ROSEMONT, IL - Despite just this week announcing a new division of its exclusive e-commerce platform, US Foods is already opening the floodgates and inundating the market with 40,000+ new products. Dubbed US Foods Direct, the new platform and its 40,000+ products are designed to give foodservice operators easier access to hard-to-find ingredients via a virtual aisle. This will ultimately help trim lead times and bring a wide variety of products to one central source.
“As diner preferences evolve, so must operators’ menus. That can be difficult when operators are looking for niche, specialty products that are harder to source,” said Senior Director, Corporate Strategy Nick Underhill. “US Foods Direct helps operators address these challenges.
In a press release, US Foods cited a report that found 63 percent of foodservice operators want to improve on offering something different from their competitors (Datassential, 2019). Another 62 percent of operators added that they prefer to order food and beverage products through a secure website. Taking this data and running with it, US Foods arrived at its new Direct offering, which provides seamless online access to a broad selection of specialty items, including the following:
- Specialty spices
- Seasonings
- Herbs
- Pastas
- Flours
- Sauces or oils
- Plant-based proteins
- Dairy-free or vegan alternatives
- Gluten-free products
Once ordered, US Foods will then ship these items to foodservice operators within five days.
“Whether it’s fine quality olive and balsamic oils from Europe, milk alternatives made from rice, oat, or hemp, or a specialty pasta that stars in a new best-selling dish, operators can now source the specialty products they need with the click of a button,” Underhill continued.
New is always exciting, but also unnerving, and US Foods wants to encourage exploration of new products by offering Direct in organized categories as well. This includes the likes of “Inclusive Dining,” helping operators cater to diners with allergies and specific diets, or “Crème de la Crème,” for things like yogurt, butter, cream, and cheeses.
As US Foods continues to expand its offerings available from this new division, AndNowUKnow will continue to keep an eye out for what’s to come.
