Catering
ingredient and process is traceable and safe. Procurement and catering platforms are
supporting this effort by providing real-time allergen data, automatically updated product specifications, and audit-ready records of purchases and menu composition. These systems offer peace of mind for care providers striving to stay ahead of regulatory change.
The rise of catering technology Technology is now at the heart of every effective catering operation, particularly in care settings where traceability, compliance, and efficiency are critical. Digital stock management systems, consolidated billing platforms and centralised data dashboards are enabling operators to reduce paperwork, control spend, and make data-driven decisions. The integration of intuitive technology
into catering processes also delivers a valuable benefit in an area that is often overlooked: staff wellbeing. In an industry struggling with recruitment and retention, particularly post-pandemic, reducing the pressure on catering staff can be transformative. When digital tools take care of time-consuming tasks like manual stock counts or deciphering supplier invoices, staff can focus on what matters most – providing high-quality meals and care. User-friendly platforms help new staff get
up to speed quickly, reduce the likelihood of errors, and make daily tasks more manageable. As a result, job satisfaction and retention improve, and care settings are better able to attract skilled individuals.
Why sustainability matters Sustainable food procurement is more than just a buzzword – it’s crucial. From rising
Care homes face a unique
set of foodservice pressures
global temperatures to biodiversity loss and water scarcity, the environmental impact of food production is significant. In care settings, where food is central to resident health and satisfaction, it’s essential to ensure that meals are not just nutritious and appetising, but also responsibly sourced. The pressure to reduce Scope 3 emissions
– those that occur across the supply chain – is particularly relevant in care settings. Here, sustainability must be embedded at every stage: procurement, menu design, waste management and reporting. With the right tools and insights, care homes can make meaningful progress.
Measuring carbon in the kitchen Food sustainability platform Foodsteps simplifies the calculation and communication of the carbon intensity of recipes, enabling better decision-making in menu choices. Together, Foodsteps and allmanhall are making data accessible to inform decisions for care group caterers. By uploading recipes to the Foodsteps platform, care homes can understand the environmental impact of their menus through a clear rating tool that calculates the carbon footprint of each ingredient and assigns a carbon score. One NHS care and healthcare provider,
using this solution, was able to monitor and reduce the carbon footprint of their menus. The traffic-light system allowed catering managers to identify high-impact meals and explore more sustainable alternatives without compromising on taste or nutrition. Visual prompts and posters helped communicate these changes to staff and residents, sparking engagement and raising awareness around sustainability.
From menu planning to resident satisfaction In care settings, food is far more than nutrition – it is also an essential part of wellbeing and daily enjoyment. Menu planning technology that incorporates both nutritional data and sustainability ratings enable catering teams to design balanced, seasonal menus that also consider resident preferences. By engaging residents in menu planning
– through surveys, tasting panels or mealtime feedback – care homes can increase satisfaction and reduce plate waste. Digital platforms make it easier to analyse consumption patterns, adjust portion sizes, and make quick, responsive updates to menus.
Reducing food waste through smart systems Food waste reduction remains one of the most powerful ways to cut both costs and carbon. In a sector where every penny counts, avoiding over-ordering and ensuring stock rotation can drive meaningful savings. Technology supports this through features
such as automated reordering based on past usage, alerts for soon-to-expire products, and portion tracking. Together, these tools help catering teams understand where waste occurs, why it happens, and how to reduce it. The impact is financial, environmental, and operational.
Using dashboards to drive progress To build on such efforts, data dashboards are becoming increasingly important. Dashboards offer a real-time view of food purchasing trends, supplier emissions, and sustainability metrics, all in one place. For care settings, this helps translate carbon- conscious intentions into tangible actions. By converting complex data into visual
insights, care operators can set practical targets, monitor their progress and adjust procurement choices as needed. Dashboards also play a key role in internal reporting and can support broader ESG strategies, giving
January 2026
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