McLane Company Inc. is launching its National Commissary program nationwide, an extension of its McLane Fresh programs, offering grab-and-go foods with a seven-day refrigerated shelf life, according to a press release.
“Convenience retailers are experiencing growing demand for fresh food options that rival what consumers can get at fast-casual restaurants and grocery stores. McLane Fresh, with programs like Central Eats, CupZa! and Prendisimo, meets this trend by offering a consistent and operationally seamless way for retailers to grow food sales without expanding in-store prep or labor,” the company said.
Central Eats, part of McLane Fresh, provides retailers with prepackaged, grab-and-go cold items, such as subs, sliders, salads and fruit cups, with no artificial additives, the company said. Products are prepared through the nationwide commissary network.
McLane’s National Commissary line, developed under its Central Eats brand, includes:
- Cold handhelds like sandwiches, wraps and sliders
- Protein-rich snack trays and sweet-and-salty combos
- Better-for-you options such as veggie cups, salads, oatmeal and parfaits
- Global flavor combinations
McLane said the program supports both large and small operators with flexible piece-pick ordering, reducing waste and enabling customization by location. Customers receive National Commissary items alongside their regular McLane deliveries.
Brian Ferguson, EG America chief marketing officer and senior vice president, said: “EG America recognizes that scaling our foodservice offerings presents an opportunity to add more high-quality, grab-and-go items. Participating in McLane’s National Commissary program has allowed us to do just that. Central Eats’ fresh, never-frozen products and premium ingredients align perfectly with our commitment to quality and convenience. This program is helping us elevate our foodservice strategy and drive growth across our stores.”
Read more about solutions McLane offers in the September 2024 issue of NACS Magazine article: “Future-Proofing Convenience.”