Case study: Local entrepreneurs and sustainable campus catering

CIRFOOD as food broker: Local flavours, global vision

A core desire of the UvA and HvA was to involve local entrepreneurs. In addition, the campuses had to transform into lively, diverse eating places. The diversity and vibrancy of the city of Amsterdam had to be felt within the campuses. Students and employees gather there to eat, study, meet and share social experiences.

CIRFOOD took up this challenge with both hands. The motto ‘Food connects’ formed the basis for collaborating with passionate entrepreneurs offering innovative concepts.

As a food broker, we brought the right parties together. Local entrepreneurs were selected for their creativity, flexibility and quality. Social themes such as sustainability, healthy food and food waste played an important role. Together with the UvA and HvA, we made sure that each food concept met the wishes of students and employees.

Foodcourts: innovative food experience with local heroes

The foodcourts at the UvA and HvA are inspired by popular foodcourts worldwide. From international street food dishes to local specialities, everything comes together. The food courts consist of several counters, each with its own concept and local entrepreneur. This way, we offer unique dining experiences, even in the same space. CIRFOOD works closely with the entrepreneurs to create a dynamic offer that meets our guests' needs time and again.  Below, we would like to tell you about two popular local heroes and their food concepts.

Better together: support and growth

Through CIRFOOD, local entrepreneurs not only get access to a large audience, but also support in business operations. We like to offer opportunities to people who want to start their own business, even without any experience. From procurement to financial processes, our experience offers start-ups a springboard to success. We act as an equal partner so entrepreneurs can focus on their passion. For example, we take care of the equipment, administrative and operational processes. We also coach on HACCP, increasing turnover, presentation, operations and sustainability.

Today, the contract includes 6 larger food courts with several local heroes, 2 independent ‘local hero’ locations and 6 espresso bars. The biggest challenge remains finding out the needs of students and guests in order to tailor the offer accordingly. We select our local heroes on distinctive specialities and their story. Good food is the basis, where we want to offer different concepts at an affordable price.

By deploying local heroes, we bring in the diversity and buzz of the city. Our contract managers are on the road every month to find new heroes. Inspired entrepreneurs with a great story and even better dishes. We search at food festivals, markets, and we get tips from, for example, local residents and other entrepreneurs.

Conclusion: building a sustainable future together

The collaboration between CIRFOOD, UvA and HvA shows how sustainability, local involvement and flexibility have a positive impact on both the campus community and the local economy. With pride, we continue to build an offering that meets the highest standards, remains surprising and contributes to the well-being of students, staff and guests.

Want to know more about our approach? Contact CIRFOOD and find out how we can develop a tailor-made food concept for your organisation as well, in line with your sustainable and social goals.