SupplyTrack service aids foodservice distributors

For the first time, foodservice distributors and manufacturers will be able to benchmark and track their market performance by product and operator segment based on actual sales from major broadline distributors with a new service from The NPD Group.

SupplyTrack will incorporate sales information on every product shipped from a critical mass of distributors to each of their foodservice operators.

Distributors participating in the SupplyTrack service, which will roll out in summer 2013 with initial categories, represent 70% of the broadline market. Each of these distributors will automatically receive detailed monthly reports on all SupplyTrack categories, while manufacturers will be able to subscribe on a category-by-category basis.

The new NPD service is designed to:

•Enable leading broadline distributors to assess their performance relative to the aggregated competitive set.

•Allow manufacturers to track sales and share performance for their brands and competitive brands.

•Measure the impact of promotional programs by tracking item-level performance on a monthly basis.

•Measure actual sales and share performance in distinct commercial and non-commercial operator segments.

For more information, visit www.npd.com.