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 partners have been pivotal in driving success and raising the bar in the foodservice industry. Recognizing their achievements and celebrating these milestones together was definitely one of the highlights of the event!
Supplier of the Year: Tyson Foods
This award recognizes a supplier who embraced and utilized the resources, technology, and data available to them across the entire Buyers Edge Platform.
Why Tyson Foods?
For 15 years, Tyson Foods has been a pillar of our supplier network, continuously evolving their strategies and programs. This year, they added nearly 6,000 items to our program, driving significant member value. Their commitment to growth is evident, with an additional 1.3 million cases purchased by our members. Tyson’s transparency, flexibility, and philanthropic efforts—such as supporting The GO Fund and the Buyers Edge Platform Culinary Center in Kenya—set them apart.
Super User: Mr Brews Taphouse
This award honors a client who has fully embraced and utilized the extensive resources, technology, and data across the Buyers Edge Platform to fuel their business growth.
Why Mr Brews Taphouse?
Mr Brews Taphouse stands as a shining example of how a client can fully leverage the Buyers Edge Platform to achieve remarkable growth. By seamlessly integrating our foodservice technology and supply chain solutions, and tapping into beyond broadline programs like DIRECTV, AirGas, and Restaurant Technologies, they’ve optimized every facet of their operations. Their strategic utilization of our comprehensive resources truly highlights the transformative power of partnership in driving success.
Super User Award: TPC
This award honors a client who has fully embraced and utilized the extensive resources, technology, and data across the Buyers Edge Platform to fuel their business growth.
Why TPC?
By integrating solutions such as our Digital Procurement Network, InsideTrack, Back Office, and Real Foodservice Rewards, and recently signing a new contract for produce services, TPC has demonstrated strategic utilization of Buyers Edge Platform resources to enhance their business operations. Additionally, their active participation in events and engagement with supplier partners underscores their commitment to finding new areas for savings and optimization, embodying the spirit of a Super User within our platform.
Impact Award: Dart Container
The Impact Award honors a supplier who has made the most significant contribution to Buyers Edge Platform clients over the past year.
Why Dart Container?
Dart Container has made an exceptional impact by maximizing value for our members through strategic actions. They removed exclusions by transitioning direct deal accounts to the Buyers Edge Platform program, reaching 11,000 accounts this year alone, added over 64 items, including proprietary customer brands, and reduced prices on key products. Their commitment to leveraging data-driven insights has led to innovative solutions, earning them business with over 20,000 new locations and solidifying their role as a key partner.
Rising Star Award: Sycuan Casino Resort
This award recognizes a client who has a newer relationship with Buyers Edge Platform, but is already making an impact, has become very engaged, and is using tools and resources available to them to grow their business.
Why Sycuan Casino Resort?
Sycuan Casino Resort has earned the Rising Star Award, having recently embarked on a partnership with Buyers Edge Platform and swiftly showcasing an exceptional level of engagement. By strategically leveraging solutions from Buyers Edge Platform, Sycuan Casino Resort is actively enhancing and expanding their business operations. In collaboration with Source1, they are making full use of our Digital Procurement Network and Beyond Broadline opportunities. Additionally, they have started utilizing InsideTrack and are exploring further solutions. Their proactive engagement, including leveraging Buyers Edge Platform extensive expertise for RFP assistance, solidifies their position as a rapidly ascending entity within our network.
Better Together Award: Unilever Food Solutions
This award recognizes a supplier who demonstrates the true definition of collaboration and partnership with our teams at Buyers Edge Platform.
Why Unilever Food Solutions?
Unilever Food Solutions stands out as Buyers Edge Platform‘s inaugural direct deal partner, playing a crucial role right from the start. Their collaborative efforts were key in successfully launching the program, marked by shared growth and innovation. They introduced groundbreaking initiatives, such as the first VIP custom ideation session with DARTCOR, and effectively implemented the Buyers Edge Platform’s Operator Journey strategy, which significantly boosted buyer engagement and product usage. Moreover, Unilever Food Solutions actively participates in industry events, contributes valuable insights, and engages with new technology, including testing Buyers Edge Platform‘s new Manufacturer portal SalesStream to advance their digital strategies.
Brand Evangelist Award: FAT Brands
The Brand Evangelist Award recognizes a client who has embraced the culture of Buyers Edge Platform and become a strong advocate for our offerings and our values.
Why Fat Brands:
FAT Brands is honored with the Brand Evangelist Award for fully embracing the benefits of partnering with multiple Buyers Edge Platform brands. Following a pivotal leadership transition, they faced significant challenges in aligning their operations and strategies. Through robust collaboration with Consolidated Concepts, Arrowstream, InsideTrack, Restaurant Partners Procurement, and Produce Alliance, FAT Brands has effectively integrated our solutions, becoming a passionate advocate for our services and proudly proclaiming that they are fully “drinking the Buyers Edge Platform kool-aid!
Meet Erni: Revolutionizing Client Interactions
One of the highlights of the Summit was the big reveal of Erni, our brand-new AI-powered chatbot! We’re super excited about this one. Now, operators have a friendly digital assistant right at their fingertips. With Erni, you can easily uncover insights and ask all your questions about accounts, inventory, savings, sales opportunities, and so much more! Never before have our clients had such easy access to this kind of data. It’s like having a smart, super helpful sidekick ready to jump in whenever you need it!
Real Foodservice Rewards: A Game-Changer in Savings
We proudly introduced Real Foodservice Rewards, the result of a powerful merger between Real Time Solutions and Foodservice Rewards. This groundbreaking program is poised to transform how foodservice operators maximize their savings and earn rewards, reinforcing our commitment to delivering unmatched value to our clients. By combining the strengths of two industry-leading programs, we are offering an unparalleled rewards experience that will benefit our clients in numerous ways.
Expanding Our European Presence: The S&F Group Acquisition
At the Summit, we proudly announced the strategic acquisition of S&F Group, marking a significant milestone in Buyers Edge Platform‘s European expansion. This move enhances our footprint in Germany—the largest market in Europe—and supports our ambitious goal to reach $4 billion in purchasing volume over the next five years. This acquisition aligns with our global strategy to provide unparalleled services and solutions, further establishing our presence as a leader in the European foodservice industry.
InsideTrack Price Health Check: Benchmarking for Success
We unveiled InsideTrack Price Health Check, a cutting-edge price benchmarking tool designed to deliver unmatched market insights. This innovative technology compares prices across the market and continuously monitors price health, providing our clients with essential data to remain competitive in a dynamic marketplace. With real-time insights, InsideTrack Price Health Check empowers our clients to make well-informed decisions, allowing them to refine and optimize their pricing strategies effectively.
ArrowStream Promotions Management Dashboard: Simplifying Success
We were thrilled to introduce the ArrowStream Promotions Management Dashboard, a comprehensive tool designed to streamline and enhance promotional activities. This dashboard allows users to effortlessly track promotions, monitor performance, and manage inventory levels across various distribution centers. Crafted as a one-stop solution, it simplifies the management of promotional efforts, significantly boosting the efficiency and effectiveness of campaigns and ensuring that our customers can maximize their promotional impact.
Fresh Division Success: Produce Alliance’s Partnership with CookUnity
A standout moment from the summit was Produce Alliance’s flourishing partnership with CookUnity. What started as a simple referral in New York has rapidly grown, extending to California and other regions. This partnership underscores the strength of our network and the power of authentic relationships. It exemplifies how aligned values and shared goals can drive significant success. We are excited about the continued growth and future achievements of this collaboration.
A Future Full of Promise
As we wrap up another amazing Buyers Edge Platform Summit, it’s clear that this event truly represents the best of what we’re all about. It’s not just about showcasing our innovative technology—though we’re pretty proud of that! It’s also about the relationships we build. In the hospitality industry, connecting with people is key. When we bring our partners, clients, and team members together, we get to do great business and enjoy ourselves at the same time. That’s what we’re here for—innovative solutions and strong, collaborative relationships!
