Many independent restaurants already use third-party e-commerce sources, albeit infrequently and mainly for non-food products. That may change in the future as the e-sourcing environment evolves, and specialty foodservice e-retailers and e-commerce giants are expanding into new verticals.
Highlights include:
- Foodservice operators are increasingly looking to sources like Amazon.com, Costco.com and Webstaurantstore.com for specialty items and last-minute supplies and are reporting some benefits in using these sources compared with distributors.
- There are also specific drawbacks cited, indicating that the field may grow further if third-party e-sources figure out a way to address those concerns.
- Operators highly value the customer service that distributors provide, including interaction with knowledgeable, dedicated sales professionals.
- While the 3ES market share is modest right now, it’s growing at a much faster rate than other distribution sources.
Technomic developed this white paper exclusively for IFDA and its members to gain better insight into changing operator sourcing practices.
Free to all IFDA members as an exclusive member benefit.
