“Foodservice Needs Transformation”

GFS CONGRESS 2025 - Six months after its launch, Gondola Foodservice held its inaugural congress, during which the centre of expertise unveiled the prototype of its technology platform. Far from a traditional celebration, the event served as a platform to assert a bold ambition: to reshape the out-of-home food consumption sector through data, collaboration, and collective intelligence.

A defining moment. Of listening, sharing, and demonstration. At its first congress, Gondola Foodservice (GFS) presented the prototype of its software platform, "The Cube," designed to transform data access and address the intelligence gap that continues to hinder the foodservice industry.

By bringing together operators, distributors, manufacturers and sector experts, GFS is laying the groundwork for a truly collaborative ecosystem.

“Foodservice doesn’t need more professionalisation, it needs transformation,”

emphasises Amaury Marescaux, co-founder and CEO of Gondola Foodservice.

“Our sector is full of talented professionals who need access to granular, trustworthy, and actionable data shared through genuine human connection.”

The event, marking GFS’s sixth month of operations, signals the start of its operational rollout and the structuring of a network of users and contributors – a path of measured yet determined growth.

“We celebrated with humility, knowing the road ahead will be uneven but with the conviction that, together, we will make it happen. This is only the beginning,”

adds the CEO.

At the close of this symbolic day, Amaury Marescaux shared key takeaways drawn from the various discussions, ranging from hard truths and early signals to deep, structural trends shaping the future of the industry :

Execution eats strategy for breakfast

“Execution eats strategy for breakfast. Annick van Overstraeten gave a masterclass in disciplined transformation, from a struggling chain to a reborn, asset-light brand driven by franchise empowerment & operational control. Close what doesn't perform, be consistent in your branding & across stores, empower entrepreneurs and open in the cities of the future.”

A winner is a loser who never gives up

“John-John Dohmen showed that lasting success depends on a common goal, trust & empowerment. Teams must evolve from a group of stars to a star team.”

The Cube is only as strong as its contributors

“The foodservice sector is hungry for reliable and quantitative insights. The foundations are being laid by GFS and Sparkers through the Foodservice Cube: a shared model that integrates data from wholesalers, technology companies, operators and manufacturers.”

Who will buy whom?

“The Belgian wholesale market stands on fragile ground: 38% cannot withstand small shocks. The next years will bring consolidation and technological acceleration and cultural integration. Some will partner, some will buy and others will disappear.”