Foodbuy Group Hosts Supplier Conference to celebrate growth, relationships, optimism and winning together (GROW)

Foodbuy Group, the procurement division of Compass Group UK&I, has held its bi-annual Supplier Conference, at London’s ExCeL on 21st May 2025. Using the theme “GROW”, the event brought together around 550 industry leaders, suppliers and key stakeholders.

The conference featured main stage presentations, where delegates heard from Foodbuy Group’s leadership team, as well as Compass Group UK & Ireland representatives who brought different perspectives from across their sectors. Together, they covered topics such as investment in key areas for sustained growth, including data and social value and important issues such as allergens and technology.  

Foodbuy Group also took the opportunity to announce the launch of their new Smart Retail sector, Amplifi. Elaine Swift, CEO of Amplifi, took to the main stage to unveil the bold vision behind Amplifi’s expansion - showcasing how it delivers next-generation smart retail solutions designed to meet growing consumer demand for convenience. Powered by advanced technology and data-driven insights, Amplifi is shaping the future of retail. A fully operational micromarket gave attendees hands-on experience of the platform’s capabilities and a clear view of its forward-thinking approach.

Exhibitors spent the afternoon of the conference networking with attendees talking them through valuable insights into industry innovations, paving the way for future partnerships and developments. The exhibition stands gave suppliers the opportunity to network directly with the leadership teams from all of Foodbuy’s Group Purchasing Organisation (GPO)s, Compass Group UK&I sectors and sub sectors as well as subject matter experts including the Foodbuy Group category teams, Sustainability team and Foodbuy Technology solutions team.   

Karl Atkins, CEO, Foodbuy Group commented: “Our bi-annual supplier conference is always a great event. This was an opportunity to share ideas, celebrate successes and create forward looking, collaborative plans for the future.  

We truly value our partnerships with our suppliers and this event has enabled us to ensure we are all working towards the same goals and that we are aligned to grow together and win together. With our purchasing power of over £2bn across 70 plus categories, we are the most diverse GPO in the UK and have the integrity, investment and scale to continue leading the way.”   

Earlier this year, Foodbuy Group announced it had expanded to form the industry’s largest GPO. It operates to power the supply chain and add value to its partners beyond procurement, backed by decades of hospitality experience, with ambitious plans for further growth.