We believe that catering is more than just providing meals — it’s about enhancing wellbeing, performance, and community.  

Across Defence, mining, and remote site management, we deliver over 5 million meals annually, ensuring our clients receive exceptional service tailored to their unique needs.

Ventia showcases unmatched scale and versatility. Through innovative practices and a focus on sustainability, we redefine catering standards, making us one of Australia’s leading providers in this space.

Challenge

Enhance wellbeing and performance through innovative and sustainable catering services while delivering over 5 million tailored meals annually across Ventia.

Solution

Provide high-quality, nutritious and tailored meals, emphasising convenience, sustainability, and support for peak performance through expert-led nutrition.

Impact

The Better You initiative boosted client satisfaction, achieving 3.5M impressions and over 5,000 compliments.

Ventia's catering approach goes beyond the plate

What is the challenge?

Catering for Defence nutrition, performance and innovation. Supporting the Australian Defence Force is a privilege that demands precision, adaptability, and a focus on human performance.

A commitment to quality, nutrition, and sustainability

  • High-Volume Excellence: Serving meals in mess environments that rival the quality of high-end dining.
  • Grab-and-Go Solutions: Designed for Defence personnel on the move, providing convenience without compromising nutrition.
  • Expert-Led Nutrition: With a dietitian from the Institute of Sport and food technologists on staff, we craft meals that support peak physical and mental performance.
  • Human Performance Focus: Through our Better You initiative, we address the pillars of nutrition, hydration, sleep, and exercise, tailoring our services to the unique needs of Defence Personnel.
  • Hydration Stations: Replacing sugary cordials with healthier alternatives has removed 4 million tonnes of sugar annually from Defence diets and eliminated over 7 million plastic bottles from landfill.

Ventia dietitian Dalija Jovanovic and Project Director, Defence Base Services, Paul Nicholas with Better You banner

  • Sustainable Practices: From adopting innovative packaging to minimising food waste, Ventia ensures our operations align with sustainability goals.
  • Accredited Menus: Collaborating with Nutrition Professionals Australia, Ventia’s menus have earned accreditation, highlighting our commitment to quality and innovation.

Versatile catering solutions

Beyond Defence, our catering capabilities extend to camps and mining operations, delivering 1.6 million meals annually. From hearty meals in remote mining camps to supporting operational needs across Australia’s rugged landscapes, Ventia adapts to the specific requirements of every client.

This versatility, combined with our expertise in high-volume meal preparation, positions Ventia as a trusted partner across multiple sectors.

 

Ventia chefs work at scale in the kitchen

The impact of the Better You initiative on defence personnel

Our award-winning Better You initiative has achieved measurable success, transforming the dining experience for Defence Personnel: 

  • 3.5 million impressions across mess facilities, reflecting the reach and impact of Better You collateral.
  • Contributing to an “exceptional rating” in Defence’s Annual Strategic Contract Review under Customer Centric and Defence Reform and Innovation criteria.
  • Compliments through feedback systems increased from 632 in 2021 to over 5,000 in 2024, demonstrating significant improvement in client satisfaction.

I’m so proud of the work we do and I am honoured to serve those who serve for Australia, we work every day to foster a culture which puts safety first and supports both the mental and physical wellbeing of our people.

Andrew Bartlett, General Manager Defence Base Services

Ventia awarded Defence Base Services Contractor of the Year