In 2022 Compass’ procurement division Foodbuy Group launched its ‘Pitch Social’ initiative, designed to deliver social value and diversify the Group’s supplier base. The first event was held in London and the 2024 event took place in Leeds, with the aim to now hold these annually.
The event gives social enterprises, as well as B-corps, and minority owned businesses with a high social and environmental value agenda the chance to pitch their business, providing an opportunity to access Foodbuy Group’s multibillion-pound supply chain.
Examples of some of the suppliers that have joined Foodbuy Group’s supply chain with strong social and environmental values include:
- The Uncommon, an English winemaker known for pioneering sustainable formats in award-winning sparkling wine production
- One Water, supporting sustainable clean water and sanitation services in impoverished regions
Foodbuy Group has launched a mentoring programme for suppliers that attended the events but were not selected to be listed – this enables them to drive further positive change.
Harinder Singh, Foodbuy Group’s head of sustainability and compliance, said: “Supporting VCSEs in this way, means we can make a meaningful difference through our spend. Pitch Social provides the opportunity to engage with numerous suppliers, gaining insight into their social missions and creates diversity within our supplier base. It is great to be building on our established work in this area.”