At Sodexo, we believe that diversity benefits all of us in numerous ways. From ensuring greater equality and better ideas, to opening new markets and contacts, we work hard to build a workplace rooted in diversity and, in turn, bring the best to our clients.
A Real Commitment to Diversity
Sodexo NorAm Chair, Sarosh Mistry, says:
Supplier Diversity is the loudest, clearest statement Sodexo can make in our efforts to continue to lead in inclusivity. The billions of dollars Sodexo spends annually with businesses led by minorities, women, people with disabilities, the LGBTQ+ communities and veterans says volumes about our commitment to fight social and economic inequality.
Our core values are not just written on a brochure. They are funded commitments and public corporate diversity goals, which our dedicated staff carefully track, report and reach. For us, it is a very tangible vision, and the information here will explain our values and help you connect with us by registering as a small and diverse supplier. We also support our internal team by providing a database to search small and diverse businesses.
How we do it:
Sodexo publicly committed to having an inclusive supply chain around the world as part of our Better Tomorrow Plan.
The use of diverse suppliers and partners throughout the organization brings better value to our customers, clientele and the communities in which we live, work and serve.
As a result, we will:
- Hold all management personally accountable for increasing diversity spend through our diversity objective.
- Include qualified diverse vendors in all RFPs handled by Supply Management.
- Establish diversity goals for the segments and company, reporting our supplier diversity spend on a quarterly basis.
- Actively seek diverse vendors through Sodexo’s supplier diversity website, our membership in diverse organizations and our attendance at various events.
- Require all manufacturers to establish a supplier diversity program within one year of contracting.
- Include supplier diversity as part of the business review process.
To support our local communities, we’re committed to dedicating 25% of our spend to small and medium-sized businesses by 2025, with a focus on local and diverse suppliers.
Our goal is to amplify diverse, small, local and sustainable sourcing from the communities where we operate, creating corollary economic, social, environmental and health benefits.
How We Work with Small and Diverse Suppliers
How We Define “Small and Diverse” Suppliers
A “diverse vendor” is defined as a business 51% owned and controlled by one or more diverse U.S. citizens or Permanent Residents, including minority (African American, Hispanic American, Asian American or Native American), Disabled, LGBTQ+, Veteran, Service-Disabled Veteran, women or other disadvantaged individuals. We define “small business” using U.S. Small Business Administration criteria.
For Small and Diverse Businesses
We are actively seeking small and diverse businesses to support us in providing innovative solutions for our clients. When you register with Sodexo, your information will be sent directly to the supply team in charge of your product category for consideration regarding current and future opportunities.
Sodexo Joint Ventures Add Diversity
Sodexo is minority partner in three joint ventures with certified minority-owned businesses that promote and grow business: SodexoMagic (formed in 2006 with Magic Johnson Enterprises, owned by NBA all-star Mr. Earvin "Magic" Johnson); NANA Management Services (NMS), an Alaskan Native American-owned corporation; and Mentor Technical Service, a Hispanic-owned business based in Puerto Rico.

How We Support Diverse Businesses Working with Sodexo
Supporting diverse businesses is the responsibility of everyone within Sodexo. Our Supplier Diversity Team works with our Supply Managers to source diverse products and services to be used throughout our supply chain. We have regionally based Account Managers assist operations in optimizing procurement and opportunities for local, small and diverse businesses as well as a dedicated call center.
Our Awards
We are proud of the work we have done to increase local purchasing and diversity. It’s good to raise awareness about diversity and the strength of our small businesses, it’s another thing to be awarded for your efforts... eleven times. To learn more about our recognitions, please visit Our Awards page.
- Hall of Fame
- Best of the Decade
- America’s Top 100 Leaders in Corporate Supplier Diversity
- Top Employer, Top Supplier Diversity Program and Top LGBT-Friendly Company
- LGBT Friendly
- Top Corporation WBENC Silver
- US Veterans Magazine, Veteran Friendly
- Business Equality Excellence Award
- Top Supplier Diversity Program
- Top Corporation for Disability-Owned Businesses