Fresh food leaders can explore proven technology solutions and collaborate with peers at FMI’s FreshForward this August.
By: David Haaf, Vice President of Fresh Foods, FMI
Technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), is often discussed in futuristic terms. However, while eyeing the future is important, it shouldn’t overshadow current needs.
Fresh foods leaders are eager to identify practical and proven technology solutions for today. Their goal is to find new ways to quickly overcome challenges and ace the biggest opportunities related to customers, employees and operations.
Making the best technology decisions also requires a deep understanding of each organization’s unique needs, which problems it wants to solve and what is available to do so.
Eyeing the Latest Food Retail Technology Trends
Newly released data from FMI’s 2026 The Food Retailing Industry Speaks relays how data analytics and AI are now widely used to help the industry build momentum. About two-thirds of responding retailers have incorporated data analytics for activities such as pricing and promotion, assortment planning and replenishment, and leveraging customer data. Additionally, nearly one-third of responding food retailers are using artificial intelligence for these activities.
Turning specifically to fresh foods, 45% of responding food retailers said their organizations used technology solutions in 2025 for ecommerce foodservice ordering and delivery, with an additional 14% planning for this in 2026. Meanwhile, 44% used technology solutions for fresh foods inventory and demand/production planning, with another 19% planning for this.
Asking Strategic Questions About Fresh Technology
Fresh foods leaders have opportunities to learn more about these and other technology solutions. They can learn from peer companies, technology providers and other stakeholders. They should ask questions to help understand which technologies and applications will work best in their own businesses. The goal is to identify applications for goals such as boosting operations (inventory, forecasting, etc.), meeting customer-facing needs and enhancing workforce engagement.
Exploring and Collaborating at FreshForward
Another opportunity is to learn and collaborate at FMI’s upcoming FreshForward conference, this August 10-12 in St. Louis.
The conference, developed with Deloitte, is FMI’s annual gathering of senior-level retailers and suppliers in the fresh sector. A panel on practical technology will highlight proven, fresh‑focused technologies—including AI—that deliver fast ROI and real impact across operations, inventory and the shopper experience.
The panel will be introduced by Tom Henry, Chief Data and Information Officer, Schnuck Markets. Panelists will include Benjamin Bond, Vice President of Strategy and Business Development, Simbe Robotics; Matt Schwartz, CEO, Afresh; and Eric Peters, CEO, Procurant. The discussion will be moderated by Jennifer Shawgo, Senior Director of Technology Strategy and Programs, FMI.
Following the panel, breakout groups of attendees will gather to explore action steps on this topic. The interactive nature of FreshForward ensures a collaborative experience.
We hope to see you at FreshForward, where we can make progress together.
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