Aramark, a global leader in food services, has made a significant move into the North Sea offshore catering market with the acquisition of Entier, a pioneering Scottish catering company. Founded by chef Peter Bruce in 2008, Entier has been serving the oil and gas industry with a focus on quality, employing nearly 700 people across the UK and various international locations. The company's turnover reached £61.7 million in 2023, representing a 25% increase on the prior year, with pre-tax profits hitting £2 million.
Entier's success is not limited to offshore catering; it has also ventured into luxury catering with the acquisition of Perthshire Wild Thyme in 2016, giving it exclusive rights to cater events at prestigious venues such as Glamis Castle, Carlowie Castle, and the Glenturret Distillery. Speaking of the 2016 acquisition, Peter Bruce highlighted it as a means to widen Entier's market across Scotland and capture a larger share of demand for large-scale events across the UK.
The acquisition by Aramark, a company that recorded a turnover of £14 billion in 2024 and has extensive experience in offshore catering since launching its offshore division in 1978, underscores the strategic value of Entier's specialized expertise and market position. This deal is about more than just serving meals; it's about capturing a growing market where few companies dare to venture.
According to Peter Bruce, "We invest in the communities we operate in – sourcing local, sustainable, quality produce". This philosophy echoes the commitment to quality that has driven Entier's success, making it a valuable addition to Aramark's portfolio.
Aramark's entry into the UK North Sea in 2013, when it won a five-year deal worth £33m to cater offshore facilities for French firm Total (now TotalEnergies), marked an important milestone in its offshore catering operations. The acquisition of Entier further solidifies Aramark's position in this challenging but lucrative market.
In a significant move that's reshaping the offshore catering landscape, industry pioneer Entier has been acquired by food service giant Aramark. The acquisition aligns perfectly with Aramark's strategy to expand its presence in offshore catering services, though specific financial details haven't been disclosed.
This latest acquisition follows Aramark's proven track record of strategic acquisitions, including its 2021 agreement to purchase the Catering Division of Sodexo S.A., a move that underscores its commitment to strengthening its market position and expanding its service capabilities.
The timing is particularly favourable for this acquisition. The offshore catering services market is experiencing remarkable growth, with projections showing it will reach USD 12.24 billion by 2031, growing at a healthy 7.6% annually. This growth is largely driven by increased offshore oil and gas exploration and a growing demand for specialized catering services in remote locations. Logistical challenges in transporting food to offshore locations remain a significant consideration for industry operators.
The industry is now focusing more on technology adoption, using data analytics for better inventory management and supply chain optimization. There's also a growing emphasis on worker wellbeing, with increased demand for nutritious, fresh-ingredient meals. Long-term contracts with energy companies remain the backbone of the industry, and Aramark's expanded capabilities will help meet these evolving needs while maintaining cost-effective solutions.
Entier, founded by chef Peter Bruce in 2008, has been a significant player in offshore catering, particularly in the North Sea. The firm employs nearly 700 people across offices in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Saudi Arabia.
In 2023, Entier reported a turnover of £61.7 million, representing a 25% increase from the previous year, and a pre-tax profit of £2m.
The acquisition positions both companies to capitalize on emerging trends in offshore catering services. With Aramark's expanded capabilities and Entier's expertise, they're well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of the industry while maintaining cost-effective solutions.