Ahold Delhaize USA says it is expanding its partnership with Instacart to leverage its FoodStorm order management system.
The technology will enable participating Ahold Delhaize USA brands to elevate customers’ shopping experience when requesting made-to-order items such as fresh bakery platters, customizable deli meat and cheese trays, dessert flights, floral arrangements and balloons, according to the company. The FoodStorm solution is now live at Food Lion, Giant and Martin’s, operated by The Giant Co.
“By expanding our partnership with Instacart to enable the FoodStorm platform, we’ve introduced a more seamless, modern way to order catering,” says Keith Nicks, chief digital and commercial officer for Ahold Delhaize USA. “This collaboration unlocks new digital capabilities for our brands and elevates the omnichannel shopping experience for their customers.”
FoodStorm provides functionality that makes it easy for customers to place orders online, by phone by calling their local store, or directly in-store — and to manage their orders through a single system, the company says. With intuitive self-service tools and access to purchase history, the technology enables customers to enjoy greater convenience when ordering fresh, made-to-order items, the company adds.
“We’re thrilled to deepen our partnership with Ahold Delhaize USA and its brands by making FoodStorm available for deli, bakery and floral departments,” says Rob Hill, general manager of Order Ahead at Instacart. “As more customers seek freshly prepared, made-to-order items, FoodStorm helps retailers meet that demand with modern, efficient tools that improve both the customer and team experience. Together, we’re unlocking new ways for Ahold Delhaize USA’s brands to improve the customer experience with added convenience.”
Additionally, the company says FoodStorm’s order management system technology facilitates production workflows and menu management across departments, enabling stores to drive repeat business, expand offerings and increase sales. By compiling data, such as production logs and inventory metrics, it allows for improved operations management and greater accuracy in forecasting, the company says.
Over time, Ahold Delhaize USA says its brands will evaluate the technology for further integration with and support of e-commerce capabilities like pre-ordering for pick-up or delivery.
