Instacart tech beefs up Sprouts Farmers Market's catering management

Sprouts Farmers Market is partnering with Instacart to implement the San Francisco-based tech company’s order management system FoodStorm at the grocer’s 400-plus locations, Instacart announced Tuesday. 

The grocer, which focuses on natural and organic foods and is known for its holiday meal deals, is using the technology to streamline its catering operations and holiday inventory management, Instacart said. The new tech will enable associates of the Phoenix-based grocer to more efficiently process orders for turkeys, meats, prepared meals and party platters. 

The FoodStorm tech will now power Sprouts’ Turkey Tracker system, which enables shoppers to keep tabs on their holiday catering orders. The new system “alleviates strain on team members, while offering a more seamless experience for customers as they pre-order and track their holiday orders," Instacart said. 

“Sprouts is committed to providing a seamless customer experience across all facets of our business, and we’re thrilled to partner with our friends at Instacart to bring Foodstorm to Sprouts,” said Nick Konant, president and COO of Sprouts, in a statement.  “This will give our customers a new and convenient way to order better-for-you meals this holiday season.” 

Grocers can experience surges in demand for prepared food during the holidays, which can increase their order volume by as much as 20 times, Rob Hill, Instacart’s general manager of FoodStorm, said in a statement. 

“That’s why we’re committed to investing in the most innovative technology solutions that will enable grocers to expand, compete and better meet the evolving needs of their customers,” Hill said. “FoodStorm is designed for busy catering operations, ensuring that orders run smoothly, even during busy times like the holidays. With just a few clicks, customers can order their Thanksgiving feast or holiday meals, knowing it will be conveniently prepared for pickup at their local Sprouts store and allowing them to enjoy more quality time at home with loved ones.” 

It’s been a big year for Sprouts Farmers Market, which opened its 400th store in September in Haddon Township, New Jersey. The chain also has opened new locations this year in Arizona, California, Colorado and Florida.  

The grocer plans to open a total of more than 30 new stores in 2023.