Sodexo says coffee is a 'core requirement' of the evolving workplace | Photo credit: Windows

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Foodservice and facilities management firm Sodexo has entered a three-year exclusive partnership with Cornwall-based specialty coffee roaster Origin Coffee. The partnership will see Origin supply coffee services to Sodexo’s corporate services clients, including access to the specialty roaster’s network of SCA barista trainers and technicians to maintain a suite of La Marzocco espresso machines.  
 
“Workplaces are becoming places where people primarily meet, collaborate, bring customers and guests, and there is a very clear opportunity to deliver a suite of workplace dining and guests services at the heart of that experience,” said Julie Ennis, CEO corporate services, Sodexo UK & Ireland.
 
“The new offer will also include an accompanying food menu which has been developed in line with the high-quality, world-leading coffee on offer,” Ennis added.
 
According to a press release, the deal will also see B Corp-certified Origin open its first coffee shop outlet at ‘one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies based in London’, in January 2022. 
 
“We’re delighted to be working alongside Sodexo to deliver a world-class coffee programme within their catering environments. We both share the same values regarding environmental and social practices and look forward to promoting our high quality, sustainably sourced coffee to Sodexo’s inquisitive and socially conscious consumer,” said Tom Sobey, Owner & Founder Origin Coffee.
 
The partnership comes at a time when many employers are deploying elevated office food and beverages offers to entice workers back into workplaces after 18 months of home working due to the pandemic.

The rapid spread of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 has, however, led the UK government to renew advice to work from home. Nevertheless, many employers look set to continue re-investing in workplaces in 2022. 

In November 2021, Sodexo North America signed a 10-year deal with New York-based For Five Coffee Roasters to supply coffee and food to Sodexo Corporate Services locations across the US and Canada.
 
Founded in Marseille, France, in 1966, Sodexo maintains a presence across 56 countries, providing integrated food, facilities management and organisational services to clients in the corporate, education, healthcare, senior living, leisure, and government sectors. In October 2021, the company reported full-year revenues of €17.4bn ($20.2bn) – 87% of 2019 levels.