Granada wins Hilton purchasing contract

THE Hilton National chain has given rival group Granada the go-ahead to carry out purchasing for its 25 UK hotels.

The three-year contract follows a trial in which Granada Purchasing bought food and beverages for three of Hilton's hotels over a few months (Caterer, 12 February, page 14).

Although Granada acts for other companies in the food service sector, Hilton is understood to be the first hotel group to make use of a rival's purchasing muscle.

Granada is to buy food, beer, soft drinks and disposables, such as serviettes, for Hilton. Other supplies, still being sourced by Hilton, may be included in the contract in the future.

John Bamsey, managing director of Hilton UK & Ireland, said: "We are confident this innovative move will deliver significant benefits to our hotels."