McLane Launches C-store Supply Chain Solution for Fresh Produce

TEMPLE, Texas — McLane Co. Inc. launched Fresh Produce +, a supply chain solution intended to provide top-quality products, operational best practices, merchandising units, information on suggested retail pricing and best-in-class customer service to help convenience store operators establish their locations as destinations for produce.

According to grocery and foodservice supply chain company McLane, Fresh Produce + is unique in its ability to provide fresh produce nationwide, allowing c-store operators to offer a consistent mix of healthier options.

Single-store operators can also benefit because McLane's nationwide distribution means it can leverage its buying power to better compete price-wise, while ensuring high-quality produce.

Fresh Produce + is compatible with McLane's Premium Management Ordering Suite and Smart Handheld technology, providing retailers the ability to order fresh items like any other SKU, the Temple-based company said.

The solution will integrate seasonal items and category management in the coming months.

"We recognized our customers wanted a consistent way to fill their consumers' need for safe, fresh, better-for-you produce," said Holly Veale, product director for foodservice at McLane. "McLane Kitchen's Fresh Produce + solution makes fresh produce and cut fruit available to all our customers, regardless of size or location."

The Fresh Produce + program introduction goes hand-in-hand with McLane's recently announced affiliation with the Partnership for a Healthier America (PHA). As CSNews Online previously reported, McLane teamed with PHA on May 19, along with convenience store retailer Enmarket.

"We're honored to come on board as the first grocery and chain restaurant supply chain distributor to support PHA's efforts," said Tony Frankenberger, president of McLane Grocery Distribution. "It is now more important than ever for the food, retail and distribution industries to work together to help solve the childhood obesity problem, and to offer consumers fresh and healthier products to make better food choices on a daily basis."

McLane is a $48-billion, wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc.