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framework unlocks a game-changing approach in the world of care catering, bringing mealtime budgets in line with other areas of the home’s expenses. For care homes looking to protect themselves against market volatility and have more confidence in their budgeting for mealtimes, deploying a fixed- price menu can be a key solution. By partnering with a supplier that delivers
a stable, per-resident-per-day pricing model, care homes can take back control of their catering budgets. This financial clarity and predictability allows homes to plan their mealtimes with confidence regardless of external market shifts. More importantly, it ensures that residents
continue to be served regular, high-quality meals that provide the nutrition they need, and there are less frequent last-minute menu changes due to price fluctuations or unexpected shortages. Instead, care homes can be confident in a consistent service every day.
The apetito approach At apetito, we understand all the challenges that care homes are facing, and we believe that resident nutrition and enjoyment should not suffer at the hands of financial strain. That is why we will be introducing a brand- new fixed-price menu model, providing our customers with that peace of mind on catering costs and more stability on budgets. By working closely with partnering care
homes, every menu will continue to be crafted to meet the unique needs of each setting and cater to the nutritional needs and personal preferences of each resident. Whether it be the comfort of a classic pie, or the tradition of Fish Friday, one thing will remain constant: the price. Our fixed costs mean no surprises or hidden charges, just dependable value. Care homes will also continue to have full
flexibility over menus, with the freedom to refresh and rotate meals as often as desired. We know that this flexibility is important to ensure homes can respond to resident feedback, seasonal flavours and evolving dietary needs without being concerned about the cost implications this may bring. And providing steady costs does not mean
there should be any change in meal quality. At apetito, we only work with suppliers who meet our high standards for quality and assurance, and we’re proud to support the British food and farming industry. In example, 100 per cent of our beef (excluding corned beef) is sourced from Farm Assured British and Irish farms, and all the fish that
Care Show VIP Lounge
Don’t miss the ‘Dishing Up’ stability for care home catering costs session during Care Show Birmingham, taking place in the Keynote Theatre on Wednesday 8th October at 14:15-14:45. This session explores how fixed-price catering models can offer financial clarity and operational confidence. Join Dr Phil Hammond, apetito’s Clare Hunt, and Richard Ayres from Care England to discover how stabilising costs not only protects budgets but also allows care homes to prioritise nutrition, choice, and dignity for residents, and how certainty in cost can translate into certainty in care. apetito’s exclusive VIP Lounge will also
we use is sustainable, as specified by the Marine Conservation Society. In short, resident choice and food quality
should never be compromised in pursuit of affordability. Instead, care homes can be focused on what matters most: delivering an excellent dining experience, day in, day out.
Smart solution for specialist diets Catering for varied dietary needs can add further complexity to mealtimes, often requiring specialist meals or equipment and needing more preparation time in the kitchen. These demands on resource undoubtedly drive further impacts on catering costs, making these meals more expensive to serve and adding barriers for care home kitchens. Yet, with high costs of getting this wrong, it is not an area that care homes can afford to compromise on. That is why our fixed-price model will
also include our full range of Specialist Nutrition meals, so that your care home can continue to cater for those living with specialist dietary needs – such as dysphagia, food allergies or malnutrition – with ease and confidence through our texture modified, Allergen-Free and Energy Dense options. With our easy-to-cook meals crafted with
be back on Stand N70. Booked guests will be able to enjoy a selection of nutritious dishes and understand how partnering with apetito can drive both labour and cost efficiencies for kitchens, whilst still providing a high-quality meal service for residents. Book your space at carehomes.apetito.
co.uk/care-show-oct25
input from our in-house Dietetics team and chefs, you can be sure they not only taste delicious but are nutritionally balanced and meet the required standards from the British Dietetic Association. Alongside this, our texture-modified meals are made in line with IDDSI guidance, ensuring residents are getting the nutrition they need safely, without breaking the bank or requiring more kitchen labour.
Get in touch If you are interested in finding out more about how apetito’s fixed-price model can support catering operations at your care home and help to provide you with better financial control, visit
apetito.link/carehomes or call the team on 0808 239 2399. n
Richard Woodward
As general manager of care homes at apetito, Richard has spearheaded the growth of this division and encouraged innovation, having introduced the ground-breaking Finger Foods Range, which gives those living with dementia the opportunity to dine with dignity
SCAN HERE To find out more or visit:
apetito.link/CHE
October 2025
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