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Brochure Form
Our Story
Every day, we shape workplaces and communities into happier, healthier, and more sustainable spaces. With exceptional food services to crafting safe, efficient workplaces through end-to-end facility management services, we empower organisations to foster collaboration and achieve their full potential. Our focus on nutrition and wellness ensures that every meal we serve contributes to a healthier, more vibrant community. Creating engaging, welcoming, and fulfilling workplaces fosters collaboration. Every service we deliver, every partnership we form, and every innovation we introduce is rooted in our purpose: to positively impact people and the planet. From humble beginnings in British wartime factories in the 1940s, we’ve grown into a global leader in food and facility services, shaping environments where people excel.
Our Heritage
Explore the dynamic story of Compass Group’s ascent – a narrative unfolding from its modest origins in wartime factories to its present-day position as a pioneering force in the global hospitality landscape.
1941
How Compass Began
Britain was at war. It was vital to keep munitions workers productive. Shortly after the Factory Canteens Order came into effect, Factory Canteens (later Factory Restaurants, then Bateman) and Midland Counties were formed. In the early 1980s the two companies merged to become Grand Metropolitan Catering and eventually evolving into Compass.
1980
Compass Was Born
On a hot summer’s day at the Britannia Hotel in Grosvenor Square, London, executives brainstormed potential new names for the operation — ‘Britannia’ was one option. The name that won, however, was a name that had already been used by the business for a major conference the company held earlier that year – Compass. With the new name came a new logo and new strapline.
1987
The Biggest Buyout
On 31 July, 1987, a historic moment unfolded as the largest management buyout in UK history took place. This bold move saw management taking control of 2,500 catering outlets, 24,000 employees, and crucial contracts with notable entities like Rolls Royce, British Rail, the Home Office, and Harrods. While the concept wasn’t entirely novel, it marked a significant milestone, reflecting a growing trend in the USA.
1988
Compass Goes Public
Compass Group PLC’s London Stock Exchange debut marked the beginning of an expansion amidst market turbulence. The strategic shift towards catering and healthcare in 1989, alongside significant contract wins like BT, positioned the company for growth. Despite economic challenges, Compass’s decisive actions and forward-looking strategy lay a strong foundation for future success.
1996
Indian Story Takes Root
In 1996, Compass Group entered the Indian market through a joint venture, which was dissolved in 2008. However, Compass Group maintained its interest in India, recognising opportunities in the food and support services sector, with the influx of multinational companies bringing global influence on workplace standards, employee culture and changing expectations among employees.
2008
Compass Group’s Indian Market Triumph
In 2008, Compass Group re-entered the Indian market with strategic acquisitions of significant local businesses across Food and Support Services. This marked the beginning of a new era for the food and support services ecosystem in the country.
2012
The Indian Landscape Decade
In 2012, Compass Group India made a significant foray into the healthcare sector, establishing a presence in one of Delhi NCR’s largest hospitals. Since then, the company has remained dedicated to serving this vital industry. With a focus on delivering exceptional services, Compass Group India has become indispensable in healthcare, contributing to patient well-being and facility success. Its enduring commitment underscores support for critical healthcare infrastructure.
2014
From Vision to Reality: Company’s 2014 Conquest
Two years hence, in 2014, the company established the first Central Kitchen in India, spread over 30,000 sq. ft. at Bengaluru. The company’s Support Services business also acquired its first data centre client.
2016
Landmark Era of Growth Begins
In 2016, Compass Group India celebrated a milestone as its employee count surpassed 10,000. This pivotal year marked the introduction of innovative programs, redefining its role beyond food services. Initiatives like Choix, India’s pioneering workplace food concept, and FoodBook®, the first digital food ordering platform tailored for workplaces, transformed the workplace culture and environment, setting new standards in the industry.
2018
We-Care Program Unveiled
Building on this momentum, in 2018, Compass Group India launched the We Care program, aimed at offering financial aid to employees and their families during challenging times. This initiative underscores our commitment to standing by our team through thick and thin. We Care is funded through voluntary contributions from employees, matched equally by the company, exemplifying our dedication to supporting our frontline colleagues.
2019
Growth of Support Services
In 2019, Compass India Support Services achieved its inaugural ISO9001 certification, a testament to its unwavering commitment to maintaining a high-quality and consistent service standard. This milestone underscores the organisation’s dedication to meeting and exceeding the expectations of its growing clientele in India.
2020
Technology Intervention
In 2020, Compass Group India underwent a significant expansion, broadening its portfolio through the acquisition of SmartQ, a renowned workplace experience provider. SmartQ, celebrated for its innovative Digital Cafeteria and Food Services, is known for its commitment to creating a safe workplace. This strategic move marked a pivotal moment for Compass Group India, reinforcing its position in the market and augmenting its digital cafeteria offerings.
2022
Reimaging Spaces
In 2022, Compass Group India introduced Saarthi-FX® – a revolutionary digital transformation platform for Facility Management, with a 360-degree view of workplace experience, automation and management. With Saarthi-FX, we endeavour to partner with our customers to reimagine facilities experience across sectors.
2023
Imagining the Limitless
With introduction of its ‘Anantam’ vision, Compass Group India continues to innovate and bring high-end quality food and facility services, providing superlative customer experience and gaining market share. Today, Compass has an established network of eight Central Kitchens across India, operating at 450+ client locations across the country.
2024
Strengthening Position in the Food Services Industry with Acquisition of ICS Foods
Acquired a majority stake in Delhi-based ICS Foods Private Limited (“ICS Foods”), a prominent food & beverage catering company with extensive experience in the manufacturing sector. This strategic acquisition signifies a major step forward in the growth journey for Compass Group India, the country’s largest and fastest-growing food services provider.
2024
Compass Group India Opens First-Ever Skill Centre – ConnectED
Compass Group India, the fastest-growing food and facility management services provider, proudly announces the inauguration of its first-ever Skill Centre, ConnectED. This initiative aims to train the young talent at Compass India as we continue to hire significantly to service the growing client base in India.
Leadership
Delivering the group’s strategy
Our leadership team transcends traditional roles, embodying a collective vision for innovation and growth. Beyond day-to-day operations, they are architects of strategic direction, ensuring every decision aligns with our organisational objectives. They foster collaboration, empower our team and drive us towards excellence, epitomising the spirit of innovation and inclusivity that defines our company culture.
Corporate Social Responsibility
We are dedicated to impactful Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, striving to create social and economic benefits. Our focus includes educational and well-being programs for youth, offering inclusive employment opportunities and supporting local SME suppliers. We collaborate with NGOs and community service organisations, engaging in voluntary activities to enhance local communities. Recognising the transformative power of our work, we aim to foster positive change in individuals, communities and society, contributing to a sustainable and inclusive future for India.
A passionate commitment to doing the right thing.
Our vision and values guide our decisions, actions and behaviours.