SYSCO@HOME
“We have a pretty sophisticated supply and procurement chain to manage demand for all our customers.”
Juan Reddecopp (left) and his coworkers at Ironmen Industries can do virtually any kind of work for both huge commercial clients as well as smaller customers. Photo by Darcy Finley
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freezer meals, PPE and more — and choose appointment times for home delivery or in- person pickup, with items placed directly in the trunk of their vehicle. Both options are no-contact. It’s a win-win option. It lets anyone access food and supplies that would normally be used in restaurants, which moves food that is already available and takes some pressure off traditional retail outlets. “When people aren’t going to restaurants, they’re going to other channels, and those channels need to be increased,” says Penner. “It was a quick pivot — we had the website ready in a week or two.” Sysco already had the technologies to adapt, “but we weren’t really leaning into them,” says Penner. “While nobody ever wants to get away from face-to-face interaction, right now the amount of ground that we can cover online is amazing,” he says. “We’re doing our best to make the best of what’s around us right now.” Sysco continues to provide culinary and business support for its commercial clients. “We have an array of food service industry experts that work for us, including chef
Sysco has warehouses full of food and supplies, ready for delivery to restaurants, institutions and private homes.
expertise on staff, digital business resources that can help develop alternative revenue streams, and more,” he says. And some of that support will now be available to Sysco@Home customers, as online video demonstrations and recipes are being developed to help customers make the best use of their purchases. Sysco will continue to offer the service post- pandemic even after the restaurant industry is back on its feet. “We have a pretty sophisticated supply and procurement chain to manage demand for all our customers,” says Penner. “I don’t know if there’s ever been a more
important time to look at your purchasing habits and to talk to your local restaurants and find out how you can continue to support them. “And to help you stock up at home, try us,” he says. “We’ve got wonderful variety and great quality to offer.” To access Sysco@Home, go to sysco.ca and click on Sysco@Home. Scroll down and click on Winnipeg and start shopping. Sysco is offering MBiz magazine readers an added incentive, Penner says. “We’re pleased to offer a 20% discount on a first order to readers by using the promo code MBIZFOODIE available Dec. 9 to Jan. 15, 2021.” ■
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WINTER 2020
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