Buyers Edge Platform Fresh Division and Instacart Business Partner to Strengthen Supply Chain Support for Foodservice Operators and Distributors

In foodservice, an empty shelf isn't only an inconvenience - it's a lost sale, a frustrated customer, and a kitchen that grinds to a halt. That’s why Buyers Edge Platform Fresh Division, which includes Produce Alliance and Fresh Concepts, has partnered with Instacart Business to give over 50,000 of their foodservice locations and over 150 distributors tools to respond to supply chain disruptions with speed and confidence. 

Through this new partnership, BEP Fresh Division members gain access to two powerful capabilities: same-day delivery  of fresh produce, pantry staples, and other restaurant essentials for foodservice operators facing last-minute needs, and Instacart’s Will Call Delivery solution that helps distributors fulfill last-minute orders. 

On-Demand Procurement for Foodservice Operators

When a restaurant runs short mid-service, waiting for the next distributor delivery isn't always an option. With Instacart Business, BEP operators can now tap same-day delivery from local wholesalers with Instacart Business to fill urgent gaps and continue to serve their customers seamlessly.

“At The Kebab Shop, consistency and speed are critical to our operations. Instacart for Business has been a valuable partner, especially in moments when we run out of key items and need a reliable backup quickly,” said Omar Nazihi, Executive Vice President of Culinary & Supply Chain at The Kebab Shop. “It gives our teams the flexibility to solve problems in real time and stay focused on delivering a great guest experience.”

BEP Fresh Division members that use Instacart Business also gain access to additional benefits including cashback on qualifying orders, a free Instacart+ membership with $0 delivery fees, the ability to extend benefits to additional team members, and business management tools such as spend tracking, invoicing, tax exemptions, order approvals, and automated reporting.

Empowering Distributors with Will Call Delivery

Short-notice orders can often lead to fulfillment strain, unhappy customers, and lost revenue. Through the BEP Fresh Division network, distributors now have access to Instacart's Will Call Delivery solution, a white-label tool that lets them fulfill same-day orders using Instacart's nationwide shopper network, so they can say yes when it matters most without struggling to cover gaps in service.

Will Call Delivery helps BEP Fresh Division distributors fulfill same-day and short-notice orders through Instacart's shopper network, reduce operational burden by offloading last-mile logistics, source products from other retailers when items are out-of-stock or customers are out of range, and turn last-minute demand into incremental revenue and positive customer experiences.

A Partnership Built for the Realities of Foodservice

At Instacart Business, we know that foodservice operations don’t go as planned. BEP Fresh Division operators and distributors now have a direct answer for when it doesn't - whether that's an operator scrambling to restock mid-service or a distributor facing a short-notice order they can't afford to turn away.

"Instacart Business gives our entire network of operators and distributors a stronger foundation for handling the unexpected," said Christopher Rheault, President of Produce Alliance. "For our distributors, it means a reliable way to fulfill last-minute orders and keep their customers satisfied even when demand spikes or shortfalls arise. For our foodservice operators, it means having a fast, cost-efficient backup with wide product selection and delivery in as little as an hour when they need it most. Together, we're giving our members the flexibility and resilience to keep their operations running smoothly, no matter what the day brings."

Instacart Business works with professional shoppers and drivers and leverages established retailer and distributor food safety protocols to help ensure products are handled properly from pickup to delivery, so operators can act fast without compromising on quality or compliance.

Produce Alliance and Fresh Concepts, the leading produce brands within the BEP Fresh Division, provide foodservice operators with a streamlined, full-service produce management solution to bring greater efficiency, transparency, quality, and cost control across the fresh produce supply chain. They connect foodservice operators with top growers and distributors to ensure access to the highest-quality produce and provide comprehensive technology that helps restaurants monitor pricing, inventory, quality, and food safety. 

To learn more about how Instacart Business can support your foodservice operations, please visit https://www.instacart.com/business. 

To learn more about Will Call Delivery and how it can support your distribution capabilities, please visit https://www.instacart.com/business/willcall.