Food Supply is a fruit and vegetable wholesaler in Tokyo and it is adopting a drive-thru system to make sure people can access fresh produce and do so safely and from a distance. Food Supply ordinarily works with restaurants but since a large percentage of its clients have been forced to temporarily close their businesses, the wholesaler is now working directly with consumers to minimize food waste.
The drive-thru greengrocer system invites people to park their vehicle in a designated space so that the trunk of their car can be loaded with a five-kilogram bag of mixed fruits and vegetables, plus domestically produced rice. Like a traditional drive-thru, customers are able to pay for the goods without having to leave the vehicle.
Drive-Thru Greengrocers
Tokyo's Food Supply Provides Safe Access to Fruits and Vegetables
Trend Themes
1. Drive-thru Greengrocers - Opportunity for businesses to adopt contactless drive-thru systems for selling fresh produce and minimizing food waste.
2. Direct-to-consumer Sales - Scenarios where wholesalers are forced to work with consumers directly are creating opportunities for new business models.
3. Safe Food Access - Investments in innovative food distribution systems to ensure safe access to fresh produce amid the pandemic.
Industry Implications
1. Wholesale - Wholesalers can explore new avenues such as direct-to-consumer sales to adapt to changing market conditions.
2. Food Distribution - Adoption of drive-thru greengrocer systems can revolutionize the way consumers access fresh produce from the comfort of their vehicles.
3. Restaurant - Restaurants can explore partnerships with wholesalers like Food Supply to minimize food waste and continue serving customers during temporary closures.