How our own SFSC Plodovi.hr Drives our Innovation: Building Better SFSCs Through Experience, Collaboration, and Technology

At Plodie, we’re not just developing software for short food supply chains (SFSCs)—we’re actively running one ourselves. This daily hands-on experience gives us a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by every member of the chain, from farmers and producers to logistics providers and end consumers. It’s this real-world engagement that allows us to create tailored, high-quality solutions and drive meaningful improvements across the board.

Turning Challenges into Software Solutions

By operating our own SFSC, we’re able to identify and address pain points in real time. Whether it’s optimizing delivery logistics, improving supplier communication, or enhancing customer experience, our software development is guided by the real-world demands of a working SFSC. This ensures that our technology is not only functional but also finely tuned to the unique needs of short food supply chains.

Learning and Growing Together with Our Partners

One of the most rewarding aspects of our journey is partnering with other SFSCs that use our technology. These collaborations create a dynamic feedback loop where we learn from each other’s experiences. Our partners often highlight areas where our software can be improved or suggest new features that would make a significant difference in their operations.

We gladly embrace these ideas and integrate them into our SaaS platform, knowing that we all share the same goal: creating the best software and business expertise to kickstart or scale SFSCs. Beyond software, we also exchange valuable insights on business operations, helping each other refine processes and adopt best practices.

Exploring New Revenue Streams and Business Models with Our SFSC

At Plodovi.hr, we leverage our own SFSC as a testing ground for innovative revenue streams and business models, constantly finding new ways to expand our impact and add value for our producers and customers. Here's how we're doing it:

• Catering with Local Flavor: We’ve launched a catering service that exclusively uses local products from our producers, serving weddings, receptions, and various events with the freshest and most authentic ingredients. Click on the post to watch the video and see how our catering comes together :)

• Corporate Gift Boxes: Each year, we design and market corporate gift boxes filled with locally sourced products to companies on both local and national levels.

• Expanded Delivery Solutions: For areas beyond our delivery range, we’ve partnered with third-party delivery services to ensure seamless service and reach.

• B2B Partnerships: We collaborate with restaurants, hotels, and other local businesses, offering them a tailored B2B solution. To meet their unique needs, we’ve developed specific functionalities within our SaaS platform.
• Pop-Up Bars with Local Products: We organize exclusive pop-up bars at parties and events, featuring only local products, providing a unique experience for attendees.
• Farmers’ Markets and Fairs: We regularly participate in farmers’ markets and trade fairs, where we showcase, present, and sell products from our network of producers.

• Green Public Procurement Pilot Projects: In partnership with local governments and public institutions, we’re developing a pilot project to integrate green public procurement practices, supporting sustainability and local agriculture.

These initiatives not only generate additional revenue but also allow us to test innovative business models and refine our platform to better serve the needs of SFSCs worldwide.

A Playground for Innovation

Our involvement in the day-to-day operations of Plodovi.hr isn’t just about solving immediate problems—it’s about creating a space for innovation. This “playground” allows us to test, refine, and perfect solutions that others can adopt with confidence. At the same time, the partnerships we foster help us expand our knowledge and continually evolve, ensuring that our technology and business procedures stay ahead of the curve.

Plodovi.hr isn’t just a marketplace; it’s a hub for innovation and collaboration, working to make short food supply chains more sustainable, efficient, and successful for everyone involved. Together with our partners, we’re building the future of local food systems and paving a way that others can follow.