FMI’s Asset Protection community helps food retailers strengthen safety, security and resilience through research, industry collaboration and events like the Asset Protection & Grocery Resilience Conference.
By: Tom Cosgrove, Director, Industry Relations, FMI
Asset protection continues to be on the front of the minds of those in the food retail industry. Today's retail environment presents a wide range of challenges, from organized retail crime and workplace violence to cybersecurity threats, fraud, natural disasters and supply chain disruptions. As these risks continue to evolve, so too must the strategies retailers use to protect their people, products and businesses.
That is where FMI and our asset protection community play a critical role. Through the Asset Protection Executive Committee, research initiatives, and industry events, FMI brings together retailers, solution providers and subject matter experts to address the challenges facing the food industry and identify practical solutions that improve safety, security, and resilience.
One of the most visible examples of this work is FMI's Asset Protection in Food Retail research series. The latest report highlights both the progress retailers have made and the opportunities that remain. Retailers are investing heavily in technologies and programs designed to reduce risk and improve safety, yet many shoppers remain unaware of the extensive efforts taking place behind the scenes. The findings reinforce an important reality: effective asset protection is not just about preventing loss. It is about building trust, protecting associates, creating a safer shopping environment and strengthening business continuity.
Beyond research, FMI provides a forum for collaboration among industry leaders. Through councils, conferences and other peer-to-peer discussions, members are able to share experiences and learn from one another. This collaborative approach helps the industry stay ahead of emerging threats while accelerating the adoption of proven practices.
Looking ahead, these conversations will continue at the 2027 Asset Protection & Grocery Resilience (APGR) Conference, taking place April 12-15, 2027, in Dallas, Texas. APGR has become the premier gathering for asset protection, risk management, cybersecurity, safety, and resilience professionals working across the food industry. Attendees will explore new trends, hear from leading experts, and participate in discussions focused on the future of retail security and operational resilience.
The challenges facing our industry are changing rapidly, but one thing remains constant: when the food industry comes together to share knowledge and collaborate on solutions, we are better equipped to protect our businesses, support our associates and serve our communities.
As the pace and complexity of today’s risks continue to grow, FMI’s Asset Protection community remains focused on helping the food industry turn shared challenges into practical action. I encourage you to save the date for the 2027 Asset Protection & Grocery Resilience Conference, April 12–15 in Dallas, and join us for important conversations about the future of safety, security and resilience in food retail. To learn more about FMI’s work in asset protection or to get more engaged in this community, please reach out to me directly.
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