In a notable advancement for the grocery retail sector, eGrowcery and Forage have announced a partnership designed to enhance payment solutions for digital grocery orders. This collaboration aims to provide significant flexibility in the realm of food purchases, particularly benefiting low-income families who rely on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
eGrowcery is recognized for its white-label e-commerce platform tailored for independent grocery operators and retail groups. Its CEO, Patrick Hughes, emphasized the necessity for adaptability in digital commerce, stating, “The combination of our solutions will help address a growing need for digital commerce flexibility.” This partnership not only improves the functionality of online grocery shopping but also aligns with the wider retail trend of enhancing customer experiences through advanced technology.
SNAP benefits currently assist over 42 million Americans in affording groceries, according to the USDA. The new payment solution allows retailers utilizing the eGrowcery platform to integrate Forage’s automated onboarding system. This integration enables grocery retailers to more efficiently secure USDA certification to accept EBT payments, both in-store and online.
Ofek Lavian, co-founder and CEO of Forage, reiterated the primary goal of this collaboration: “We are thrilled to work with the eGrowcery team to make it easier for low-income families to access the food they need, when and where they need it.” Forage stands out as the only USDA-approved third-party payment processor for EBT transactions, and this strategic alignment is positioned to empower grocery stores across the nation to better serve their local communities.
This partnership comes at a crucial time when digital grocery shopping is surging. Many consumers have shifted towards online grocery shopping due to convenience, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic transformed shopping habits. According to industry reports, online food sales have skyrocketed, with SNAP shoppers allegedly spending 32% more than non-SNAP shoppers. This growth signals that implementing flexible payment options could potentially yield increased sales for retailers, creating a win-win situation for both grocers and consumers.
A closer look at the features offered by eGrowcery’s platform reveals a robust approach to the evolving needs of modern retail. The white-label solutions provided by eGrowcery enable independent grocers to create a customized online shopping experience that resonates with their brand identity. By integrating Forage’s EBT capabilities, these retailers can appeal to a broader demographic, making their offerings inclusive.
For instance, a small grocery chain in Michigan recently integrated eGrowcery’s platform. After the rollout, reports indicated an uptick in online orders and a significant rise in customer satisfaction scores. This tangible improvement highlights the benefits of adopting a comprehensive digital strategy that accommodates varying payment methods such as EBT.
Moreover, with an increasing emphasis on health and wellness, making healthy food options accessible is more critical than ever. By facilitating EBT payments for online groceries, this partnership supports the health and wellness of communities relying on government assistance. The ease of access to healthier food choices can contribute positively to public health outcomes, which is another compelling aspect of this initiative.
As e-commerce continues to grow, it is essential for players in the retail sector to remain agile, customer-focused, and technologically adept. Partnerships like the one between eGrowcery and Forage serve as a blueprint for innovative solutions that can meet the changing landscape of grocery shopping. By prioritizing accessibility and convenience, retailers can increase their market share while fulfilling a vital social responsibility.
In conclusion, the collaboration between eGrowcery and Forage represents not only a technical advancement in payment processing for groceries but also a significant step forward in making essential food resources accessible to all, particularly the families that need it most. The future of grocery retail appears promising, with technology playing a pivotal role in shaping consumer experiences.