Sodexo has secured a new five-year deal with Solent University following a retender of the establishment’s catering and hospitality services.
The deal will see the support services company instigate a complete transformation of the University’s current catering provision.
The new contract commenced on 1st August 2020, and since then Sodexo’s team has worked closely with the University on its reopening plans for the new academic year.
Included in the contract is the introduction of its new Foodiverse concept for the current main student dining hall, The Dock.
Foodiverse is Sodexo’s latest revolution in dining, bringing together authentic, global cuisines served in a modern, food hall environment which puts local communities and sustainability at its heart. Foodiverse champions plant-based dishes, reusables and engages with local SMEs and suppliers to bring diversity to Solent’s campus dining experience.
Due to Covid-19 Foodiverse will be deployed in phases to ensure a safe return for staff and students on campus. When complete, students will be able to socialise in a safe, distanced environment, and collaborate and study in a modern, vibrant space with easy access to a wide range of food options, from bao buns to burgers, all freshly made on site and customisable to individual tastes and dietary requirements.
The shop will also be reopened on the University campus with a new improved layout and self-service tills for an enhanced customer experience.
Commenting on the new contract award, Simon Knight, Managing Director, Universities, Sodexo UK & Ireland said: “We are thrilled that Solent University has extended its relationship with Sodexo. We have had a very successful partnership of the last 10 years and we are excited about the new plans for the catering services at the University.
“We have a shared commitment to ensuring the health, safety and wellbeing of those we serve and have embedded social value into the heart of the services we will be providing. By using the Social Value Portal for our contract with Solent University we will be able to identify, measure and report the social impact delivered through our services on behalf of the University.”
The contract comes with the option to extend by a further two years.
