FMItech

FMItech at Midwinter is FMI's technology-focused track for the food retail industry, connecting grocery and food retail professionals with the startups and solutions shaping what's next in the sector.

FMItech offers:

Private, curated business meetings between food retailers and technology providers
Early access to emerging solutions from startups solving real problems in grocery
Focused dialogue on industry challenges, paired with hands-on exploration of new tools

Core topics covered by FMItech include:

E-commerce
Customer experience
Inventory management
Automation strategies
And other technology priorities shaping the future of food retail

FMItech is built for food retail leaders who want direct access to innovation and targeted conversations with the startups actively building solutions for grocery's next chapter.

FMItech Exchanges

These B2B meetings provide direct access to technology service providers delivering innovative food industry solutions. Held in 20-minute, pre-scheduled sessions, the exchanges offer up to 20 opportunities to connect with multiple partners efficiently. FMI manages the scheduling process, but companies are responsible for securing appointments and setting agendas. FMI cannot guarantee confirmed appointments.

Exchange Sign-Up

Technology Service Providers

Service providers must go through a selection and approval process by the Technology Executive Committee, prior to taking part in the program. We recommend registering your interest early!

>> Technology Service Provider RSVP <<

Retailers, Wholesalers and Product Suppliers

Participation comes at no additional charge. We recommend registering your intentions early to give your teams the best advantage with scheduling.

>> RETAILER, WHOLESALER, PRODUCT SUPPLIER RSVP <<

FMItech Pitches

Through our pitch competition, three early-stage startups are invited to FMI Midwinter to showcase their cutting edge tech.

Meet This Year's Winner: Swish

2026 FMItech Pitch Finalists

This year, our panel of judges reviewed more than 25 submissions from companies driving efficiency, shopper engagement, and sustainability in food retail. The following six rose to the top for tackling real challenges, from streamlining operations to redefining shopper connections, they showed how technology can power the grocery industry forward.

Finalists

These three companies will take the stage at the FMItech Pitch Competition Finalist Session at the Midwinter Executive Conference on Wednesday, January 21, from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. PT. After the presentations, attendees will vote to select one winner, who will then appear at the General Session on Friday morning, January 23, 2026.

BetterBasket helps retailers price more precisely. By applying data to pricing, promotions and assortment, it helps grocers respond faster to market changes while maintaining shopper trust and profitability.

Genuin brings short-form video storytelling into retailers’ own digital channels, turning online browsing into community and connection. The platform helps retailers and brands inspire discovery and loyalty in a space they control.

Swish powers targeted, automated programmatic sampling by placing full-size products into consumers’ online orders. It transforms merchandise into media, bringing transparency, efficiency, and measurable results that legacy sampling has never delivered.

Semi-Finalists

Gander connects shoppers with markdown products in real time, reducing food waste and improving margins. Retailers using Gander report lower shrink, higher foot traffic and stronger sustainability results.

SYNQ Technology bridges the digital and physical store by connecting associates, shoppers and devices. Its Frontline Hero platform supports digital ordering, real-time assistance, curbside pickup and secure locker systems that improve service and reduce friction.

Vallum gives retailers a way to manage and measure how digital tools are being used across their business, ensuring consistency, compliance and performance.