Reliability is the most important form of currency that matters in foodservice. When global markets turn volatile, a standard purchase order isn’t enough to keep a kitchen running.
Managing our suppliers today requires deep operational partnerships. We’ve moved beyond simple purchase orders by implementing stocking programmes that allow us to buy in bulk and hold inventory in our own warehouses.
Our suppliers receive predictable order volumes, and our clients get what they need when they need it, whilst better pricing is secured for everyone involved. Price protection through bulk purchasing gives our clients peace of mind against future price increases and inflation.
Transparency is also paramount. We share data through integrated platforms where vendors see the same information we do. We began experimenting with artificial intelligence (AI) a few years ago and now use it to spot disruptions before they affect our business.
Sharing those forecasts lets our partners adjust their production schedules before a shortage occurs. It’s all about being proactive rather than reactive.
Cathy King
Executive Vice President of Sales, Wasserstrom
About Cathy King
Cathy King is Executive Vice President of Sales at The Wasserstrom Company. Cathy King joined Wasserstrom in 2019. She is also a member of the National Restaurant Association’s Supply Chain Expert Exchange.
About The Wasserstrom Company
Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, The Wasserstrom Company is a leading restaurant supplier and distributor of foodservice supplies and equipment. The Wasserstrom Company has been family owned and operated for nearly 125 years.
The Question is a thought leadership series published on Food & Beverage Outlook, created to explore the questions shaping global food production, manufacturing, supply, hospitality, retail, and consumer trends.
Food & Beverage Outlook features leadership insights and company stories from organisations producing, supplying, serving, and transforming the food and beverage industry around the world.
Produced as part of the Outlook Publishing global network of B2B industry magazines, The Question brings focused executive insight to audiences engaged with the people, brands, technologies, and decisions shaping the future of food and beverage.
