2022 is just a few short weeks away and it’s likely there will be an increase in travel in the coming new year, whether it’s for business or leisure.

As challenges continue to grow within the supply chain and labor shortages are at an all-time high, it’s important to take advantage of solutions that will help you run a profitable hotel operation.

Let’s take a look at 5 hotel trends you should watch for in 2022:

Partnering With Supply Chain Experts

One trend to adopt in the coming new year is to partner with Supply Chain Management experts, such as Source1. With the unpredictable state of the supply chain, hotel operators are having trouble procuring the necessary supplies to keep their operation up and running – including food and beverage products

By leveraging supply chain management experts, you can reduce costs, optimize your purchasing, and ensure you’re getting high-quality products at competitive prices.

Leaning on industry leaders such as Source1, you gain the power your operation needs and access to supply chain programs tailored specifically to your operations unique needs.

From cost-effective product sourcing to distribution management, partnering with supply chain experts can even help with negotiating contracts so you can maintain high-quality standards.

Embracing Technology

Technology is evolving every day and as a hotel operator, it’s important to embrace the digital age. One way of doing so is by adopting different technology solutions that streamline processes and give you a more accurate picture into the health (success) of your business.

Because your food cost is one of the biggest factors that play a role in your operation’s success, it’s crucial to understand how it works and how you can take control of it.

Time constraints keep you from completing the tasks you need to do in order to manage your food cost accurately. With food cost management experts such as Orderly, you won’t have to worry about manual calculations anymore.

Technology not only helps you manage food cost and inventory, but it gives you a bigger picture of your operation. What’s working and what isn’t. Are you paying the best prices? Did you generate any revenue off that new menu item you added? Data and spend management technology, such as Source1, provide you with visibility into your purchases and contract utilization.

With updates in real-time and actionable data reporting, you’re provided transparency to how your spending impacts profitability.

Increased Use of Labor Saving Solutions

As an operator, you’re looking for products and solutions that save you time but still leave you  satisfying guests. By incorporating more versatile ingredients, you can make prep time easy and give customers that homemade taste and feel.

Here are some labor saving products that can save your staff time and money (just to name a few):

Idahoan Real Mashed Potatoes are a great staple item that save you time and money. Nobody has time to boil, peel, or mash anymore. With Idahoan, you can create signature dishes that provide guests with comfort and deliciousness.

Speeding is illegal but not in the kitchen. With their speed-scratch solutions, Unilever has come up with many solutions that save you both time and money. With their cream-based soups, sauces, and gravies, you can create a variety of savory dishes your guests will love. Even better? Unilever uses clean ingredients that have no artificial flavors or preservatives. Can you say superior, convenient, and flavorful?

Does your staff spend hours prepping cocktail ingredients? Cutting limes and lemons, making fresh juices and mixers from scratch? No more. The ReaLemon and ReaLime juices from Keurig Dr. Pepper are a must-have for those nights you’re understaffed and slammed with drink orders. No need for slicing, squeezing, or cleanup. These juices are convenient, consistent, and high-quality. Made from 100% lemons and limes that give you that crisp, real juice flavor. They make for great use in meals, desserts, and dressings too.

Don’t forget, labor saving does not only apply to food and beverage ingredients. We know you’ve heard this already in this blog above, but one major way you can combat the labor shortage is with technology. Not only does Source1 technology help identify areas that can be streamlined, but it also saves you time when searching for products or substitutions.

More Grab and Go Items

Like many other businesses, the hospitality industry has been hit hard due to the pandemic.

With restaurant openings becoming unpredictable once again as COVID cases surge, hotel guests are looking for convenient grab and go items that are healthy and will keep them energized throughout the day.

According to this survey, half of all millennials would pay more for food that offered benefits. This means it’s important to offer more than the typical chips and soda. Plant-based, whole grain, and high-protein snacks are just a few options you can provide your hotel guests with.

As a Source1 member, you get access to exclusive savings and discounts on grab and go items for your hotel convenience store and room service options.

From sustainable, functional food items to immunity-boosting, full of antioxidant snacks, you can keep up with the latest food trends to satisfy guests.

Source1 members get direct access to suppliers, products, detailed analytics, and more. With over 9,000 high-quality products partnered with 1,000+ suppliers to choose from, you’ll be sure to catch your guest’s eye with the variety of healthy options you provide them with.

Luxurious and Engaging Guest Experiences

It’s important to give guests a luxurious experience they won’t forget. But in order to do so, you may think you have to pay more for high-quality products and services. Thankfully, that’s not the case. By cost controlling and sourcing the right products and services, you can provide guests with a memorable experience.

Source1 partners with a trusted network of suppliers who provide high-quality services and products for your guests, such as savings and discounts on solutions for golf, pool and spa, linens, amenities, and more.

From sanitation and maintenance solutions to reduced costs on textile products and memorable experiences for your guests, leverage savings and discounts you receive as a Source1 member on solutions for your hotel services.

Become a Source1 Member Today!

As the new year approaches, be sure to keep up with these trends, ensure guests return, and put some profits back into those pockets.

When you become a Source1 member, you’ll have access to savings, discounts, and much more to help you provide guests with the highest quality services and most memorable experiences.

Make smarter business decisions and improve your bottom line with Source1’s power and technology.

Become a member today!

 

 

 

 

 

The need for cultural progression is important, but when the pandemic hit the hospitality industry, the importance of supplier diversity shifted down the priority list. With a new year ahead, it’s the perfect time to approach your procurement in a new way and encourage supplier diversity throughout every area of your operation.

A diverse business is defined as any company that is at least 51% owned by one or more minorities. Supplier diversity is crucial to your commitment to inclusion and your procurement and purchasing teams have an opportunity to contribute to your companies’ overall D&I goals by partnering with more diverse businesses.

Partnering with more diverse suppliers fosters collaboration, drives company growth, and can boost your bottom line. Not only does a commitment like this benefit your customers, but it also improves brand reputation and supports your communities beyond just social gains.

No matter the size of your operation, you should create a D&I program to enhance your offerings and expand your supplier portfolio. Here are some steps your operation can take to create a more inclusive and diverse atmosphere and grow your relationships with suppliers:

Define Your Diversity Program

What are the reasons your company is interested in creating a D&I program? Do you have the staff support and manage the program? What is the scope of your new program? Do you have existing partnerships with any diverse suppliers? Your D&I program will be unique to your business. Defining your program, the mission of the initiative and who will run it are the first steps to starting a successful D&I program.

Join Diversity Organizations

By partnering with diverse organizations, you can add new vendors and extend your supplier diversity program. When suppliers see that your business is a part of a larger diverse network, they are more inclined to join forces with you. When you connect with organizations who value diversity and inclusion you are able to gain different perspectives and connect with like-minded groups who can help you bolster deeper partnerships. Not only does joining forces with diverse and inclusive organizations improve your brand reputation, but it also lets other suppliers know that your company is committed to diversity and inclusion, which can lead to future partnerships.

Embrace Procurement Technology

Once you’ve created your supplier diversity processes, you’ll want to evaluate how your new supplier relationships are creating value for both partners. Embracing procurement technology to assist with your supplier diversity efforts is key to making a true impact. By integrating procurement technology into your sourcing process, you can expand your pool of potential suppliers. Procurement technology opens a whole new world of diverse e-commerce partnerships and can help your business identify high quality products to source from more diverse brands. Once you integrate procurement technology with your new suppliers, you gain access to more diverse supplier data. Your new suppliers get a deeper dive into who is buying their products, how much they are buying and which products are big revenue drivers.

Launching a diversity and inclusion program doesn’t have to be hard when you are committed to growing your supplier networks. Defining your program, creating new partnerships, aligning with like-minded businesses, and embracing the power of technology are great steps to creating or improving your diverse and inclusive supplier relationships.

At Source1, we partner with many suppliers such as General Mills, Unilever, and PepsiCo, who all believe in more inclusive and diverse partnerships. When you become a Source1 member, you gain access to an alliance of suppliers who understand the importance of diversity and inclusion. We source products and services from many diverse businesses and are creating a supply chain network that values a more diverse pool of partnerships.

Using high-quality products to maximize your hotel breakfast offerings at your operation can be a huge revenue generator. Cooking with name brand ingredients your customers know and love can keep your loyal guests returning and new customers choosing your location over others.

Hotel breakfasts can either be the best start to your guests’ day or an underwhelming experience that leaves them wishing they ate at the breakfast diner around the corner. This includes both room service and dine-in.

There is increasing pressure on hotel operators to provide high-quality service and offer more than just free pastries at breakfast. With guests returning to travel and seeking luxury properties to stay at, stand out from other businesses by including premium breakfast options with their stay.

Let’s look at some food and beverage solutions that increase your profits and keep guests returning to your property.

That First Morning Cup of Joe Counts

Nothing says “good morning, it’s going to be a good day” like that first sip of your morning coffee. It’s important to offer high-quality coffee options to your guests. It can set the mood for the rest of their stay. These days, guests have high expectations around freshness and the availability of flavor options.

Don’t be an average Joe hotel operation. Offer premium coffee that will caffeinate and rejuvenate your guests. For that boldly crafted timeless taste, 1850 by Folgers delivers a smooth lineup of fire roasted delight for the distinguished coffee consumer. Deja vue? More like Deja-brew! 1850’s carefully crafted steel-cut size results in more consistent brewing experiences. Give the gift of a brew-tiful day with 1850 by Folgers.

Not Your Basic Sausage and Eggs: Turnkey Breakfast Solutions

According to Conagra, 60% of hotel operators expect food and beverage revenue to grow over the next 3-5 years. That means it’s time to offer more than just the breakfast basics.

These labor saving solutions cut prep time, are cost effective and be used to create innovative menu offerings.

No need for extra cooler space. Idahoan Hash Browns are fully cooked so you can go from shelf to grill in 10 minutes flat. Simply brown or crisp on one side and heat through before serving crispy side up – in less than half the time of frozen or refrigerated. With unbeatable flavor and perfect texture, Idahoan Hash Browns are real potatoes that are real fast and real efficient.

“Protein” mentions on menus have risen nearly 77% over the last four years. Capitalize on the surge in protein mentions and say goodbye to the cooking and hassle of egg prep. With Sunny Fresh egg products, your kitchen staff can focus on innovative new ways to using eggs. Sunny Fresh egg products eliminate cracking, cooking and heavy clean-up, making them just right for your operation. Expand the appeal of your breakfast menu with dishes such as omelets, scrambled eggs, breakfast burritos or even grab-n-go sandwiches.

Don’t Forget Meatless Eaters

One-third of Americans are actively reducing their meat consumption. Help your plant-based eaters rise and shine with meatless breakfast options. Having a plant-based menu available for your meatless guests is imperative these days because your guests want it and your competitors are probably offering it.

Beyond Breakfast Sausage has arrived. These hearty patties are easy-to-cook, deliciously juicy, season to perfection and packed with 100% plant-based protein. You can power the day for your flexitarian, vegetarian and vegan guests by offering so many different breakfast items using Beyond Breakfast Sausage such as breakfast sandwiches, frittata’s, and other breakfast staples.

Source1 Solutions

Not only is breakfast the most important meal of the day, it is also an important amenity when staying at a hotel. A good breakfast brings many benefits to guests that accommodation providers may not realize. A satisfying breakfast can add comfort to a guest’s stay, making it a far more pleasant experience overall.

As a member of Source1 Purchasing, hotel operators get exclusive access to savings and discounts on all the products and solutions mentioned above and more!

Contact us today so we can get your hotel operation on its way to cutting food cost and labor.

 

Looking to lower hotel food costs?

Group Purchasing Organizations (GPOs) started in the healthcare industry and quickly spread to education, electronics, manufacturing, agriculture, and hospitality. While their services have expanded since their birth in 1910, most operate under one important premise—the diffused purchasing power of a group of businesses, when combined and leveraged, produces a powerful collective buying power. As Aristotle said over 2,300 years ago, “The whole is greater than the sum of the parts.”

Hotels leverage this buying power to lower food costs, increase quality, and manage their inventory and supplies. Let’s take a look at just how a GPO can lower hotel food costs.

Imagine that you’re the operator or owner of a large-scale hotel with thousands of locations. Think Marriott International with over 7,000 properties in 131 countries. You can be assured that when you contact a supplier, you’re going to get the best possible price. The competitive advantage is palpable.

At Source1 Purchasing, we have 60,000 locations, more than 350 manufacturer contracts, 165,000 rebated line items, and $12 billion in purchasing power.

Not bad. Now imagine that we’ve become a part of your team, finding the right suppliers for your needs and ensuring you’re receiving the best possible price. Move over Marriott.

At Source1 Purchasing, we specialize in hospitality and food service.

This means that we do more than simply lower food costs. We’ll also take a look at your menu, plating costs, and inventory controls to look for potential savings. In today’s environment, it’s important to search for every business-building and cost-saving strategy.

Even though room revenue is considered the heart of hotel profitability, food and beverage sales can impact direct sales as well as occupancy rate. If guests are staying in a specific area, and they have a choice of one hotel that offers stand-out food and cocktails at reasonable rates, or another that puts little attention into their food and beverage program, which one will they choose?

Success is measured by the ability to maximize revenues while containing costs in all departments.

It’s not uncommon for hotels to leave the responsibility of purchasing, costing, inventory control, and menu design in the hands of the chef or food and beverage manager. These responsibilities, along with scheduling, food preparation, and ensuring guest satisfaction can leave little in the way for supply assessment.

For this reason, many in the hotel industry simply go along with their favorite suppliers year after year. Chefs may talk with their distributors if there’s a menu change, ask about specials, or simply establish a regular delivery schedule that rarely deviates.

Working with a GPO changes all of that.

At Source1 Purchasing, we work with both broadline distributors and specialty suppliers. This ensures a reliable, cost-effective supply chain. We’ll find the highest quality and best costs for each product and ensure contracts are up-to-date. Now, the hotel is working with one supplier that provides all-inclusive inventory and cost management solutions. Group Purchasing, that’s personal!

Chefs and operators get to do what they do best—create memorable meals and guest experiences that keep clients coming back for more and telling their friends.

As with all businesses, no two are usually ever quite alike. The same is true for GPOs. At Source1 Purchasing, we pride ourselves on becoming members of our client’s team. We’re committed to helping our customers increase their bottom line while providing their guests with high-quality products and exceptional service.

To this end, we take a deep dive into analytics. This data provides us with the information we need to ensure you are buying from the right suppliers, have the right contracts in place, experience the benefits of a solid supply chain, and have instituted the proper inventory controls.

Our supply-chain experts and their individual attention to a savings analysis of each product ensure you’re getting the best price for top quality.

In addition to food and beverage supplies, we procure everyday operating supplies and products. In fact, we work with some of the top manufacturers in the hotel industry, including American Hotel Register Company, World Amenities, and Chef Works, to name a few.

Like a cog in a wheel, while seemingly insignificant, it is vital to the momentum. One broken cog, and the wheel simply stops. A hotel has many moving parts and each part plays into the success of the business. At Source1 Purchasing, we’re here to help you keep your wheel turning toward maximum profitability.

If you are looking for easy ways to promote health and wellness at your hotel, then you should create a relaxing environment for your guests. Even guests who are traveling for business want a relaxing place to retreat to at the end of the day.

As health and wellness trends continue to grow in popularity, hotels are looking for more ways they can add value to their health-minded guests.

Here are some easy ways to promote wellness and healthy foods and beverages at your hotel.

Many travelers see exercise rooms as one of the most attractive amenities a hotel can offer. This is especially true for guests visiting for an extended stay.

While many hotels do have an on-site exercise room, these areas often go neglected.

Make sure that your exercise facilities are always well-kept and that your equipment is in good working order.

If your hotel does not have the space for an exercise room, you can still help your guests stay active in other ways.

Consider publishing a map of safe walking or running routes around your hotel, or partner with a nearby fitness studio to offer guests access at a discount.

Many common areas, such as lounges and restaurants, are noisy by default.

However, sometimes, guests simply want a quiet place to sit down and decompress after a long day.

If possible, create quiet areas away from busy public spaces for guests to enjoy some peace and quiet.

These areas should include comfortable seating, warm lighting, and only soft music if any at all.

By now, you likely know that more and more guests are demanding healthy food options.

Once you’ve improved the food and beverage at your hotel, add healthy choices to your menu and make sure that they are easy for guests to find.

Special menu items for guests with dietary restrictions such as gluten intolerance or nut allergies should be clearly marked on your menus.

Today, guests are more particular about the ingredients in the products they consume, including toiletries.

When possible, avoid products with parabens and other ingredients that can be harmful to guests with skin sensitivities.

In addition, products that are environmentally friendly such as biodegradable soaps are quickly growing in popularity.

There are many eco-friendly products on the market that are just as affordable as their traditional counterparts. Ask your reputable supplier what type of options are available to you.

From eco-friendly toiletries to healthy foods, Source1 Purchasing can help you saving money on everything you need to promote health and wellness within your hotel. Contact us today for a free cost-savings analysis.