Sodexo meets key players at Scottish supplier conference

Held at Norton House Hotel, Edinburgh, the conference aimed to develop links with Scottish small to medium companies and to help them integrate quality Scottish products within Sodexo's supply chain and support them in promoting their produce within Scotland and further afield. The forum gave Sodexo the opportunity to communicate its activity in relation to sustainable procurement and healthy eating in particular, and its expectations of suppliers to ensure that specific targets around its supplier code of conduct are met. It also provided the opportunity for senior members of the Sodexo purchasing team to build stronger relationships with some of their smaller suppliers such Graham's Dairy and Mackies of Scotland. Over 25 of Scotland's leading suppliers attending the event, showcasing some of the country's finest produce including fish, wine, cider, confectionary, and ice-cream. A dinner, hosted by Paul McLaughlin, chief executive of Scotland Food and Drink, was also held where key issues, challenges and queries relating to Scottish produce were discussed. Steve Jobson, buying director, Sodexo UK and Ireland, said: "We were really impressed with the quality of the produce and the enthusiasm and passion shown by the suppliers. Scottish produce is some of the best in Europe and, as part of our sustainable procurement strategy, we are keen to ensure that we engage with all key suppliers to ensure that the needs of our Scottish customers are met." Sodexo is a key player in the Scottish food and facilities management market, holding key contracts such as the Scottish Parliament, OKI and the University of Stirling.