Catering with Purpose: Social Bite at the Genesis Scottish Open 2025

Purpose Beyond the Plate

At Heritage Portfolio, our approach to event catering extends far beyond the plate. As part of Sodexo Live!, we are committed to making a meaningful impact through every event we deliver - whether that’s through sustainable sourcing, local partnerships, or inclusive employment.

This year, our work at the 2025 Genesis Scottish Open provided the perfect platform to bring that ethos to life. In partnership with the Scottish social enterprise Social Bite, we proudly integrated inclusive employment into one of Europe’s most prestigious golf tournaments.

Inclusive Employment in Action

As part of the event delivery team, two employees - Yusuf and Shirzai - joined our operation at the Player & Caddies Café through Social Bite’s Jobs First programme. Already employed at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, both team members were given the opportunity to step into a high-profile, high-pressure event environment and contribute meaningfully to the guest experience.

Their involvement was a testament to the power of inclusive recruitment, showcasing how individuals facing barriers to employment can thrive with the right support and opportunity.

The Role of Social Bite

Social Bite is a leading Scottish social enterprise working to end homelessness by offering housing, support services, and pathways into employment. Its Jobs First programme enables people affected by homelessness to access sustained, meaningful work.

Heritage Portfolio has been a long-standing supporter of Social Bite’s mission, and this collaboration at the Genesis Scottish Open marked another milestone in our commitment to creating inclusive opportunities at every level of our operations.

A Broader Commitment to Community

The Genesis Scottish Open, held at The Renaissance Club in East Lothian, offered a global stage - not only for world-class golf, but also for community-led initiatives. Alongside Social Bite’s involvement, the tournament hosted a range of outreach programmes, including disability golf clinics, careers events, and sustainability-driven partnerships.

Our own contribution extended beyond employment. In line with Sodexo Live!’s social impact strategy, we focused on:

• Local sourcing of produce and suppliers
• Surplus food donations to local foodbanks
• Community recruitment, including over 120 local event staff

Recognition from the Tour

The DP World Tour highlighted our partnership with Social Bite across their channels, recognising the value of embedding social purpose into every aspect of tournament delivery. Yusuf and Shirzai’s contribution was noted as an “integral” part of the catering operation - a powerful reminder that operational success and community impact are not mutually exclusive.

Watch video here.

Looking Ahead

The Genesis Scottish Open 2025 marked the first year of a three-year partnership between Heritage Portfolio and the DP World Tour. As we look forward to future events, inclusive employment and community engagement will remain core pillars of our delivery approach.

Yusuf and Shirzai’s journey is just one example of how hospitality, when done with purpose, can be a force for good. We remain committed to building on this momentum, working with Social Bite and other partners to create opportunities that go far beyond a single event.

At Heritage Portfolio, we believe that true hospitality doesn’t just serve guests - it supports communities.