Instacart teams with MDI to serve up e-commerce solutions for independent grocers

Instacart has announced a new partnership with Merchants Distributors (MDI), a wholesale grocery distributor, to offer the former’s e-commerce solutions to the latter’s network of independent grocers.

These will be joining the Instacart app to offer customers same-day delivery and enabling Storefront Pro, the firm’s end-to-end fully-customisable e-commerce solution built specifically for grocers.

“We’ve long admired MDI and how, for over 90 years, they have supported independent grocers with essential expertise, infrastructure, and scale, so that they can thrive and grow. It’s a privilege to team up with MDI and their retailers to enhance the guest experience with the adoption of Instacart’s platform,” says Nick Nickitas, General Manager of Independent Grocery and Mid-Market Retail Partnerships at Instacart.

“Together we’ll empower leading local grocers to deliver a seamless, flexible way to shop while preserving the local connection that sets them apart in the communities they serve. We’re so proud to partner with a distributor that’s leading the way in digital transformation for independent grocers.” 

“As a wholesaler, it’s important that we equip our retail partners with the ability to connect with customers however they shop,” says Mary Kellmanson, SVP Marketing at MDI. “By powering our e-commerce service with Instacart, we’re able to support our independent retailers with a comprehensive solution that gives us the merchandising flexibility we need to help our retailers grow their digital presence and better serve their communities”

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

E-commerce will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards. which are now open for entries, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.