When it comes to fresh, local produce in-store, Schnucks Markets Inc. is dialing up the sense of urgency with its shoppers.
The St. Louis-based, family-owned grocer has partnered with Foodshed.io, a mobile marketing app and logistics platform, to test a “Fresh Produce Now” pilot program, according to a news release.
Select Schnucks stores in the St. Louis metropolitan area are set to leverage Foodshed.io to provide customers with real-time updates on the arrival of fresh, seasonal local produce at the peak of flavor and freshness, the release said.
As part of the pilot program, customers can expect timely alerts through the Schnucks Rewards app when a fresh, locally grown produce item arrives at their selected "home" Schnucks or Eatwell Market store, provided push notifications are enabled.
These notifications will also include details about the source of the harvest and, whenever possible, its harvest time. This not only emphasizes the availability of fresh, local produce for Schnucks customers but also encourages engagement with the Schnucks Rewards app among users with active push notifications, the release said.
"We are refining the answer to the question of 'What is local?' — shifting from how many miles away to how many hours ago something was picked,” Rachel Wilson, director of farms at Foodshed.io, said in the release. “Utilizing our technology in tandem with Schnucks, we are poised to set a fresh standard and cut down on food waste."
The Livingston, Mont.-based FoodShed.io says its business model connects small and medium-sized local producers with chefs, supermarkets and institutional buyers, creating opportunities for farmers and retailers alike, while reducing transportation distances in the supply chain.
"Schnucks takes great pride in supporting our local farmers and communities,” Mike Tipton, Schnucks vice president of produce and floral, said in the release. “Our collaboration with FoodShed.io enhances our commitment to delivering the freshest produce to our valued customers. The new feature in our Schnucks Rewards mobile app reinforces our 'Fresh Produce Now' initiative."
Foodshed.io says it has an “ideal partner” in Schnucks.
“We’ve been working hand in hand with Schnucks for five years, and we deeply appreciate their commitment to their community,” Dan Beckmann, CEO of Foodshed.io, said in the release. “Schnucks has consistently offered the freshest produce, and our technology empowers their mobile app customers to experience it firsthand.”
Schnucks operates 115 stores, serving customers in Missouri, Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin, and employs 12,000 teammates.