Company Updates
Instacart Connects FoodStorm Technology with the Instacart App, Unlocking Catering Order Ahead and Delivery for Grocers Across North America
Today, we’re proud to announce that FoodStorm, a SaaS order management system (OMS) from Instacart that powers end-to-end order ahead and catering for grocery retailers, is now integrated into the Instacart App. This integration extends our Carrot Order Ahead solution and enables retailers to build a comprehensive online catering ordering and delivery experience for both their customers and in-store teams. Uncle Giuseppe’s Marketplace is the first retailer to merge its FoodStorm OMS directly with its Instacart App storefront, allowing customers to order catering items for delivery via Instacart.
As inflation and other economic pressures impact households, more and more people are turning to grocery stores for easy meals instead of takeout. In the first half of 2022, we’ve seen nearly a 20% increase in customers searching for “catering” on Instacart* when compared to the same period last year. For grocers who are also facing economic pressure, prepared food and catering items are typically some of the most profitable items sold in-store. Easier ordering of prepared catering items has become increasingly important to both grocers and their customers.
However, the experience today is often a labor-intensive and inefficient process for both retailers and consumers. Customers today are typically required to call the store or place an order in-person, and orders are often tracked by catering associates manually. FoodStorm’s OMS creates a digital catering experience purpose-built for grocery, enabling omnichannel ordering for customers – including online, by phone or email, or through an in-store kiosk – and comprehensive order management for retailers.
With the combination of FoodStorm and the Instacart App, we’re able to help grocers meet catering demand by offering a comprehensive, omnichannel experience for customers. Leveraging Carrot Order Ahead, retailers can now bring their FoodStorm catering catalog online through the Instacart App and allow customers to shop for all of their hosting needs in a single order. From serveware and beverages (including alcohol in applicable states) to side dishes and more, customers can get everything they need delivered next day alongside their catering order.
Our partners are dedicated to delivering great customer experiences, and the same is true for us at Instacart. Looking ahead, we’re dedicated to finding new ways to enhance online and offline grocery shopping experiences in partnership with retailers across North America. We’ll continue to expand the Instacart Platform technology portfolio to support retailer’s evolving e-commerce needs, investing in new innovative solutions that help retailers grow, compete, and better serve their customers.
*Includes searches on the Instacart App and retailer-operated sites powered by Instacart
Most Recent in FoodStorm
Company Updates
Making Nutritious & Delicious Choices Easier with Instacart and WeightWatchers
New WeightWatchers integration with Instacart unlocks ability to browse ‘Points’-friendly recipes, shop for ingredients, and get everything delivered to your door - now live in the WeightWatchers app In the hustle of everyday life, making…...
Apr 17, 2024Caper
Why Smart Carts Are the Winning Technology Format for Grocers
One of the most common misconceptions about smart carts is that they only serve as an alternative to self-checkout. However, the real magic behind a Caper Cart, our AI-powered smart cart, is the digital screen.…...
Apr 9, 2024Company Updates
Celebrating One Year of Instacart Business: Saving the Day with Groceries on Demand
It’s been a year since we first introduced Instacart Business, a new way for businesses to shop on Instacart to give them more flexibility to get the last-minute– and often, unexpected– items they need to…...
Apr 4, 2024