Customers use the Internet today for almost everything – especially when searching for a product or service they intend to purchase. A report recently released by the Australian Retailers Association showed the Australian online food and beverage industry grew by 24.9% in 2020.
Here are the 3 online trends changing the way Food and Beverage Businesses operate.
Online Ordering:
2020 showed how important it is to have a strong online ordering system. Companies with an existing online system reduced the overall impacts of the COVID-19 shutdowns.
The key benefit of online ordering is the ability to offer your customers a way to place orders when it suits them best. Online Ordering Websites turns your business into a twenty-four hour a day, seven day a week automated machine. Your overheads decrease and your sales increase without you needing to step foot into your store.
Online ordering is a simple way for your Food and Beverage businesses to increase sales and maximise profit in 2021.
To find out more about Online Ordering click here
Payment Gateway
A Payment Gateway is a completely automated online service that verifies and accepts/declines payments or credit card requests on your business behalf.
A payment gateway transfers your customers transaction information directly to the bank for automatic verification. The system will either approve or decline the request based on the information provided by the customer.
The key benefit of a payment gateway is secure transactions, rapid transaction processing and it’s customisable features. You can select payment days, customer creidt limits and even refuse orders from customers who owe you an amount.
To find out more about Payment Gateway click here.
Why Food & Beverage Businesses Are Moving Online in 2026
Food and beverage orders rarely arrive through one channel. A customer calls during the morning rush, another sends an email, and someone else leaves a late-night voicemail. Staff then have to collect those details, confirm prices and enter each order manually.
Online ordering gives both sides a simpler option. Customers can browse the available range and order products whenever they need them. Suppliers receive clear product codes and quantities from the start, which reduces the chance of sending 15 cartons when the customer requested 50.
These consumer trends in the food and beverage industry now also extend to wholesale purchasing. Café owners and retailers have grown used to managing routine tasks online. They still want personal help when stock runs out or a delivery changes, but they do not necessarily want to call every time they need to repeat a standard order.
Xero vs MYOB: Which Integration Fits Your Business?
Both Xero and MYOB can support an Australian food or beverage business. The better fit depends on the:
- Size of the operation
- Accounting requirements
- Tools already used by the team
Xero often suits smaller distributors that want straightforward cloud accounting and access to a broad range of connected apps. MYOB may suit businesses that already use its payroll, inventory or more detailed accounting features.
Before choosing, confirm how each option will handle:
- Customer-specific pricing
- Credit accounts
- GST
- Invoices
- Refunds
- Payments from recurring wholesale orders.
Also check exactly what the integration transfers. A useful connection should move the required financial records into the accounting platform without forcing staff to enter the same figures again.
Integrated Accounting:
Integrated accounting is combining your accounting system to your management software.
Integrating Xero accounting with your day to day management software gives your business one centralised location to manage your business.
The key benefit of integrated accounting is your business avoids costly accounting errors associated with duplicate data entry and limits your accountant fees.
Where EasyVend can help?
EasyVend by Jeal is an easy to use, Food and Beverage Distribution Software that accelerates your entire buying, selling and distribution process. Completely scalable from owner operator to Corporate Supplier and everyone in between. EasyVend provides you with all the features needed to maximise your business including, Online ordering, payment gateway and Xero integration.
Easy to Launch – Easy to use – Easy transition.
For a no obligation Trial EasyVend of EasyVend web contact us today!
I would like a demo of the NEW EasyVend
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Difference Between Online Ordering Software and a Payment Gateway?
Online ordering software allows customers to browse products, select quantities and submit an order. A payment gateway sends payment information to the relevant financial institution for approval or rejection. The systems work together, but they handle different parts of the purchase.
Do Small Food and Beverage Businesses Need a Payment Gateway?
A gateway helps businesses that accept card payments at checkout. Manual bank transfers may still suit a small supplier with regular account customers, although staff will need to check and match payments.
How Much Does an Online Ordering System Cost?
The cost depends on catalogue size, order volume, customer pricing rules, integrations and support. Ask providers to include setup, subscription and transaction charges in their quotes.
How Long Does Online Ordering Take to Set Up?
A basic product catalogue may take little time to prepare. Setup takes longer when the business has contract pricing, many customer accounts or several systems to connect.
What Return Can Automated Online Ordering Provide?
The value usually comes from reducing manual order entry, correcting fewer mistakes and accepting orders outside office hours. Compare those savings with the full setup and subscription costs.
Can Online Ordering Support B2B and Consumer Sales?
Yes, but each sales model needs a suitable checkout. Wholesale buyers may need account pricing, credit terms and repeat-order tools. Consumers usually expect public prices, immediate payment and clear delivery choices.
What Are the Current Trends in the F&B Industry?
Current food and beverage trends include online ordering, faster payment processing and closer links between sales, inventory and accounting systems. Customers also expect clear pricing and the option to place routine orders outside normal business hours. For suppliers, these changes mean less manual order entry and fewer details spread across phone calls and text messages.