Specialty Food Magazine is the leading publication for retailers, manufacturers and foodservice professionals in the specialty food trade. It provides news, trends and business-building insights that help readers keep their businesses competitive.
Issue link: https://specialtyfoodmagazine.epubxp.com/i/139333
"If people have to make multiple trips, then it's not sustainable." —Sarah Yates, Relay Foods site and day. The strategically placed drivethrough locations allow shoppers to pick up their groceries without getting out of their car. Relay also offers home delivery for an extra charge. The shopping service will soon be available on mobile devices. "From the consumer perspective, putting a face on food is one of the primary drivers behind the interest in all things local," Yates says. Relay partners with more than 200 producers—selling a variety of items from family farms, national companies and everything in between. "We work with small farms, like Agriberry Farms, which grows local, sustainable berries, larger companies like Planet Earth Diversified for its greens and produce, and artisan producers like Twin Oaks Community Food." The biggest obstacle is getting customers to adopt this new way of shopping. "People think it sounds interesting but it's so ingrained for them to go to the grocery store," Yates says. Referrals from other customers are Relay's strongest draw for new clientele but it recently employed a sales team to spread the word face to face. While its mission of providing high-quality, healthy and sustainable food remains paramount, Relay also aims for convenience, offering items like diapers, Diet Coke and foil. "If people have to make multiple trips, then it's not sustainable. That's additional wear and tear on our environment and they won't do it long-run. So we try to provide a comprehensive experience and one-stop shopping to increase our customers' quality of life and food," Yates says. 2. Custom Grocery App Development for Smaller Stores Gourmet App, a mobile software system for small and midsize independent grocers and small grocery chains, allows stores to customize their app features, including placing a deli order, receiving weekly coupons and managing a shopping list. "With smartphone usage among grocery shoppers now near 49 percent, the interest in an affordable mobile solution is huge," says Alexa Davis, Gourmet App's Summer Fancy Food Show Booth 1936 32 ❘ SPECIALTY FOOD MAGAZINE specialtyfood.com