3 reasons to look forward to 2023

An interview with Entegra CEO Damien Calderini

While no one can predict the future, Entegra CEO Damien Calderini has put some thought into what may lie ahead in 2023. Calderini, the leader responsible for Entegra’s $30 billion group purchasing power, breaks down what’s happening and what’s potentially to come.

Inflation was a huge story in 2022 and while it’s coming down, it’s still impacting the hospitality industry. Labor shortages and costs continue to pressure operators as talk of recession in the new year increases.

Given this backdrop, we asked Calderini for the key trends and themes that can provide a bright spot for hospitality in 2023.

Are there strategies that businesses can turn to in these tough times?

I know the news lately sounds like it’s all doom and gloom. But it’s not. People still want to travel. And that means hotel stays, eating out and visits to venues. Here are some trends that I think will impact our industry in 2023 and beyond:

1. Memories instead of things. Since so many workers are still remote, they will travel, seeking memory-making experiences. And people prefer memories instead of throw-away objects. Give them what they’re looking for. Whether that’s a superior mocktail from your bar or a stellar menu or spa services, you should provide something that differentiates you.
2. The wellness movement. From plant-based foods to rethinking portion sizes, considering wellness in every decision can add to your customers’ satisfaction. Gen Z and Millennials, especially, want to focus more on health and wellness. Rethinking menu offerings is something that we specialize in through our culinary services. We can bring expertise in food trends and product selection that can help you meet your margins while wowing your customers.
3. Sustainability as more than a trend. When I go to a hotel, I am conscious of single-use plastics, energy efficiency, food waste and local sourcing. Your customers make choices based on what they see. Make sure they see your best foot forward on these issues.

What don’t people know about GPOs that they should know?

When people think about GPOs they think about scale, but we work with about 4,000 to 5,000 local vendors. We think about local scale, not just national. If you have a property in one area, the chances are that we have other clients and suppliers that you’ll need for your business, and our buying power includes local suppliers.

Tap into Entegra’s supplier networks. Getting started is easier than you think.