Benchmarking study leads campaign to boost industry

http://www.hospitalitymagazine.com.au

Three of Australia’s largest foodservice suppliers have teamed up to launch a national campaign aimed at helping hospitality operators survive and thrive during the economic downturn.

Unilever Foodsolutions, Fonterra Foodservices, and Simplot Foodservice have unveiled their new ‘Recipe for Success’ initiative that features a number of different ingredients including a major benchmarking study of 2000 foodservice industry operators, a website with tools and information to help operators improve their businesses, and a public relations campaign aimed at increasing diners support for their local restaurants. As well an awards program will recognise the best hospitality operator in Australia across the different channels from pubs and clubs, to restaurants, cafes and hotels.

Unilever Foodsolutions marketing manager Cheree Nichols said Recipe for Success was designed to protect the Australian foodservice industry by educating and equipping them with business resources and communication support.

“With almost 80 per cent of working families expected to eat out less this year, local pubs, club, restaurants, cafes and hotels are in danger of drastically losing patronage,” said Nichols.

“Recipe for Success is designed to give a dramatic boost to the hospitality industry and encourage Australians to support their local pubs, clubs, restaurants, cafes and hotels.”

The benchmarking study at the heart of the program will be conducted by independent consulting firm Avatar and will be open to 2000 businesses who register to be part of the Recipe for Success program. The study will review each venue’s sales, growth, seating capacity, patronage and cost of business. The participating businesses will then receive a report on the study and will be able to see where they rank on key performance indicators.

“The study is designed to help foodservice operators become more conscious of the key ratios and drivers for their businesses and drivers for their business and be able to receive a ranking of their business in comparison to other businesses in a similar segment,” said Nichols.

As a further part of the benchmarking project the top performers across four different channels—pubs, clubs, cafes/restaurants and hotels with accommodation—will be recognised at the program’s Business Excellence Awards to be held during Fine Food Australia later this year.

Registrations for the program begin on June 9 via the website www.recipeforsuccess.net.au