Miami-based entrepreneur Rovshan Rasulov is challenging the traditional norms of the foodservice industry with a revolutionary online platform aimed at eliminating intermediaries. His goal is to streamline the supply chain by enabling direct transactions between U.S. restaurateurs and food producers, thus cutting out the need for distributors and wholesalers. This ambitious vision is driven by Rasulov’s belief that the current system is outdated, inefficient, and in need of a major overhaul.
The Birth of Rgand Marketplace
With over 25 years of experience in the food supply sector, Rasulov began his journey towards disruption by acquiring intellectual property and software solutions to enhance and optimize processes. After several years of testing and refining, he finally launched Rgand.com in 2020, a one-click direct trading platform that connects restaurants directly with producers. This platform, known as Rgand Marketplace, boasts access to a vast network of over 10,000 registered restaurants and hotels, offering a seamless and efficient way for businesses to source their products.
The Impact on the U.S. Foodservice Industry
The traditional supply chain in the food industry involves numerous intermediaries, each adding their margins along the way, ultimately affecting the end cost for restaurants and hotels. By bypassing these middlemen, Rgand Marketplace aims to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and provide a more direct route for producers to reach the market. This innovative approach has the potential to disrupt the entire U.S. foodservice industry by offering a transparent and efficient platform for suppliers and buyers to connect.
Despite the significant potential for change, the foodservice industry in the United States faces several challenges, including rising food costs, increased wages, and supply chain disruptions. The National Restaurant Association’s State of the Industry Report revealed that many operators struggled with profitability in recent years. Rasulov hopes that Rgand and the Direct Trade Foundation (DTF) can address these challenges by supporting smaller producers and offering them access to the U.S. market.
The Direct Trade Foundation, a new initiative by Rgand, aims to mentor and support small food producers in entering the U.S. market. With a selective approach to partnering with suppliers, DTF is committed to investing $100 million over three years to support innovative producers with market potential. By providing resources such as technological tools, logistical support, and financial backing, DTF seeks to empower producers to compete in the restaurant industry and unlock new opportunities.
The Future of Food Supply Chain
Rasulov’s vision for a middleman-free platform has the potential to revolutionize the way food producers engage with the market. By addressing key challenges such as product visibility, logistical support, financial assistance, and product testing, DTF aims to transform the U.S. restaurant industry and create a lasting impact. With a focus on innovation, efficiency, and transparency, Rgand Marketplace and the Direct Trade Foundation are paving the way for a new era in the food supply chain.