Technology as a Performance Multiplier

Jo Robinson, Head of Digital for Sodexo Government and Energy, outlines how Sodexo is using digital technology to transform the dining experience – combining the speed and convenience of app-based ordering with tools that help people to make smarter food choices and stay energised and productive throughout the day.

Food Government
Published on Mar. 25, 2026

From frontline military personnel to desk-based roles, our teams serve customers whose roles place very different demands on their energy levels, and diners are increasingly looking for convenience, speed of service and the ability to customise dishes to suit their needs.

This is where digital channels are proving to be a game changer, and we’re using technology to transform traditional food service into a tool that puts all this power in their hands, and helps individuals make choices aligned to the physical and mental demands of their roles.

Enhancing the use of the Everyday app

The introduction of Sodexo’s Everyday app has set the baseline for digital ordering and we’re now rapidly building on its functionality. Alongside established click and collect/deliver options, news feeds and promotions, the app features our full menu allowing customers to browse and choose from our range, anytime, anywhere.

Everyday seamlessly integrates with popular nutrition tracking apps like Google Health and MyFitnessPal too. Orders placed through Everyday are automatically synced, giving users a clear view of how our food fits into their daily health plan. The app also ties in with our Mindful Active programme, which provides practical resources and advice based around four pillars: Fuel, Focus, Perform and Restore – targeting different physical and mental requirements.

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Introducing digital ‘messing’

Digital technology is expanding across the portfolio. A recent trial of Digital Messing – introducing digital pre-order and payment to our sergeants’ and officers’ messes – is taking a long-winded paper-based process online. No more paper chits to fill in for customers, no unwieldy spreadsheets for our teams to manage; it simplifies the process and frees up time on both sides. It also allows our customers to keep track of their mess bill rather than wait for a surprise at the end of the month.

Satisfaction scores from the first month’s trial at the Sergeants’ Mess at Tidworth Garrison reflect the benefits of the switch, with an average 4.8/5 score. Transactions were up by 56% on previous months, with 9 out of 10 users we surveyed using pre-order via the Everyday app. 93% of survey respondents voted to keep digital messing in place. Anecdotal feedback has been positive too:

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The digital food ordering system has revolutionised the way we operate, making the process smoother for staff and more enjoyable for members. This project has not only improved efficiency but has also fostered a more modern and engaging dining experience
for everyone involved.

WO1 (GSM) Kevin Tomlinson

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Keeping the human touch

While digital channels make browsing, selecting and collecting orders smoother, we shouldn’t lose sight of the power of a friendly face.
Findings from our Annual Defence Consumer Survey 2025, from our diners, show that human interaction and the courtesy of staff remain important, making mealtimes a connected experience and ensuring a sense of community for those we serve. The Everyday platform enables multiple purchasing journeys, including fresh food service where customers can pay in the app or at a kiosk, but still engage with our staff at the servery as they collect their meal.

Good relationships build loyalty, and we’re expanding our loyalty scheme from app-only purchases to purchases made at the tills. Customers can flash their QR codes at point of service and loyalty points are automatically added to their digital wallet.

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Insight shapes the future

Feedback and data will continue to feed into our strategy. Behind the consumer-facing Everyday app, we monitor analytics from our proprietary insights dashboard and can understand real-time demand, analyse customer preferences, track footfall and adjust our food offers and labour scheduling.

This all adds up to a more responsive, efficient and personalised food service – one that puts better choice and greater control directly in the hands of our customers, allowing them to maximise their performance every working day.

This is what motivates Sodexo to keep innovating and optimising, knowing we’re able to make a positive impact on the experiences of those we serve, in small but tangible ways.

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