Compass Group UK and Ireland has acquired food and health technology start-up, Feedr, in a move to accelerate its digital transformation. The deal was completed in early March 2020 and will play a key role in reshaping the 'return to work' strategy for Compass.
Compass Group UK and Ireland, the UK market leading foodservice business, plans to utilise Feedr’s software across its portfolio of corporate clients, with further potential applications of the technology in education and healthcare sectors. Feedr’s mobile ordering and pre-pay technology will enable Compass to transform the way people interact with on-site restaurants, so employees can browse menus, pay and collect more flexibly, enhancing their food at work experience.
Feedr’s focus on nutrition and health means employees can use the app to track and personalise their daily eating, helping them make healthier choices and giving them a better picture of nutrition from the meals they consume at their workplace. This offers companies a way to put wellbeing at the heart of their food at work strategy.
In addition to adopting Feedr technology, Compass will invest in growing Feedr as an independent brand which will continue to operate in the delivery market with its Cloud Canteen product, with Feedr leveraging the Compass global platform to accelerate its growth.
The timing of the acquisition has enabled Feedr and Compass to collectively support vulnerable populations during the COVID crisis, launching a first initiative in early April, where free Compass meals were connected to vulnerable customers’ homes using Feedr’s technology. In addition, Feedr launched a home delivery solution for its existing customers, flipping its usual business model on its head. As employees return to work, Feedr will use its technology to support social distancing and eliminating queues through unique click and collect initiatives in workplaces.
Robin Mills, Managing Director UK and Ireland, commented, “Compass is eager to embrace the potential of technology to improve the way we serve our clients and customers, and to help people make healthier choices. Feedr is a leader in its field and together with Riya, Lyz and their team we will ensure Compass is the partner of choice for any business wanting a personalised food offer for its employees. Feedr will provide the agility we need to meet the changing needs of workplace dining as we emerge from lockdown and adjust to a new normal.”
Riya Grover, Co-Founder and CEO of Feedr, commented, “We are thrilled to be part of Compass Group and to integrate our ordering, payments and health technology across their portfolio. Operating at new levels of scale will allow us to accelerate our product innovation, and to support our marketplace of restaurant partners with new opportunities.”