Entrepreneurs Mizuki Azai and Olexiy Meshechko have developed an online food ordering system to get any food for any event. Cityscape hits them up for details on their catering breakthrough.

How did your careers lead you to the catering industry?
Mizuki: I had been working as an administrator for corporate organisations including a government organisation, being in charge of a variety of tasks to support teams and customers. My favourite part of the day-to-day tasks had always been arranging catering for my teams. I really enjoyed people relying on me about catering arrangements.
Olexiy: I have a background in software development, process improvement and education in large corporates in New Zealand. My relation to catering is I was mostly eating it while attending meetings and conferences or delivering training presentations, and was always curious about who organises it and how. These days there's a platform for most industries, from recruitment to international trades, so I imagined there was a place where people go and order food for business, but apparently there was none.

How was Caterway born?
M: As an admin I wished there was a place that allowed me to order catering and try different food, as well as allowing me and other team members to manage catering orders collaboratively. My colleague told me once “Great food, great meeting.” I’ve had these ‘what if’ ideas ever since.
O: I remember when I had to organise catering for the first time in my life and honestly, I had no clue where to go and what to order. I thought that there could be easier way of ordering catering for customers and simple solution for caterers to process orders, while they are busy preparing their delicious food. We talked about this idea with some local caterers and they were very excited. That’s how we partnered up with our first superb catering suppliers. Technologically we primarily focus on user experience, the ease and simplicity of use and efficiency for both caterers and customers. With input from local caterers and corporate customers, we’ve developed a robust platform to meet both sides’ requirements.

What problem is Caterway solving?
O: We want to make it easy for people who order food for the office as well as for caterers who process those orders. We love connecting local caterers and customers, helping them to find each other in the easiest way possible. Currently there is no centralised solution to manage catering for corporate customers. You need to send emails, make phone calls, deal with paperwork, quotes and invoices. Making a catering order does not need to be complicated, but somehow it often seems to be a difficult and drawn-out process. Caterway provides the solution to all of these overcomplicated processes. By using Caterway, customers can place orders, make changes, cancel and re-order online with literally just a couple of clicks.
M: Another problem that companies, especially large ones, tend to have is no visibility around previous catering orders. Even if you make the same order every time, those orders are often buried in staff emails that are not easily accessible. Caterway lets you and other team members see your company’s previous orders. Anyone in the office can help keep an eye on catering orders and make changes or cancellations on behalf of other colleagues. You can also track catering expenses under a business account and manage invoicing in one place, even if you order your morning teas, working lunches and Friday drinks all from different caterers.

Who can use Caterway?
M: We focus on corporate catering, but anyone is welcome to order catering for private events as well. Non-business customers can sign up for free, place orders and pay online with their credit card.

Tell us about the process – how do we use Caterway?
O: It is super easy. All the information you need is at your fingertips. Begin by browsing the wide range of caterers, comparing prices and selecting the type of food you want. You then place your order and pay online. After that, all you need to do is sit back and relax – Caterway will work with the selected supplier to ensure your order is delivered on time. We don’t charge any extra fees – all prices are set by caterers, so they are the same as the caterer's normal prices, so you pay the same cost for half the work. If your guest numbers change or you need to add dietary requirements, it’s easy to modify your order online anytime. You can even repeat or cancel your order online.

Tell us about some of the most interesting food businesses that are on Caterway:
M: We partner with local cafés, restaurants, and bakeries that have or are willing to develop catering menus. In fact, some restaurants and cafés have created an exclusive menu for Caterway, complete with special prices.

Are you seeing any food trends emerge in Christchurch catering?
M: There is a great range of international cuisine available here. I think there will be an increased focus on international food while keeping an eye on healthier options, plant-based products and sustainability.

What’s the value of Caterway to the businesses that list with you?
O: Happier customers. Our platform is easy to use and improves your customers’ ordering experience. Corporate meetings that are planned well in advance can have orders set up ready to go, so suppliers will have enough time to prepare. Catering orders can also help restaurants, cafés and bakeries reach a larger audience. People attending meetings and enjoying catering from your business are likely to remember your brand and order it again, or visit the store themselves. The online system also makes sure no information gets lost in translation, as can happen with phone orders. Less admin work, phone calls and emails, making managing your orders easy.

What do you see in Caterway’s future?
M: Currently, we operate in Christchurch, with many caterers online and heaps more going live soon. The success in Christchurch provided us with a base for expansion, and we are now partnering up with caterers in Auckland and Wellington. We plan to eventually expand nationwide.

What’s the secret ingredient to running a great function?
O: Fresh catering ideas, quality food and good planning is key. Having the necessary information up front helps you plan well according to your requirements and budget.

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