Building and maintaining a robust supply chain that works efficiently and effectively for our clients and suppliers is one of our core focuses at Avendra International.  With a commitment to continuous improvement and innovation, we recognize the importance of staying ahead—reflected in our evolving sourcing strategies, advanced tech stack and dedication to investing in our people to foster professional growth. 

In honor of National Supply Chain Day, we’re highlighting a few ways Avendra International is transforming procurement to empower organizations around the world to thrive.  

Purpose-Driven Sourcing 

Our Responsible Sourcing team is dedicated to empowering clients to achieve their environmental and social goals through strategic, purpose-driven sourcing. By conducting personalized supply chain analyses, we identify critical areas for sustainable and inclusive sourcing opportunities and develop comprehensive strategies with actionable goals. We prioritize building a resilient and robust supplier network that meets our clients’ sourcing needs. 

As part of our responsible sourcing efforts, we recognize the importance of considering the environmental and social impacts of our supply chain. By contracting with small businesses, especially those owned by women and diverse communities, and sourcing sustainably we can support stimulating local economies and deliver positive impacts for our planet. 

As of fiscal year 2024, our global supplier network proudly includes nearly 1,000 suppliers engaged in our sustainability assessment survey. These suppliers are evaluated for their sustainability, ethics, and human rights protocols, reflecting our dedication to supply chain sustainability and inclusivity. 

Embracing Innovation 

Given the ever-changing nature of the hospitality industry, it is essential to create and implement technology that simplifies and streamlines the procurement process for all users, from the above-property level to the at-property level. 

As Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to evolve, we have quickly recognized how its capabilities can improve the procurement process by providing timely and actionable recommendations, based on procurement data. Our award-winning AI platform, Mosaic Supply Chain AI, harnesses advanced technology to drive cost savings, improve time efficiency and boost transparency, empowering our clients to effectively manage and grow their businesses. In the past, providing clients with tailored recommendations like this would take weeks and multiple touchpoints with our team. Mosaic AI is part of Aramark’s Hospitality IQ—its hub for AI-powered business applications.   

In our recent acquisition of MaetaData, we have enhanced our AI capabilities by incorporating MaetaData’s patented rapid AI process.  This technology revolutionizes Avendra’s category sustainability reports by integrating advanced data analytics and expanding the range of categories covered. This innovative approach enables more efficient attribution of sustainability information, enhancing the depth and accuracy of our reporting to our clients. 

Investing in Our People 

At Avendra International, our people are what make us different—externally, we support clients through our hospitality expertise, while internally, we nurture the next generation of supply chain professionals.  

To support aspiring supply chain professionals and young talent across industries, we’re proud to have featured some of Avendra’s women sourcing leaders in a panel with Women’s Foodservice Forum (WFF), moderated by Avendra International’s Vice President of Marketing, May Limbach, which explored how to effectively utilize your network to grow as a professional in the industry, among other key topics.  

We’re highlighting a few of the questions and answers our leaders shared in the valuable presentation.  

What role has networking played in your career and how can the women in this room build strong professional networks? 

“Networking has been crucial in my career, not just for opening doors but for ensuring I had the right support when I walked through them. I challenge women to build real connections, find mentors, be mentors, and create spaces where we can all rise together,” said Natily Santos, Vice President, Responsible Sourcing, Avendra International and Aramark.  

Across your various positions and conversations throughout your career, how has feedback shaped your growth and learning?  

“Career feedback, though sometimes hard to hear, has been invaluable in shaping me into a better professional. One memorable instance early in my career, was when my training instructor discarded my coding assignment for lack of comments and proper organization, a lesson that has stayed with me throughout my career,” said Autumn Bayles, Senior Vice President of Global Supply Chain & Group Purchasing Organizations, Aramark.  

 

“When receiving difficult feedback, pause and consider it may be true before reacting. The toughest feedback from trusted sources can be the push needed to reach your potential,” said Carrie Santiago, Strategic Sourcing Director, Aramark.  

 

At Avendra International, we are committed to providing innovative procurement solutions that deliver a real difference to organizations worldwide, and that begins with the strength of our own organization. We’re proud to celebrate National Supply Chain Day and the exciting innovations we bring to the industry.