The holiday season brings full dining rooms, festive menus, and high customer expectations, but it also brings rising food costs, supplier shortages, and tighter timelines. For restaurants, smart bulk ordering is one of the best ways to stay efficient and profitable during the busiest time of the year.
Here are five practical tips to help you prepare, save, and make the most of your holiday ingredient orders, with support from Groupex and our trusted supplier partners.
1. Start Early and Forecast Demand Accurately
Ordering early is key to avoiding last-minute shortages and inflated prices. Review last year’s sales data, reservations, and catering trends to forecast your ingredient needs accurately.
If your restaurant specializes in seasonal dishes, like roast turkey, prime rib, or festive desserts, secure your core ingredients several weeks in advance. Suppliers often experience higher demand for proteins, dairy, and produce in December, and early ordering ensures you lock in availability and pricing before the rush.
Groupex supplier partners like Gordon Food Service, Maple Leaf, and Olymel make it easier to plan ahead and secure consistent supply.
2. Order Strategically Across Multiple Categories
When ordering in bulk, don’t just focus on your main proteins, consider your entire menu. Look at ingredients used across multiple dishes, such as dairy, sauces, or pantry staples, and order those in larger quantities.
Cross-utilizing ingredients reduces waste and helps you maintain consistency without overstocking. For example, bulk-purchased cream can be used for mashed potatoes, soups, and holiday desserts, while bulk flour or sugar can support both baking and sauces. Ordering strategically means you’re not just buying more, you’re buying smarter.
3. Focus on Long-Shelf-Life Essentials
Not every product needs to be ordered fresh. Items like frozen produce, sauces, spices, and non-perishables are ideal for bulk purchasing because they have longer shelf lives.
Our supplier partners Alasko and Markon offer high-quality frozen fruits and vegetables that lock in freshness and nutrients while reducing waste. Bulk-ordering these products ensures consistency for dishes like holiday sides, sauces, and desserts without worrying about spoilage.
4. Plan Storage and Rotation Carefully
Bulk ordering can only save money if your storage systems are ready to handle the volume. Before large shipments arrive, take time to organize your walk-in, dry storage, and freezer spaces.
Label and date all ingredients as they arrive, rotating stock using the FIFO method (First In, First Out) to minimize waste. Maintaining a clear system helps your kitchen staff find items quickly and ensures that nothing gets lost during the holiday rush.
5. Take Advantage of Rebates and Promotions
Bulk orders mean bigger purchases, and that’s an opportunity to earn more rebates. Groupex provides monthly rebate cheques and detailed reports showing exactly how your purchases translate into savings.
During the holidays, many suppliers run special promotions on beverages, desserts, and cleaning products. Staying in touch with your Groupex Key Account Consultant ensures you never miss a deal or limited-time offer that could add up to significant savings.
Plan Smart, Save Big
The holidays are a time to delight guests, not stress over supply shortages or last-minute price hikes. With Groupex’s supplier network, rebate programs, and dedicated support, you can plan ahead, buy smarter, and focus on creating a memorable dining experience this holiday season.
📞 Contact Groupex at 1-800-670-6800 or fill out this form to learn how we can help you save on your holiday ingredient orders.
