The university’s sustainability ambitions have increased in recent years, resulting in a demand for a catering partner that offers a “healthier, more eco-friendly and more animal-friendly” selection, explains Mike van Gerwen, contract manager for food and drink at Facility Services.
As this would’ve required major changes to the existing contract with Eurest – the initial five-year term had expired, with an option to extend – a new tender process was launched instead. “Appèl came out on top. Sustainability is embedded in the company’s DNA, and our tasting panel enjoyed the food; they gave very high scores to all four hot meals and the selection of lunch foods they tried.”
Most competitive prices
Not unimportantly, Appèl also offered the most competitive prices. “One of our requirements was that hot meals should weigh a total of at least 500 grams, so you actually feel full afterwards, and cost €6.50. That’s the value for money students are looking for”, says Van Gerwen.
The shift towards more plant-based food (currently 40 percent of the total) will be gradual. “The selection won’t change overnight. But we also won’t stop at 52 per cent. That’s just the target for the first year; after that, it will increase further.”
Sign-language barista's
Appèl will take over all locations and staff previously managed by Eurest, but there will be some changes. At Tapijn, for example, “sign-language baristas” will be introduced. “These are baristas with hearing difficulties, allowing customers to order their coffee in sign language. A tablet will show users how to sign their order.” The current Bakery Café on the square outside Universiteitssingel 40 will become a Brownies & Downies branch, employing people with (intellectual) disabilities. “It won’t be run by Appèl, but they will work together.”
A University Council committee recently raised the question of whether the university should bring catering back in-house. Until 2010, campus food outlets were run by Unicatering, which was part of what is now Facility Services. Van Gerwen: “The new contract runs for four years. During that time, I will look into whether this is a realistic and desirable option for the university to pursue.”