The contract has been awarded for an initial five years with an option for it to be extended for a further two following a competitive tender process. Sodexo plans to ‘transform’ four large leisure facilities on the island for civilians as well as military personnel and their families.
The leisure facilities will be redesigned and updated to create family friendly social spaces serving food and drink under Sodexo’s new ‘Chelona’ concept which includes a diverse food and drink offering with regular organised unique events.
Dishes include traditional British favourites and Cypriot dishes as well as a wide-range of plant-based alternatives. Menus also include sharing platters and a dedicated children’s menu. Chelona has been developed to provide food experiences to suit both the local community and visitors.
The new facilities will also see Costa Coffee introduced in addition to vending machines by local coffee brand Clock Coffee. Other food services delivered within the contract include the inflight catering for military flights to and from the island as well as function and event hospitality. Up to 2,000 school meals a week will be served during term time.
The Forces Store supermarket concept will be improved to include ranges from a variety of UK stores such as Co-op, Greggs and TGI Friday. Subway franchise outlets will be introduced at three of the bases.
Military dining will be delivered at six restaurants under Sodexo’s Junior Ranks Dining offer, as well as the provision of catering at 11 messes.
Mark Baker, chief operating officer of defence at Sodexo UK & Ireland, said: “We have enjoyed a highly successful partnership for over 20 years, and we look forward to this new opportunity to enhance the lived experience of serving & civil service personnel, families and contractors on the island with exciting new developments planned for the services which our hard-working teams deliver every day.”
At the 2024 Public Sector Catering Awards the Sodexo and DIO teams based in Cyprus were awarded the Team of the Year accolade for their ‘unwavering professionalism’ during Operation Polar Bear where thousands of people were evacuated from Sudan.