BONITA SPRINGS, FL - Never has the food industry exemplified such creativity as it has while navigating distribution relationships amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve seen foodservice and retail operators launch extremely unique strategies, and Sysco is one company at the helm of this effort. Sysco recently rolled out its latest creative initiative, making plans for a pop-up grocery store at the Southwest Florida Event Center.

“Obviously, communities across the country are having trouble finding certain fresh items and certain supplies. This is just a great way for us to help the community get the products that they’re looking for and at times are having a hard time obtaining,” said Sysco's Senior Director, External Communications, Shannon Mutschler.

According to News-Press, phase one of the “pop-up, stock-up” event took place yesterday, April 22. Consumers were able to order groceries on the Sysco website, which will then be available for pickup tomorrow, April 24.

For this initiative, Sysco adopted a big-box retail strategy, offering products in bulk similar to what shoppers would find at many club stores. The distributor will set up a parking lot drive-through where shoppers can easily and safely receive their orders.

“When they reached out to us, it was kind of like a no-brainer,” added Event Center Co-Owner Jennifer Shanahan. “We welcome anybody who’s working to get food out into the community.”

Keep a lookout for more creative food industry strategies as ANUK continues to report.

Sysco