Cold email campaign for corporate catering — 35% response rate
8 stages over 19 days. 6 emails, 1 phone call, 1 LinkedIn message. 260 prospects contacted.
Charles Perret
Founder of devlo.ch · March 2026
The 8 keys in the sequence
6 emails, 1 phone call, 1 LinkedIn message — over 19 days.
Why this sequence works
260 prospects and a 35% response rate over 19 days — this fast-paced 8-step sequence is tailored to the short decision-making cycle typical of the corporate catering sector. The photo of a colleague delivering meals in the first email immediately makes the communication more personal.
The two A/B versions of the first email test different angles: “canteen 2.0” versus “corporate catering service”. This A/B testing approach, which focuses on positioning rather than just the subject line, helps to identify which messaging resonates most strongly with HR decision-makers at SMEs in Geneva.
The three-pronged value proposition — employee wellbeing, lower costs than a company canteen, and recycled packaging — addresses the three key concerns of an HR director: engagement, budget and CSR. This comprehensive coverage of all decision-making factors maximises the chances of a positive response.
What you can learn from this campaign
- Add a personal touch with photos of the team in action. The delivery photo in Touch #1 makes the service tangible.
- A/B test the positioning, not just the product. "Canteen 2.0" versus "catering service" explores completely different approaches.
- Three-pronged value proposition. Well-being, cost reduction and corporate social responsibility are the three key areas of focus for an HR director.
- A short 19-day cycle. Choosing a catering service is a quick decision — there’s no need to drag it out.
When to use this sequence
Catering services for businesses
Meal delivery, canteen 2.0, corporate catering — this session is aimed at HR decision-makers in SMEs.
Targeting SMEs in the Lake Geneva region
Companies with between 9 and 249 employees in the cantons of Geneva and Vaud are the sweet spot.
Wellbeing solutions in the workplace
If your offering improves the quality of life in the office — nutrition, health, work-life balance — the model applies.
Services with daily delivery
The day-to-day operational aspect (same-day ordering and delivery) is a key selling point.
Who can use this sequence?
Corporate caterers
If you deliver daily meals to businesses using fresh, locally sourced produce.
SDRs aimed at HR managers in SMEs
The tone and approach are tailored to HR decision-makers in companies with between 9 and 249 employees.
Well-being solutions in the workplace
Nutrition, health and work-life balance — tailor the value proposition.
B2B FoodTech Startups
If your business model combines technology (online ordering) with food service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the decision-making process for corporate catering?
Usually 2 to 4 weeks, hence the 19-day cycle. The decision is often made by the HR manager or office manager, with a relatively small budget compared to IT purchases. The key is to offer a trial (test delivery) so that the decision-maker and their teams can sample the meals.
Why is A/B testing important for the restaurant industry?
Both versions of Touch #1 test “canteen 2.0” versus “corporate catering”. Depending on the prospect’s profile (start-up vs traditional company), one positioning resonates better than the other. Testing both allows you to identify which approach generates the most responses within your target segment.
How can you stand out from the competition in the restaurant industry?
The three-pronged value proposition (well-being, lower cost than the company canteen, and recycled packaging) addresses all three key decision-making factors. The photo of the colleague delivering the meals adds a personal touch to the communication. And the mention of a "menu tailored to your employees’ preferences" adds a unique service dimension.
Want a customised sequence for your industry?
devlo designs and executes bespoke B2B cold email campaigns. ICP, buying signals, multi-channel sequences — we take care of everything.
Last updated: March 2026
