Instacart Connects FoodStorm Technology with the Instacart App, Unlocking Catering Order Ahead and Delivery for Grocers Across North America

Today, we’re proud to announce that FoodStorm, a SaaS order management system (OMS) from Instacart that powers end-to-end order ahead and catering for grocery retailers, is now integrated into the Instacart App. This integration extends our Carrot Order Ahead solution and enables retailers to build a comprehensive online catering ordering and delivery experience for both their customers and in-store teams. Uncle Giuseppe’s Marketplace is the first retailer to merge its FoodStorm OMS directly with its Instacart App storefront, allowing customers to order catering items for delivery via Instacart.

As inflation and other economic pressures impact households, more and more people are turning to grocery stores for easy meals instead of takeout. In the first half of 2022, we’ve seen nearly a 20% increase in customers searching for “catering” on Instacart* when compared to the same period last year. For grocers who are also facing economic pressure, prepared food and catering items are typically some of the most profitable items sold in-store. Easier ordering of prepared catering items has become increasingly important to both grocers and their customers.

However, the experience today is often a labor-intensive and inefficient process for both retailers and consumers. Customers today are typically required to call the store or place an order in-person, and orders are often tracked by catering associates manually. FoodStorm’s OMS creates a digital catering experience purpose-built for grocery, enabling omnichannel ordering for customers – including online, by phone or email, or through an in-store kiosk – and comprehensive order management for retailers. 

With the combination of FoodStorm and the Instacart App, we’re able to help grocers meet catering demand by offering a comprehensive, omnichannel experience for customers. Leveraging Carrot Order Ahead, retailers can now bring their FoodStorm catering catalog online through the Instacart App and allow customers to shop for all of their hosting needs in a single order. From serveware and beverages (including alcohol in applicable states) to side dishes and more, customers can get everything they need delivered next day alongside their catering order. 

Our partners are dedicated to delivering great customer experiences, and the same is true for us at Instacart. Looking ahead, we’re dedicated to finding new ways to enhance online and offline grocery shopping experiences in partnership with retailers across North America. We’ll continue to expand the Instacart Platform technology portfolio to support retailer’s evolving e-commerce needs, investing in new innovative solutions that help retailers grow, compete, and better serve their customers. 

*Includes searches on the Instacart App and retailer-operated sites powered by Instacart

Jeanette Barlow

Author

Jeanette Barlow joined Instacart as VP Product, Retailer Solutions in April 2022 and has spent 20+ years leading product management and strategy for the world’s leading software solutions. Jeanette was formerly the VP, Product Operations at Pegasystems where she was responsible for bringing to market innovative solutions that helped clients work smarter through a low-code application platform. Before Pegasystems, she was the VP, Product Management for IBM’s Sterling Business where she drove double digit growth for a portfolio of SaaS-based AI and blockchain offerings that solve complex supply chain problems like visibility and transparency, omnichannel order management, smart fulfillment, and frictionless supplier connectivity and management.