In the heartland of the Midwest, where tradition meets innovation, Loffredo Fresh Foods stands tall as a bastion of reliability in wholesale produce distribution. For over 130 years, this family-owned enterprise has thrived on deep-rooted relationships and a commitment to its 2,800 accounts. Yet, even the most time-honored traditions need a digital boost to navigate the fast-paced demands of today’s market. Enter Pepper—a game-changing technology that is not only modernizing Loffredo’s operations but also preserving its legacy of excellence.

From Tradition to Transformation

Loffredo Fresh Foods has long prided itself on being a trusted partner in the food distribution industry. Known for its personal touch and strong relationships with customers, the company has built a solid reputation over more than a century. However, as the business grew, so did the complexities of its operations. “We were stuck in a scenario where we were an order-taking company, not sales-driven,” reflects Stan Smith, Director of Sales. The company’s reliance on outdated systems and phone orders left their sales reps overwhelmed and hindered their ability to engage deeply with clients.

The old processes created bottlenecks, particularly with onboarding new accounts. These inefficiencies were not just operational hurdles but also barriers to growth and customer satisfaction. “Our outdated onboarding processes caused delays and lost opportunities,” Smith adds. Loffredo needed a solution that could streamline operations and enhance the efficiency of its sales team.

Pepper's Innovative Touch

When Loffredo Fresh Foods turned to Pepper, they found a solution that aligned perfectly with their need for modernization. Pepper’s platform was designed with a focus on user experience and operational efficiency, transforming the way Loffredo managed its ordering processes. “We were stunned at how user-friendly the ordering process was,” shares Alexis Mollenhoff, Marketing Coordinator. The simplicity and effectiveness of the Pepper platform were game-changers for the company.

One of the standout features of Pepper is Casey, the AI-powered chatbot. Casey revolutionizes the ordering process by allowing customers to place orders using natural language, significantly reducing administrative tasks. “I could give my nine-year-old the phone and ask them to order a case of iceberg lettuce. It’s really that simple,” Mollenhoff notes. Beyond order placement, Casey also serves as a customer support tool, offering real-time assistance and valuable insights into customer interactions.

A New Era of Efficiency and Growth

The integration of Pepper into Loffredo’s operations has brought about transformative changes:

• Enhanced Efficiency: With Pepper’s platform, 68% of orders are now placed in five minutes or less. This dramatic improvement in speed has enabled DSRs to spend more time on activities that drive growth, such as building relationships and exploring new business opportunities. “Our DSRs are spending more time selling and less time taking orders,” Smith emphasizes.
• Revenue Growth: Pepper’s ability to streamline promotional activities has had a significant impact on Loffredo’s bottom line. In-app promotions and broadcast messages have generated an additional $100,000 in weekly sales. “Sending a broadcast message through Pepper is more visible and straightforward. I can push out new promotions in less than five minutes,” Mollenhoff explains.
• Empowered Sales Team: The time saved from managing orders has allowed sales representatives to refocus on customer engagement and business development. “My team notices they’re spending less time with the transaction and more time trying to grow the business. It’s much easier to input orders, and a huge benefit to the sales team,” Smith adds.

The Power of Technology and Tradition

Pepper’s influence on Loffredo Fresh Foods highlights a significant shift in the food distribution industry. By integrating innovative technology, Loffredo has successfully modernized its operations while staying true to its core values. The transition to Pepper not only improved efficiency but also reinforced Loffredo’s commitment to personal customer relationships.

“We’ve reclaimed our relevance and are better equipped to serve our customers and grow our company. It’s a system we truly can’t imagine being without,” says Rusty Perrone, VP Sales and Co-owner. This sentiment reflects the broader impact of Pepper’s technology on Loffredo’s business model. The company has managed to preserve its legacy while embracing the benefits of digital advancements.

One notable enhancement driven by Pepper was the improvement in product details available through the app. Customers had long requested more comprehensive product information, including photos and nutrition details. Rusty Perrone worked closely with Pepper to integrate manufacturer and USDA databases, increasing product details coverage from 35% to 88%. “Photos and nutrition facts really got our customers’ attention, but we didn’t have it for everything. I brought it up to Pepper and within a week of that conversation, we started seeing that new product data come through,” Perrone notes.

Looking Forward

Two years after implementing Pepper, Loffredo Fresh Foods has not only modernized its operations but also enhanced its competitive edge in the market. The company’s ability to blend traditional values with technological innovation serves as a model for other distributors aiming to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving industry.

Pepper’s solutions have enabled Loffredo to maintain its legacy of personal service while adapting to the digital age. The result is a more efficient, customer-focused operation that is well-positioned for continued success.

As Rusty Perrone sums up, “The app has transformed how we do business. We’ve reclaimed our relevance and are better equipped to serve our customers and grow our company. It’s a system we truly can’t imagine being without.”

Pepper is committed to supporting distributors like Loffredo Fresh Foods in their journey towards digital transformation while preserving their core values. To learn how Pepper can help your business achieve similar success, visit usepepper.com.

Discover the Pepper Advantage

Is your organization ready to embrace the future of food distribution? Learn how Pepper can revolutionize your operations and drive your success. Contact us at sales@usepepper.com to explore the benefits of Pepper for your business.

With Pepper, your legacy of excellence meets cutting-edge innovation, paving the way for a brighter future in food distribution.

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