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sustainable sourcing

Driving Innovation in Plant-Based Products: A Collaborative Discussion with Sysco and Supplier

Written by PBWPulse on . Posted in Distribution, Foodservice, Interviews, Supply Network.

Join us for an enlightening online session featuring Sysco’s leading expert in sustainable sourcing for plant-based products.

Explore how Sysco is reshaping food distribution through their dedicated focus on sustainability. Delve into the complexities of their supply chain and gain insights into their strategic initiatives, challenges, and successful practices in sourcing plant-based products responsibly.

Whether you’re a supplier looking to partner with Sysco for optimal success in the plant-based market or interested in understanding their sustainable sourcing strategies, this webinar provides a valuable opportunity to learn from Sysco’s business approach. Discover how to align your efforts with Sysco’s goals, ensuring mutual success in advancing environmental stewardship in the industry.

Don’t miss this chance to gain a deeper understanding of how suppliers can thrive through collaboration with Sysco in the realm of plant-based sustainable sourcing.

Register Here
Open to all!

Speakers:

LC Ede, Senior Manager, Sustainable Sourcing, Sysco

A Senior Manager on Sysco’s Sustainable Sourcing Team, LC Ede focuses on expanding the company’s Sustainable Offerings and lowering Scope 3 emissions. A Culinary Institute of America Graduate and Certified Sommelier, she’s worked in many FOH and BOH roles across food service and hospitality. She is based in Houston, Texas, and holds an MBA from Rice University.

Wayne Bennett, SVP, Retail ECRM/RangeMe

Wayne Bennett, recognized as a Top Rethink Retail Expert in 2024, holds the pivotal role of Senior Vice President of Retail Enterprise Solutions at ECRM RangeMe, a private equity held B2B Technology & Services Provider for the Retail & CPG Industry.

In this influential position, Wayne plays a multifaceted role on the leadership team, spearheading strategic initiatives in revenue management, retailer engagement, and buyer involvement. His overarching responsibility is to provide visionary leadership for the development and implementation of enterprise solutions for the retail and CPG industry. This includes a keen focus on national food, drug, mass market, and specialty retail chains, where Wayne diligently supports merchant teams in achieving efficient category growth.

Wayne’s commitment extends to enhancing the capabilities of C-level merchant leaders and their teams through a comprehensive technology suite. This suite is strategically designed to optimize the buying process, facilitate more efficient product assortments, uncover emerging product innovations, and fine-tune product sourcing activities to drive impactful business outcomes.

Notably, Wayne’s purview encompasses critical business areas such as Sustainability, Own Brand Development, Localization, Supplier Diversity, and Category Growth/Product Innovation.

Before joining ECRM, Wayne’s illustrious career included a 20-year tenure as Group Publisher at Drug Store News, a leading industry B2B publication. In this influential role, he not only steered all business management functions but also excelled in revenue management, amplifying financial performance KPIs. Wayne’s success was evident in the expansion of the brand portfolio through innovative digital initiatives, thought leadership, and in-person events. His instrumental role in creating custom media and marketing solutions for CPG companies across diverse product categories showcased his dedication to improving storytelling and ensuring retail success.

Wayne holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics from the State University of New York-Albany and an M.B.A in Marketing Management from St. John’s University.

Residing in Long Island, NY, with his wife Gail and two sons, Wayne is not only a seasoned professional but also an avid road biker and swimmer. His diverse interests include hiking, traveling and trumpet playing.

Register Here
Open to all!

Distribution Trends to Watch: Local Sourcing, Tech and Collaboration

Written by PBWPulse on . Posted in Distribution, Industry updates, Supply Network.

In 2024, the food distribution industry is adapting to the evolving demands of the plant-based market, with a keen focus on enhancing local and regional offerings and integrating sustainable practices through technology and collaboration.

Enhancing Local and Regional Offerings

A significant trend is the emphasis on local and regional food distribution systems. Distributors are increasingly sourcing plant-based products from local farmers and producers, reducing the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation. This approach not only supports local economies but also ensures fresher, higher-quality products for consumers. Furthermore, it aligns with trends in both retail and foodservice with both areas seeing upticks in consumer demand for locally-sourced foods.

Regional specialties are gaining prominence, with distributors showcasing plant-based foods that reflect local cultures and culinary traditions. This strategy is attracting consumers interested in exploring diverse, locally-inspired plant-based cuisine, fostering a sense of community and connection to the food they consume.

Sustainable Sourcing, Technology, and Collaboration

Sustainability is at the forefront of food distribution in 2024. Distributors are employing advanced technologies to optimize supply chains, reduce waste, and ensure the efficient delivery of plant-based products. Blockchain technology, for instance, is being used to enhance transparency and traceability, enabling consumers to understand the journey of their food from farm to table.

Collaboration between distributors, manufacturers, and retailers is strengthening, creating a cohesive network that prioritizes sustainability. These partnerships are focused on developing sustainable packaging solutions, optimizing transportation routes to reduce emissions, and sharing best practices for energy and resource efficiency.

In addition, there’s a growing emphasis on responsible sourcing. Distributors are working closely with suppliers to ensure that plant-based ingredients are ethically sourced and produced, considering factors such as water usage, soil health, and biodiversity.

Driving the Future of Food Distribution

These trends highlight a transformative phase in the food distribution industry. By enhancing local and regional offerings and embracing sustainable practices through technology and collaboration, distributors are not just responding to market trends; they are actively shaping a more sustainable and connected food system.