In the survey of 153 senior figured in the contract catering and foodservice industry, 53% said food waste is their biggest challenge.
Omnico’s chief executive Mel Taylor said: “The survey results show that the catering industry knows that technology can address the major challenges of food waste and queuing, which cost everyone time and money.
“But there is also clear demand for a more complete approach to technology that encompasses loyalty, ordering, payment and promotions, as caterers see that this is the route to significant bottom line benefits.”
The survey also showed 58% of those surveyed believe using technology to reduce waiting times would improve footfall, with 48% believing queues would diminish if customers had the opportunity to pay via app or tablet device as well as a kiosk.
Taylor said: “The efficiencies are there for the taking. The contract catering business just need to be much smarter about using technology to unify experiences seamlessly across multiple touchpoints.”