The FMItech Pitch program highlights emerging technology companies offering practical solutions to improve grocery retail operations, shopper engagement, and sustainability. This year, six semifinalists were selected for their measurable impact on real grocery challenges.
By: Doug Baker, Vice President, Industry Relations, FMI
Every year through our FMItech Pitch program, we challenge emerging technology companies to show us what’s next for grocery retail. What makes this program different is that it’s not about innovation for innovation’s sake. It’s about practical solutions that make grocery retail work better for the people behind it and the customers it serves.
This year, our panel of industry judges reviewed 25 submissions from companies working to improve efficiency, process automation, shopper engagement, loyalty and sustainability across the food retail industry. The six semifinalists stood out because they’re addressing real problems and delivering measurable results. From simplifying operations to rethinking how we connect with shoppers, they are showing what happens when technology meets the realities of running a grocery business.
Meet the Finalists:
Vallum gives retailers a way to manage and measure the use of digital tools across their businesses, ensuring consistency, compliance and performance.
Emerging Themes:
- Efficiency is Everything: Four of the six finalists focus on simplifying work and improving consistency, showing that automation and clear processes are key to sustainable growth.
- Engagement is Personal Again: Two of the finalists, Genuin and Swish, remind us that technology works best when it helps people connect. Whether it’s trying a new product or sharing a story, these tools bring human interaction back into focus.
- Partnership Drives Progress: Each of these companies is already working with grocery partners. Their ideas are not theories; they’re being tested and refined in real stores, solving problems today.
Stay tuned. This is where ideas meet action.
Industry Topics address your specific area of expertise with resources, reports, events and more.
Our Research covers consumer behavior and retail operation benchmarks so you can make informed business decisions.
Events and Education including online and in-person help you advance your food retail career.
Food Safety training, resources and guidance that help you create a company food safety culture.
Government Affairs work — federal and state — on the latest food industry policy, regulatory and legislative issues.
Get Involved. From industry awards to newsletters and committees, these resources help you take advantage of your membership.
Best practices, guidance documents, infographics, signage and more for the food industry on the COVID-19 pandemic.
