Technology Archives

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

Scrambling for Egg Solutions? 6 Ways Buyers Edge Platform Can Help

Are skyrocketing egg prices putting pressure on your food costs? The foodservice industry is no stranger to supply chain challenges, but the current egg crisis is sending shockwaves through restaurant operations, retail, and manufacturing alike. With egg prices projected to increase by another 20% in 2025—currently trading over $7 per dozen for conventional white eggs and nearly $9 per dozen for cage-free eggs—operators must take strategic steps to mitigate financial strain. At Buyers Edge Platform, we equip foodservice businesses with the tools, data, and partnerships needed to navigate these market disruptions efficiently. Understanding Egg Prices: Market Insights & Cost Drivers Egg prices continue to soar, largely due to the ongoing outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), which has significantly reduced the U.S. egg-laying hen population—over 30 million birds have been lost in just 30 days, marking the highest number of cases ever for the virus. The rapid spread of

Simplify Foodservice Operations and Gain Visibility with Buyers Edge Platform Brands

Every plate served tells a story—but behind the scenes, the true challenge lies in managing the complex web of operations, costs, and suppliers that keep your foodservice business running smoothly. Success today isn’t just about great food; it’s about leveraging the right tools, insights, and partnerships to stay ahead in a competitive industry. That’s where Buyers Edge Platform steps in. With decades of expertise, cutting-edge technology, and a collaborative network of specialized brands, we help operators like you simplify foodservice operations, cut costs, and gain visibility into your business. Expertise Backed by Collaboration What sets Buyers Edge Platform apart is our unique ecosystem of brands, each offering specialized solutions to address the most pressing challenges in the foodservice industry. Our expertise spans the entire foodservice landscape, from procurement and supply chain management to fresh produce and software solutions. The Buyers Edge Platform network of brands includes: Digital Procurement

Buyers Edge Platform Has Made a Strategic Investment in Netherlands-Based Company HosCat, Enabling Access into the Dutch and Belgium Markets

We’re excited to announce that Buyers Edge Platform has made a strategic investment in HosCat, a Netherlands-based company, marking its entry into the Dutch and Belgium markets. This investment is part of our continued expansion in Europe, following several acquisitions across the continent, including in the UK, Germany, and Sweden. HosCat’s expertise in hospitality and back-office solutions will combine with Buyers Edge Platform cutting-edge technology and procurement power, creating a valuable partnership that will offer significant savings and efficiency improvements for foodservice businesses in the region. This move aligns with the broader Buyers Edge Platform strategy of building the largest Digital Procurement Network in Europe, providing unparalleled value and support for foodservice operators across multiple countries. With shared values focused on customer success, both Buyers Edge Platform and HosCat are set to transform the procurement landscape in the Dutch and Belgium markets. Read the full press release here!

Save Big on Non-Food Supplies with Beyond Broadline Programs

Are hidden costs in your non-food supplies quietly draining your profits? From uniforms to utilities, these overlooked expenses can quickly snowball, eating away at your hard-earned revenue. In an industry where margins are already razor-thin, managing every dollar matters. With food costs soaring by over 20%, it’s not just your ingredients that are affecting your bottom line. Non-food expenses—like cleaning supplies, energy bills, equipment, and more—play a critical role in your overall cost structure. As a foodservice operator, you’re constantly seeking ways to save, and focusing solely on food costs isn’t enough. To truly maximize profitability, you need a strategy that reduces costs across every aspect of your operation. Why Non-Food Supplies Matter More Than You Think To truly gain control of your costs, it’s essential to look beyond the kitchen. Non-food expenses—things like equipment, uniforms, cleaning supplies, and utilities—are often the silent culprits behind shrinking profit margins. These costs

Highlights from the 2024 Buyers Edge Platform Summit

Each year, the Buyers Edge Platform Summit unites industry leaders including operators, suppliers, and key foodservice stakeholders. This multi-day event is more than just a gathering—it’s an immersive experience designed for meaningful connections, collaborative discussions, and an in-depth exploration of the latest Buyers Edge Platform innovations. With a spotlight on cutting-edge solutions and industry advancements, the summit serves as a vital forum for exchanging insights, tackling current challenges, and unveiling transformative strategies. Here’s a look at the standout moments that made this year’s summit truly exceptional. Recognizing Excellence: Honoring Our Award Winners We had an absolute blast at the Summit this year, especially when it came time to give out awards to our amazing partners and clients! It was fantastic to celebrate and thank them for their incredible efforts and innovative approaches that truly set them apart. From embracing new technologies to maximizing the value of our platform, these outstanding

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