alcoholic beverages

  • Kitchen equipment

  • Restaurant and catering supplies

Or, you may work with a single distributor that offers everything you need. Regardless, you must nurture your established relationships if you want to see the benefits of having a supplier on your side.

If you want to cultivate your existing supplier relationships, these tips will help you build trust and develop a mutually beneficial partnership that lasts for years.

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Recipe Refresh: Making the Most Out of What You Have

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Recipe Refresh: Making the Most Out of What You Have

As we continue to see supply chain shortages and businesses needing to carefully budget their expenses, it can be a bit daunting to constantly keep up with the trends as a caterer. So, what if we told you that you can take your current recipes and refresh them to meet the desires of your clients, all without overspending?

Here are a few things that you can do to make your fan-favorites look brand new without breaking the bank.

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