The digital transformation of the food supply chain is no longer a trend—it’s the new standard. While consumers increasingly embrace grocery delivery apps, the HoReCa (Hotels, Restaurants, Cafés, Bars) sector is undergoing a parallel shift: suppliers and buyers are moving their procurement online.Platforms like SupFolio enable businesses in the HoReCa industry to digitize their procurement cycle—connecting suppliers, distributors, and buyers on one platform.
The goal is clear: simplify sourcing, reduce costs, and create operational efficiency across the supply chain.
According to Statista, the global online grocery and foodservice market is projected to surpass $1.49 trillion by 2030, with a CAGR of nearly 10%. This growth highlights not only consumer demand but also the accelerating adoption of B2B digital procurement solutions.This guide explores the concept of a B2B grocery and HoReCa marketplace, including how it works, essential features, business models, industry challenges, and a step-by-step roadmap to launching your own platform.
What is a B2B Grocery & HoReCa Platform?
A B2B grocery and HoReCa Platform is a digital platform where multiple suppliers can showcase their products (ingredients, beverages, disposables, cleaning products, etc.), and buyers (restaurants, hotels, cafés, catering services, etc.) can order directly from them.Unlike B2C grocery platforms that focus on households, a HoReCa marketplace is designed for businesses, focusing on:
- Bulk ordering and wholesale pricing
- Supplier management and negotiation
- Digital invoicing and tax compliance
- Inventory and delivery scheduling for restaurants and hotels
In short, a marketplace like SupFolio replaces phone calls, Excel sheets, and manual processes with a streamlined, all-in-one procurement platform.
1. Essential Features of a Marketplace
Buyer Features (Restaurants, Hotels, Cafés)
- Advanced product search & filtering
- Multi-vendor cart & order consolidation
- Real-time inventory visibility
- Order scheduling & recurring orders
- Digital invoices & expense tracking
Supplier Features
- Digital catalog & price management
- Dashboard with sales, orders & payments
- Inventory & stock alerts
- Multi-channel communication with buyers
- Flexible delivery scheduling
2. Enhanced Efficiency Through Automation
SupFolio eliminates manual processes like phone orders, emails, and scattered Excel sheets.
Suppliers can automate catalog management, order tracking, and invoicing, while buyers gain one-click reordering and consolidated purchase management. This automation saves time, reduces errors, and ensures smoother operations.
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3. 24/7 Accessibility & Convenience
Restaurants don’t stop running at 5 PM—and neither should procurement.
With SupFolio, buyers can place orders anytime, from any device, whether they’re managing a late-night hotel kitchen or preparing a café inventory list on the go. Suppliers, meanwhile, can capture orders even outside business hours.
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4. Superior Customer Experience
Today’s buyers expect more than a transactional platform—they want visibility, control, and simplicity.
SupFolio provides real-time order status, digital invoices, transparent pricing, and supplier-buyer messaging, ensuring a smoother procurement experience that strengthens trust and loyalty.
5. Personalization That Matters
SupFolio empowers suppliers to set custom pricing per buyer, offer exclusive promotions, and make personalized product recommendations.
Hotels, restaurants, and cafés get a tailored shopping journey that respects their needs, volumes, and seasonal trends.
6. Reduced Operational Costs
Paper invoices, phone confirmations, and manual stock counts are costly.
SupFolio minimizes overhead by streamlining payments, order tracking, and tax compliance, freeing up supplier sales teams to focus on relationships and upselling, not data entry.
Final Words
B2B marketplaces like SupFolio are not just tools—they are growth engines for suppliers and HoReCa buyers.✅ For suppliers: more reach, better efficiency, recurring revenue.
✅ For buyers: easier ordering, cost savings, and greater transparency.
✅ For the industry: a more sustainable, digital-first procurement ecosystem.With a projected 20.2% CAGR through 2030, the B2B eCommerce market is only accelerating.
Now is the time to digitize your wholesale operations and secure your competitive advantage.👉 Ready to modernize your procurement?
Request a demo at www.supfolio.com and see how SupFolio simplifies your daily operations—without the fuss.