Australia's largest provider of food and accommodation services to remote mining sites is ramping up its offerings as it vies to secure the renewal of a $2.5 billion contract with mining giant Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO).
The Australian arm of French caterer Sodexo has added around 900 staff over the past year, while introducing services such as yoga classes, barista coffee, haircuts, and international cuisine nights to improve the living conditions of fly-in, fly-out workers.
Sodexo Australia reported a $7.8 million loss in the 12 months to Aug. 31, 2025, an improvement from the $15.2 million loss the previous year, as it focused on lowering operational costs while boosting service quality.
Revenue rose 15% to $1.2 billion, driven by new contracts including a $500 million, five-year deal with Santos (ASX:STO).
The company now employs 5,356 staff, up from 4,464 the previous year, amid rising labour and supplier costs.
Around 70,000 FIFO workers nationwide, mainly in Western Australia and Queensland, face long hours in remote locations, with turnover exceeding 20% annually.
"If your catering and accommodation are not up to scratch, the entire mine site will be beyond annoyed," said Dani Tamati, a FIFO recruitment specialist.
Sodexo operates 25 sites in the Pilbara for Rio’s iron ore division and remains the company's preferred provider there.