Insights Archives

Supply Chain Insights Every Foodservice Operator Should Be Using (And They’re Free)

In today’s foodservice industry, change is the only constant. Ingredient prices swing without warning, availability shifts week to week, and market trends evolve faster than your last menu update. To keep pace—and stay profitable—you need more than hustle. You need real-time visibility into the supply chain. That’s where the Buyers Edge Platform Foodservice Operator Support Center comes in. This free resource hub was built specifically for foodservice professionals. It puts essential data, market updates, and expert analysis right at your fingertips—so you can make faster, smarter, and more informed decisions every day. What Are Foodservice Supply Chain Insights? Supply chain insights are the data points, trends, and analysis that help operators understand what’s happening behind the scenes of their food and supply purchasing. These insights can include: Commodity price fluctuations Vendor and distribution shifts Seasonality of fresh products Inflation and labor cost trends Consumer behavior and menu demand By staying

A Foodservice Expert’s Takeaways from the 2025 National Restaurant Association Show

If you’ve ever been to the National Restaurant Association Show (NRA), you know it can be a bit of sensory overload. This year was no exception—and as I walked the floor, one thing became clear: innovation is everywhere, but so is the pressure to make the right choice for your operation. From tech to sustainability to booth theatrics that rival Broadway sets, here are some of the top trends that caught my attention—and what they mean for foodservice operators looking to level up. Booth Bragging Rights: From Sauce Taphouses to Shoe Stores Some booths didn’t just show off products—they created full-blown brand worlds. Kraft Heinz built a multi-window restaurant experience where attendees could walk up and order dishes featuring different sauces, all served from their “sauce taphouse.” It was an immersive (and delicious) way to showcase how their products shine across menu applications. Hormel brought the same energy with a

How Buyers Edge Platform Can Help Operators Navigate Tariffs

With a new wave of tariffs taking effect, foodservice operators across the country are faced with a tough decision: raise menu prices or absorb rising costs. Either option creates operational challenges—but the real question is, how can you get ahead of the impact before it hits your bottom line? At Buyers Edge Platform, we believe that cost volatility doesn’t have to dictate your margins. With the right data, supplier relationships, and procurement tools, you can build a smarter, more resilient strategy—even during tariff uncertainty. What Are the New Tariffs—and Who Do They Affect? On April 2, 2025, President Donald Trump announced a sweeping set of tariffs, including: A 10% baseline tariff on all imported goods, effective April 5, 2025 (White House). Increased “reciprocal” tariffs ranging from 11% to 50% on imports from 57 countries identified as having nonreciprocal or discriminatory trading practices, effective April 9, 2025. For instance, imports

On the Menu: Top 5 Growing Ingredients Operators Should Know About

On the Menu: From the back-of-house to the customer’s plate, growing ingredients can tell us a lot about what’s driving operational decisions and consumer preferences. Whether it’s to reduce prep time, meet flavor expectations, or streamline ordering, smart operators keep a pulse on what’s gaining traction. Based on recent data pulled from Buyers Edge Platform, here are the five growing ingredients that saw the most growth within our member operators at the end of 2024—along with tips on how you can make them work harder in your kitchen. 1. Westminster Oyster Crackers 📈 +16% in Concepts | +7% in Locations These classic crackers are making a comeback—likely thanks to seasonal menus featuring soups, chowders, and bisques. They’re cost-effective, easy to portion, and add to that nostalgic crunch guests crave. This item is a perfect example of growing ingredients being driven by seasonal demand and comfort food trends. How to Use

Buyers Edge Platform Launches Foodservice Rewards – The Only GPO Program That Rewards Loyalty

What if your everyday foodservice purchases could earn you more than just savings? Buyers Edge Platform just made that possible with the launch of Foodservice Rewards—a first-of-its-kind loyalty program integrated directly into our Digital Procurement Network (DPN). This division combines traditional group purchasing organization (GPO) benefits—such as price savings and rebates—with advanced technology, artificial intelligence, and now, loyalty rewards. Foodservice Rewards is the first loyalty program of its kind in the GPO industry. It enhances rebate earnings by offering additional value from participating manufacturers on top of what operators already earn. Loyalty points earned through Foodservice Rewards can be redeemed for items that support restaurant operations or used as employee perks—turning everyday purchasing into meaningful rewards. With Foodservice Rewards, operators can now: Earn points automatically on qualifying purchases—no extra steps required, no reduction in rebates. See and claim valuable and exciting rewards in real time within your Launchpad (our member

How Buyers Edge Platform Can Help Your Restaurant Stay Profitable

With 39% of restaurant operators reporting unprofitability in 2024, it’s clear that food costs, supply chain challenges, and operational inefficiencies are taking a toll. To stay ahead, restaurants need strategic solutions that cut costs, streamline purchasing, and optimize spend management. And with 48% of operators expecting competition to be more this year, standing out through operational efficiency and strategic cost management is more important than ever. That’s where Buyers Edge Platform comes in. Through our four key divisions—Digital Procurement Network, Fresh Solutions, Supply Chain Management, and SaaS Software—we empower restaurants to reduce costs, enhance supply chain resilience, and improve margins on the items they already buy. Here’s how our solutions help maintain your restaurant profitability and navigate today’s industry challenges: Instantly Reduce Costs and Earn Cashback with Our Digital Procurement Network Save big on over 175,000+ food and supply items through strategic supplier partnerships. Cashback rebate programs turn everyday purchases into

Driving Efficiency and Cutting Costs: A Closer Look at ArrowStream and Consolidated Concepts

Attend a recent Market Vision ChainGangMeeting? If so, we’re certain you noticed the abundance of solutions aimed at driving growth for chain operators. Within the diverse mix of industry leaders present, two prominent Buyers Edge Platform brands stood out: ArrowStream and Consolidated Concepts. A common theme both brands observed was the prevalent question on everyone’s minds – “How can we reduce costs within the organization?” The concern is widespread, as 98% of operators express worry about labor costs and 97% highlight the challenge of increased food costs. This challenge echoes throughout the industry, and we recognize the urgent need for effective solutions. The tailored solutions these two Buyers Edge Platform brands bring to the table address the crucial challenge of cost reduction within a foodservice organization. ArrowStream ArrowStream is a collaborative software solution that improves supply chain efficiency and profitability for foodservice operators, distributors, and manufacturers. Category Spend and Optimization:

What is Launchpad?

Staying ahead of the curve is essential for foodservice success. One of the most powerful tools at a foodservice operator’s disposal is technology-driven insights that offer a deeper understanding of the health of their operation. By leveraging advanced data analytics, real-time monitoring, and intelligent reporting, businesses can gain valuable visibility into every aspect of their foodservice operations. This proactive approach not only enables them to identify inefficiencies, streamline processes, and cut costs but also empowers them to deliver an unparalleled dining experience to their customers. In this rapidly evolving landscape, harnessing technology insights is not just an option; it is becoming a necessity to thrive and flourish in the competitive foodservice market. At Buyers Edge Platform, we’ve been leading the forefront of leveraging technology to help restaurants save time and money. We’ve taken historically dirty food service data and disrupted the industry by applying our AI tech tools to clean

Fueling the Future: What is Foodservice Technology?

Foodservice technology refers to the application of technology and digital solutions in the foodservice industry to enhance operational efficiency, customer experience, and overall business performance. It encompasses various tools, software, and hardware systems that are designed to streamline operations, automate processes, and improve productivity in restaurants, cafes, catering services, and other food-related businesses. In recent years, the foodservice industry has witnessed a significant transformation driven by technological advancements. As the demand for faster, more convenient, and personalized dining experiences continues to grow, businesses are increasingly turning to foodservice technology solutions to meet these evolving expectations. By leveraging innovative tools and systems, restaurants and other food establishments can streamline their operations, optimize customer interactions, and gain a competitive edge in an ever-changing market. Let’s explore some of the key areas where foodservice technology is making a substantial impact. Point of Sale (POS) Systems: These systems are used for order processing, payment

Tap Into Foodservice Savings with Buyers Edge Platform

The pursuit of efficiency and profitability remains a constant challenge. Foodservice operators, no matter size or segment, understand that success hinges on the ability to balance quality and cost-effectiveness. The quest to leverage every possible cost-saving avenue isn’t just prudent – it’s essential for long-term success. Here’s why: Profitability: At the core of every business lies the pursuit of profitability. Food and labor costs are typically the highest expenses in the foodservice industry. By exploring various cost-saving avenues, operators can significantly reduce these major financial burdens. This directly translates to higher profits and a healthier bottom line. Competitive Advantage: In a market where consumers are becoming increasingly price-conscious, offering competitive prices can be a decisive factor in attracting and retaining customers. By optimizing costs, operators can position themselves as a go-to choice for value-driven patrons, thereby gaining a competitive edge over rivals. Sustainability: Achieving a sustainable business model

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