Cater Source Network is a specialist food sourcing partner for all sectors, including hospitality, catering, education, and healthcare.

Focused exclusively on food procurement, Cater Source Network runs competitive tender processes to ensure the best pricing and quality from trusted suppliers. Dedicated account management support provides ongoing guidance, helping clients streamline orders, manage costs, and maintain consistent product quality. All of this is completely free, as the service is supplier-funded, delivering maximum value with no direct cost to your business.

Smarter food sourcing. Reliable supply. Consistent results.

Who we are

Cater Source Network is a specialist food sourcing partner with decades of experience in food procurement and hospitality, supporting businesses of all sizes, from small independents to multi-site operations, providing efficient, cost-effective food sourcing solutions tailored to each client’s needs.

By working with both large wholesalers and smaller local suppliers, Cater Source Network ensures access to the right products, competitive pricing, and the ability to meet specific requirements, competitive tender processes and ongoing account management simplify procurement, control costs, and maintain consistent quality.

Get in touch for a free consultation.

Experience, Insight, Reliable food sourcing.

Contact

How it works

Four people in a restaurant, three seated at a table and one standing, engaging in conversation. The restaurant has large windows, plants, and table settings with glasses and plates.

1. Meeting

Schedule a consultation, virtually or in person, to fully understand your businesses needs and explore how Cater Source Network can help reduce costs and streamline your food sourcing.

Person working on a laptop with data analytics and graphs on the screen, a smartphone, and glasses on the white desk

2. Data Collation

Work together to collate key product data from your current suppliers, so Cater Source Network can run a tailored tender and commercial review to identify cost savings and optimize your food purchasing

Chef preparing plated dishes in a professional kitchen, arranging gourmet food on white plates.

3. Implementation

Cater Source Network implements the approved proposal and ensures a smooth mobilisation, introducing key supplier contacts and connecting your business with the wider account management team. Ongoing account management and price management support is provided to maintain cost efficiency, manage supply needs, and ensure consistent quality over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What product categories are supported?

Cater Source Network specialises exclusively in food and beverage sourcing. Coverage includes all core food categories required by catering and hospitality operators, such as:

  • Fresh produce

  • Meat and poultry

  • Fish and seafood

  • Dairy and eggs

  • Frozen foods

  • Ambient and dry goods

  • Bakery items

  • Beverages

By focusing solely on food, Cater Source Network delivers deeper market insight, stronger supplier relationships, and more competitive outcomes.

2. Do you source local, UK, and international products?

Yes. Cater Source Network works with a balanced mix of large national wholesalers and smaller local suppliers, ensuring flexibility and choice based on individual requirements.

  • Local suppliers to support regional sourcing and freshness

  • UK-wide wholesalers for scale, consistency, and coverage

  • International sourcing where specific products are required

  • Support for sustainability, provenance, and ethical sourcing objectives

This approach allows sourcing strategies to be tailored to each business.

3. How does pricing work?

Cater Source Network manages pricing through competitive tendering and ongoing commercial review.

  • Competitive tender processes to secure best-value pricing

  • Transparent pricing structures

  • Ongoing price management to protect against market volatility

Pricing models are discussed during consultation to ensure the right approach for each operation.

4. Are cost savings and volume benefits available?

Yes. Cater Source Network helps businesses achieve meaningful cost savings, typically in the region of 5–15%, through improved purchasing efficiency.

  • Leveraged buying power across a wide client base

  • Optimised supplier selection

  • Reduced duplication and inefficiency

  • Improved gross profit performance

Savings are delivered without compromising quality or service.

5. How are food price fluctuations managed?

Food pricing is actively managed to reduce exposure to market volatility.

  • Regular price monitoring across multiple suppliers

  • Ongoing benchmarking and commercial review

  • Market intelligence on commodity movements

  • Proactive communication around significant changes

This ensures pricing remains competitive and professionally managed over time.

6. Do you benchmark prices against the wider market?

Yes. Price benchmarking is a core part of the service.

  • Regular supplier comparisons

  • Market-relevant pricing validation

  • Ongoing reviews to maintain competitiveness

  • Full transparency and confidence in buying decisions

Benchmarking ensures long-term value, not just short-term savings.

7. Are suppliers accredited and audited?

All recommended suppliers meet industry-recognised standards and compliance requirements.

  • Fully audited and approved suppliers

  • Compliance with relevant food safety and quality standards

  • Audit documentation available on request

  • Consistent quality assurance across the supply base

This provides confidence, traceability, and peace of mind.