Catering
Catering for change: how technology can transform foodservice
With care home catering becoming ever more complex and challenging, reaching for the right digital tools is essential, as Jo Hall, co-owner and director of allmanhall, explains
Across the UK, care groups are experiencing a critical transformation in the way they approach foodservice. With an ageing population, a higher wage bill, and increased regulatory demands, the emphasis on specialised nutrition and cost management has never been greater. Catering is no longer just about serving meals – it now requires intelligent procurement, evidence- based menu planning, and demonstrable budgetary responsibility. Within this landscape, organisations
must consider how to meet their residents’ complex dietary needs, reduce waste in the kitchen, and manage suppliers, all while working within increasingly constrained budgets. Innovative catering technology, when paired with the right procurement partner, is emerging as a powerful tool to navigate this complexity and provide that crucial mix of visibility and insight.
Meeting the care challenge Care homes face a unique set of foodservice pressures. Residents require not only nutritionally balanced meals but also adaptations for texture, allergens and medical conditions. Maintaining these standards while delivering on budget and satisfying regulatory requirements creates a delicate balancing act. Many operators still rely on manual processes which limit transparency and create a heavy administrative burden for their staff. At the same time, expectations from
families, shareholders and regulators are increasing. In response, forward-thinking care operators are seeking support from partners who understand the sector’s unique intricacies. This is where technology can become an indispensable part of the team. Mealtimes are a cornerstone of daily life in care settings. Efficient, well-planned
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catering doesn’t just mean better food – it creates more sociable, relaxed environments that support emotional wellbeing and dignity. The use of digital tools to streamline back-of-house processes means more focus can go on resident interaction, menu personalisation and mealtime enjoyment.
Understanding the regulatory landscape Compliance is an ever-present concern in care settings, with regulations evolving to meet the increasing complexity of resident needs and public health standards. Legislation such as Natasha’s Law has
reinforced the importance of allergen tracking and clear labelling, while CQC expectations place nutrition and food safety under growing scrutiny. Catering teams must now demonstrate not only that meals are appropriate and appealing but that every
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