Sodexo Canada Partners With UpMeals
Sodexo Canada, a leader in the food services and facilities management industry, is excited to announce a strategic partnership with UpMeals, a leading Canadian food technology startup. This collaboration will enable Sodexo to utilize UpMeals’ cutting-edge technology to make healthy, nutritious meals more accessible across their various sectors such as universities, corporate settings, and hospitals.
UpMeals is renowned for its innovative smart vending machines that provide fresh food options to consumers 24/7. The machines help address gaps in the accessibility of nutritious meals, particularly in off-hours. Customers can browse a wide array of items ranging from wraps, salads, entrees and juices from a user-friendly 49” touchscreen interface. The UpMeals SmartVending machines have already been deployed in high-traffic locations such as Vancouver International Airport, the University of British Columbia (UBC), Simon Fraser University (SFU), and other prominent locations in British Columbia.
The company also leverages proprietary AI-driven technology to develop customized healthy meal plans for organizations. This technology is offered through their automated modern catering platform, as well as wholesale and retail partnerships.
By automating processes such as research and development, CFIA compliance, and production workflows, UpMeals is able to provide an extensive variety of meal options catering to diverse dietary preferences and customer needs. All meals are produced in UpMeals’ HACCP-compliant production facility in Vancouver, ensuring the highest quality and safety standards.
The partnership will initially focus on the British Columbia market, with plans to expand into other regions of Canada in the future. By joining forces with UpMeals, Sodexo will enhance its nutritious grab ‘n go meal offerings and create added value for its customers.
Martin Lapointe, SVP of Operations, Sodexo Canada Campus commented on the partnership: “We are thrilled to partner with UpMeals, a company that shares our commitment to innovation and excellence in the food services industry. Sodexo Campus is excited to be the first sector in our organization to implement this innovative technology as students, faculty and staff are always looking for healthy food choices. This partnership will ensure the campuses we serve are equipped with healthy, delicious options 24/7.”
UpMeals’ Founder and CEO, Drew Munro, added: “We are very excited to work with Sodexo, a global leader in food services. Together, we will leverage our technology and expertise to revolutionize the way healthy, nutritious meals are delivered and consumed in Canada.”
The partnership between Sodexo Canada and UpMeals also aligns with their shared commitment to sustainability. UpMeals packages its products in sustainable packaging, reducing the environmental impact of their operations, and also repurposes unsold meals to local charities, creating a minimal waste operation. This approach supports Sodexo’s sustainability goals and reinforces their commitment to responsible business practices.
About Sodexo Canada
Sodexo delivers a wide range of customized solutions, designed to optimize work and living environments. Sodexo has been providing food and facilities management services in Canada for over 40 years, with a focus on enhancing safety, work process and well-being. Sodexo is a market leader in Canada. Sodexo has been recognized as a top employer for the past seven consecutive years. Sodexo is proud to have created the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation, an independent charitable organization that has raised over $3 million to fight hunger and donated more than one million meals to at-risk youth across Canada since 2007.
About UpMeals
UpMeals is a Vancouver-based food technology company on a mission to make healthy, nutritious meals available 24/7. Innovative SmartVending machines, modern corporate catering, and private label solutions provide custom, healthy, sustainably packaged meals that meet the highest food safety standards. UpMeals uses proprietary AI-driven software to create their custom meal solutions and reduce food waste. Using the data collected from their platform, UpMeals uses its software to improve menu offerings based on user feedback and popularity.
