FoodFlow revolutionizes CHR delivery with PTV OptiFlow

Faced with the continued growth in delivery routes for its restaurant clients, the new general retailer FoodFlow has adopted the PTV OptiFlow optimization software. Since January, this PTV Logistics solution has supported the startup in its unique value proposition on the market. FoodFlow and PTV Logistics will host a workshop on Wednesday, April 2nd at 11:20 a.m., in the "conversation 2" area, during the SITL trade show (April 1st-3rd, Paris Porte de Versailles).

Remember the name: FoodFlow. Founded in January 2023 by four partners, this startup aims to revolutionize the hospitality distribution industry. Its goal: to simplify the lives of food service professionals by offering unique service quality and complete transparency regarding producers, the origin of goods, and prices. To achieve this, FoodFlow has developed a 100% digital distribution model. With just a few clicks, users can access more than 5,000 product references in 12 categories (butchery, fruits & vegetables, groceries, etc.), with ultra-short delivery times. All orders placed before midnight can be delivered the next day, within a two-hour window starting at 4 a.m. This value proposition allows FoodFlow's 1,500 restaurant customers in the Île-de-France region to consolidate their supplies with a distributor while benefiting from the quality of service offered by specialized wholesalers.

Up-to-the-minute logistics

To achieve this logistical feat, FoodFlow relies on an outsourced fleet of vehicles dedicated to its business and a warehouse located in Chilly-Mazarin, south of Paris, where restaurant orders are received, stored, and prepared. Since January, the company has also been using PTV OptiFlow, a SaaS route optimization software from PTV Logistics. "We started our business with an initial optimization tool. Faced with the influx of orders, we quickly found ourselves limited," explains Pierre Colson, CEO and co-founder of FoodFlow. "Optimization times of up to 20 minutes were too long and affected our operations. In our business, every minute counts, and we are constantly striving for efficiency. The computing power and optimization times of our software have a significant impact on the cost of our logistics operations and our ability to meet our delivery deadlines."

Taking into account "orphans"

Thanks to the computing power of PTV Logistics' algorithms, FoodFlow is delivering on its promises. The startup has saved 15 precious minutes on order preparation, which was carried out by dozens of handlers. This speeds up the creation of transport plans, allowing the new distributor to precisely schedule vehicle loading schedules. PTV OptiFlow also allows for the management of "orphan" delivery points without manual management. These complex delivery points were unable to be automatically integrated with the previous tool due to their remoteness or different delivery slots. In addition to PTV OptiFlow, FoodFlow also provides its delivery drivers with the publisher's PTV Axylog mobile application. It allows the driver to instantly receive a digital delivery route sheet, providing a maximum of useful details about delivery points. FoodFlow thus has the ability to enhance the service provided to its customers with the help of approach notifications and real-time delivery proof sharing.

National expansion of the model

Thanks to a simplified delivery process, FoodFlow gives back time to its customers, who now only have to place a single order, receive a single delivery, and pay a single invoice. This distribution model was replicated in February with the opening of Lille. "We wanted powerful optimization software that could support our expansion in France." "The tool's computing capabilities and the support of the PTV Logistics team were decisive factors in our choice. The tool perfectly meets the scalability of our model," says Pierre Colson.