Local Food & The Subscription Economy
Plus, some new subscription features on the LFM platform
In 2019, businesses offering subscriptions grew five times faster than other companies (source: the Subscription Economy Index). This trend has only grown during the pandemic. Customers are seeking out convenient ways to get their favorite items (without spending more time in the store).
Where does local food fit in?
For local food, subscriptions are nothing new. Community supported agriculture (CSA) farm shares date back to the 1960’s and 70’s. Early CSAs were an effort to support small farms in the face of growing industrialization. In the pandemic, demand for CSA shares exploded when consumers faced food shortages, health worries, and a desire to support local businesses.
What’s new for local food? With all the subscription offers out there (from food to cleaning products to entertainment), customers have come to expect more options than ever.
As a local business, it can feel daunting to compete with big box stores or global corporations. But that doesn’t mean you can’t offer the customization, flexibility, and personal touch that your customers are looking for. That’s why Local Food Marketplace has been listening. We asked food hubs, farmers, and market managers what they’re looking for to better manage their farm shares, and we’re so excited to tell you about some new features coming soon.
CSA Management Software Features:
To help your customers:
Subscriptions are now customizable! Customers now have the flexibility to decide what their farm shares look like. Maybe they don’t love carrots, and would rather trade out for some radishes. Or you can have shoppers add on an extra bag of spinach, or throw in a jar of locally made jam. You can give shoppers the option!
To help you!
A single point of inventory: The kale in your weekly veggie box, and the kale sold by the bunch on you online store? It’s all pulled from the same inventory. So LFM’s software will generate simple pick lists that tell you and your producers exactly how much to harvest.
Keep an eye on your inbox to learn more about these features. Not getting our email updates? Drop your email here.
