Standardising Refreshment Solutions for Impact Food Group
Project Summary
Challenges
Managing a fragmented estate with multiple suppliers, machine models and contract arrangements.
Delivering large-scale summer mobilisations while improving engineering support, reporting and procurement efficiency.
The need for accurate financial reporting and live visibility of coffee estate, machine performance and product usage.
Solutions
Conducted a full estate review and implemented a standardised refreshment solution.
Recommended K2 Fresh Milk coffee machines and high-capacity hot chocolate machines based on operational requirements and user experience.
Provided nationwide installation, engineering support, dedicated account management and automated procurement integration.
Results
Delivered a consistent refreshment experience across hundreds of secondary schools.
Simplified estate management through improved reporting, nationwide servicing and streamlined procurement.
Established a scalable long-term partnership capable of supporting annual nationwide mobilisation programmes.
Enhancing Refreshment Experiences in Education
As one of the UK’s leading education catering providers, Impact Food Group manages refreshment services across a large network of secondary schools nationwide. With an estate consisting of equipment from multiple suppliers, varying machine models and differing contract arrangements, the business identified an opportunity to create a more consistent and efficient approach to managing its refreshment offering.
Working closely with the client, Liquidline carried out a comprehensive review of the existing estate to understand operational requirements, service expectations and future growth plans. The objective was to standardise equipment across schools, deliver a consistent drinks experience regardless of location, simplify estate management and provide the nationwide support needed to accommodate ongoing expansion.
A key consideration is the annual mobilisation programme, with around 100 school contracts requiring installation and commissioning during the summer holiday period. With careful planning and close collaboration, we ensure each site is ready for the start of the new academic year.
Machines Perfectly Matched to Education
Following the estate review, the K2 Fresh Milk machine was recommended as the preferred coffee solution for sixth form cafés and canteens. Its fresh milk capability, intuitive touch-screen operation and broad drinks menu support a premium coffee experience while remaining simple for staff and students to use. Pre-programmed drink selections also help deliver consistency whether the machine is positioned in a self-service area for pupils or behind a service counter where staff need to prepare drinks quickly during busy break times.
To complement the coffee offering, Liquidline hot chocolate machines were introduced across the estate. Designed to perform reliably throughout periods of high demand, they provide straightforward self-service operation alongside flexible menu options. With three canisters, they can offer a choice of hot chocolates, including a vegan option, helping cater for a wider range of dietary preferences without adding operational complexity.
A Long-Term Partnership
Successfully delivering a nationwide rollout required more than equipment selection. Liquidline worked closely with Impact Food Group to coordinate installations across multiple locations, ensuring every mobilisation programme was completed within the tight summer holiday window before schools reopened.
Alongside installation, the partnership includes nationwide engineering support, dedicated account management and premium maintenance cover to help maximise equipment reliability throughout the year. Regular updates on service levels, estate performance and financial reporting provide greater visibility across the client’s refreshment estate, supporting informed operational decision-making.
To further streamline operations, Liquidline implemented full EDI integration with the client’s procurement platform. This allows consumable orders to move seamlessly from purchase order through to delivery and invoicing, reducing manual administration while improving efficiency for both organisations.
Delivering Consistency at Scale
Today, over 400 bean to cup coffee machines support Impact Food Group’s nationwide education estate, delivering a consistent refreshment experience across secondary schools throughout the UK.
Standardising the estate has simplified daily management while ensuring schools receive dependable equipment, responsive engineering support and consistent drink quality regardless of location. Positive feedback reflects the value of a refreshment solution designed around operational reliability, ease of use and the needs of both staff and students.
As the partnership continues to grow, Liquidline remains closely involved in supporting annual mobilisation programmes, helping Impact Food Group maintain a scalable refreshment strategy that evolves alongside its expanding education estate.
Supporting a Nationwide Contract Catering Partnership
Managing refreshment solutions across a large contract catering estate requires more than dependable equipment. It calls for a partner that can adapt to changing client requirements, support large-scale mobilisation programmes and deliver consistent service across multiple locations.
By taking a consultative approach, Liquidline worked alongside Impact Food Group to create a standardised refreshment strategy that simplifies estate management while supporting the high standards expected across its education contracts. Through dedicated account management, nationwide engineering support, proactive servicing and streamlined procurement processes, the partnership continues to evolve as new contracts are secured and operational requirements change.