Annual Defence Consumer Survey 2025

Your questions answered

• What is the purpose of the Annual Defence Consumer Survey?

  The survey is Sodexo’s primary channel for measuring satisfaction levels across its defence portfolio in the UK and Cyprus . It provides quantitative and qualitative data to help refine service offers, build on successes, and plan for future improvements to the Lived Experience of Service Personnel

• How many people participated in the 2025 survey?

  A record 7,439 participants took part in the 2025 survey, representing a 27% increase compared to 2024. The sample consists primarily of military consumers (78%) and is representative by gender, age, and rank.

• Which service areas performed the best?

  Cafés and coffee shops remain the strongest performers with an 83% satisfaction rating . Convenience stores also show strong results at 76% satisfaction, a figure that is currently trending upward.

• What sustainability initiatives are mentioned in the report?

  The report highlights the InstaRinse machine, an eco-friendly solution for cleaning reusable coffee cups in just 25 seconds using only 3% of the water required for hand-washing. Additionally, new AI-enabled kitchen equipment (UNOX) has been introduced to improve cooking speed, reduce energy consumption, and allow for fresher, individually cooked meals

• What new food options have been introduced recently?

  In November 2025, Sodexo introduced 100 new high-protein main course dishes and nine multigrain salads . There is also an increasing number of vegetarian and plant-based meals to reflect a growing trend toward flexitarian diets, particularly among senior ranks.

• What is the "Station Rotation" concept?

  Station Rotation is a new lunchtime concept promoting a diverse range of street food . At locations where it has been introduced, it achieved an 81% ‘very good or good’ rating from consumers.

• What is the "Everyday" app, and how is it perceived?

  The Everyday app is a digital platform allowing users to browse popular items, receive diet recommendations, and see nutritional choices coded by Military Performance Choice icons (red, amber, or green) . Where the app is deployed, overall satisfaction is significantly higher at 85%.

• How does Sodexo support military families?

  Currently, 43% of personnel with families feel Sodexo caters well to their needs . Recent improvements include the renovation of leisure facilities in Cyprus under the name Chelona, which features interactive iPad zones, soft play areas, and tailored "Very Important Kids" (VIK) menus.

• What are the key areas for future improvement?

  Service personnel identified several priorities for the future, including: 

  • Better Wi-Fi and connectivity across sites.
  • 24-hour vending and more flexible dining hours.
  • Improved childcare provision and support for families to aid recruitment and retention.