Technology and innovation are reshaping fresh foods by enhancing forecasting, safety and shopper engagement, a shift FMI’s new GroceryLab event will explore.
By: Rick Stein, Vice President, Fresh Foods, FMI & Doug Baker, Vice President, Industry Relations, FMI
When you think about fresh foods, your mind probably goes to the crisp snap of a green bean, the aroma of a just-sliced loaf of bread or the careful craftsmanship behind a seafood counter display. Fresh departments bring food to life in a way that engages all senses. But behind that sensory experience is a growing layer of innovation that is reshaping how fresh foods get from farm to shelf to table.
Not long ago, a retailer might have relied on a seasoned produce manager’s instinct to predict how much lettuce to stock on a hot weekend. Today, advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) are helping retailers forecast demand with precision, cutting down on waste while ensuring the freshest options are always available. That shift doesn’t replace expertise; it enhances it. Technology is becoming a partner to the craft of fresh, strengthening the relationships between growers, suppliers and retailers.
Consider food safety. Fresh departments move quickly, and precision matters at every step. With connected sensors and digital tracking, retailers can monitor temperature and storage conditions across the supply chain, ensuring quality from the moment produce leaves the farm to the time it reaches the shopper’s cart. These tools don’t just protect the product; they build shopper confidence and trust in the fresh experience.
The human side of this story is just as exciting. Employees armed with handheld devices can access product details instantly, answer shopper questions on the spot and manage replenishment without leaving the floor. Consumers, in turn, are engaging with apps that offer cooking inspiration and real-time information about the food they’re buying. Technology doesn’t take away the personal touch in fresh—it gives associates more tools to deliver it.
As the food industry continues to evolve, the intersection of technology and fresh foods is becoming one of its most dynamic frontiers. That’s why FMI is launching GroceryLab, a new event designed to spark conversations, showcase innovations and bring together leaders from across the industry. The latest State of Fresh Foods report shows how retailers are leaning into fresh-prepared and produce expansions, fighting shrink that hits hardest in deli and bakery and building ecommerce strategies where nearly 40% of sales already come from perimeter departments.
Fresh is timeless, but the way we deliver it is changing fast. Let’s explore it together.
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