SAN DIEGO, CA - It’s all hands on deck these days, and online grocery e-commerce platform Mercato is making sure that it’s lending as many hands as possible to its network of independently-owned grocery stores. Not only has the company onboarded 50+ retailers, it’s also working to help said retailers deliver groceries like fresh produce and other essentials to shoppers within 24 hours.

“From addressing the needs of seniors and medical professionals, and those simply more cautious about multiple trips to the store during the coronavirus crisis, independent grocers are scrambling to get online and serve the needs of their communities. Their customers need fresh groceries they either can’t find at supermarket chains or can’t wait for until national grocery delivery windows to open,” said Bobby Brannigan, Mercato Founder and CEO. “We have expanded our onboarding team and are working around the clock to get these independents up online and delivering within 24 hours.”

Through its partnerships with the leading courier networks, according to a press release, Mercato has the ability to provide 100 percent delivery coverage across the nation, from high-density cities to rural communities. These partnerships are helping Mercato support its buy-side customers offer online purchasing and delivery options as more shoppers practice social distancing and shelter-in-place orders.

While online grocery is in hot demand with consumers at the moment, many retailers have been piloting digital services for a while now. This positions Mercato as a key grocery partner for years to come as more companies digitalize their operations.

“Even with everything going on right now, the Mercato team was a huge help in getting our 50,000+ products online in just 24 hours. We are fortunate to be able to help our customers get the essential foods that they need during this hectic time,” said Russ Greenlaw, Vice President of Operations for Adams Hometown Markets’ 11 locations in Massachusetts and Connecticut. “Mercato's technology solution will allow us to stay innovative and relevant for many years to come.”

The press release also noted that Mercato’s e-commerce technology increases incremental sales and customer loyalty, provides access to customer and product data, and utilizes online marketing campaigns to drive traffic to online stores.

“Not only are we delivering fresh food within hours of customers ordering, we are enabling them to order from local, independently-owned stores right in their community,” added Brannigan. “This helps their local community’s economy, which is more important than ever.”

For more fresh produce news from both the buy- and supply-sides, AndNowUKnow will continue to report.

Mercato