Creating a Fully Connected, High-Street-Style Digital Food Experience
Discover how Aramark and Uniware are transforming defence catering through digital ordering, self-service kiosks and data-driven technology. Delivering faster service, higher revenue and better customer experiences.
1. Digital Transformation
Aramark’s recent research* shows that 72% of Gen Z customers prefer app-based ordering. They expect digital solutions wherever they go, alongside great food quality and healthier menu choices.
By combining innovation, technology and high-quality food, Aramark is redefining what modern defence catering looks like. Aramark’s defence sites are seeing a major digital transformation, focused on delivering:
• Faster service
• Better customer experiences
• Smarter operations.
With a growing proportion of Gen Z customers on base these digital natives expect high-street food experiences, where mobile apps, self-service kiosks and fast, frictionless ordering are standard.
*Aramark UK’s research paper: Feeding the Future Forces
2. Proven Commercial Impact from Digital Ordering
The benefits of digital ordering extend well beyond convenience. Since introducing self-service kiosks at Keogh Barracks, Aramark has seen a 4% increase in overall revenue, based on average sales performance before and after installation. This demonstrates the immediate commercial value of integrating kiosks into a defence catering environment.
Even more significantly, average transaction value has increased by 172% through kiosks compared to traditional point-of-sale (POS). Customers consistently build larger baskets and spend more when ordering via self-service, driven by clearer menus, easier personalisation and the freedom to order at their own pace.
“We’ve seen an increase in footfall since the kiosk launched. It actually boosts sales over the weekends, with more people coming in because it’s an interactive experience.”
Amy Hutson, Front of House Manager at Aramark Keogh Barracks
3. A Fully Connected Digital Experience
Working in partnership with Uniware, Aramark has introduced a fully connected digital ordering experience that mirrors the high street. Customers can browse menus before they arrive, place orders via app or kiosk, personalise meals and collect food at a time that suits them.
Menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner are available digitally, with full allergen transparency displayed clearly on both kiosks and mobile platforms. This gives customers confidence and control while helping teams manage peak service more efficiently.
“Providing a frictionless ordering system allows people to engage more with their orders.”
Luis Faria, General Manager at Aramark Keogh Barracks
4. Data-Driven Decisions – Technology to Enhance Operations
Behind the scenes, Uniware’s platform provides detailed reporting across app, kiosk and web orders, giving teams real-time insight into footfall, menu performance and customer behaviour.
This enables data-driven decisions, helping to reduce waste, optimise menu planning and improve labour efficiency. Kitchen teams benefit from clearer workflows, fewer errors and smoother peak periods.
5. A Partnership Built on Trust & Innovation
Aramark and Uniware have worked together for over 26 years, building a partnership based on reliability, innovation and shared expertise. Uniware’s 24/7/365 support ensures operational continuity and confidence.
“The Uniware team have been hugely supportive to the Aramark business. Their 24-hour support is fantastic, ensuring consistent operational continuity.”
David Fradgley, Head of Marketing UK & Global Energy, Aramark UK
The partnership succeeds because Aramark brings a deep understanding of its customers, while Uniware provides the technology expertise. Enabling both organisations to deliver innovative digital catering solutions. Together, they are helping defence catering move confidently towards a more connected, digital-first future.
