Aramark, the parent company of Avendra International, works to continuously develop an innovative and inclusive supply chain. The company’s supplier diversity priorities are seen as not only a part of its overall diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts; it is viewed as a business imperative that delivers success for clients, consumers, and communities.
To ensure small and under-represented businesses receive the skills-based training, resources, and access to experts needed to successfully work with an organization as large as Aramark, the company sponsors mentorship programs open to suppliers currently in the company’s supply chain, as well as those seeking to work with Aramark in the future.
One of those mentorship programs has recently been re-vamped to better empower small and diverse suppliers to achieve success.
A diverse supplier is a business that is at least 51% owned and operated by a group or individual who is part of a traditionally underrepresented or underserved group, including women, ethnic minorities, veterans, LGBTQ+ community members, and people with disabilities.
The new Level UP! program is a 10-week supplier development program managed by experts from Aramark and Avendra International supply chain and procurement services with special help from Sysco, the multinational distributor of wholesale foodservice products and equipment, and Certify My Company, which assists suppliers in obtaining third-party diversity certifications.
The collaboration between three organizations provided a unique content offering for suppliers, providing participants with a first-hand look at Aramark’s procurement process, distribution through multiple Sysco channels, and leveraging diverse certification to provide differentiation and help managing RFP responses, the three most common challenges for small and under-represented suppliers.
“We refreshed our former training and mentorship model to ensure even greater success for the suppliers and for Aramark,” said Natily Santos, Vice President, Responsible Sourcing, Aramark. “For our inaugural Level UP! class, we had 13 participants from companies across the U.S.”
“We have partnered with Aramark since 2020 to help more small and diverse-owned companies receive third-party certification,” said Heather Cox, President of Certify My Company. “Level UP! offered us a great way to connect with and educate suppliers for more meaningful discussions tailored to their products and to Aramark’s business.”
Offered at no cost to participants, the 10-week Level UP! program ran from September 9 through November 18, 2024. Meetings were held once a week for 90 minutes. Class topics focus on the following:
A behind-the-scenes look at Aramark and Avendra International procurement practices;
Step-by-step guide on how to be considered for new vendor sourcing opportunities;
How to leverage sustainability program goals into new business with Aramark and Avendra International;
Meetings with Aramark and Avendra International representatives to discuss product-specific opportunities;
Insights from Sysco subject matter experts to lead to more successful partnerships, including how to get set up in the Sysco marketplace for drop shipping or central warehouse distribution and one-on-one meetings with Sysco merchandising and buying group personnel.
Ways suppliers can differentiate themselves and leverage diverse supplier certification.
Expert insights on getting to know the target client and getting set up for RFP success.
“We all share a responsibility to empower small businesses with the tools and insights they need to succeed,” said Darnell Greene, Director, Supplier Inclusion, Sysco. “When small and diverse businesses thrive, they fuel economic growth that creates a ripple effect that not only drives growth for our customers, but also strengthens the communities our customers serve.”
The next Level UP! program cohort will take place in fall 2025.
Sourcing ethically and inclusively
With partnerships with thousands of small and under-reperesented suppliers across the U.S., Aramark is a leader in corporate supplier diversity. The company has set a goal to spend 25% of U.S. supply chain purchases with small, local, and under-represented businesses by 2025. This strong positioning has led to Aramark receiving the following industry recognitions:
Aramark’s commitment to Sourcing Ethically and Inclusively received a Strategic Excellence Award from Southern California Minority Supplier Development Council in November 2024.
*Aramark is an Equal Employment Opportunity Company. Aramark’s DEI commitment is balanced with ensuring that protected characteristics under the law are not considerations for company business decisions.
