Arlington, VA - Today, FMI – The Food Industry Association Vice President of Tax, Trade, Sustainability and Policy Development Andy Harig issued the following statement regarding today's Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism hearing on AI surveillance pricing.
"FMI supports policies that promote transparent, accurate and understandable pricing for consumers. Grocery retailers compete every day to earn shoppers' trust by delivering value, convenience and affordable food, and consumers have more choices than ever about where and how they shop.
"Food prices are influenced by a wide range of factors, including supply and demand, commodity markets, transportation and energy costs, labor, severe weather and global events.
"Loyalty programs are designed to help consumers save money—not pay more. Participation is entirely voluntary, and shoppers choose to enroll because they receive discounts, personalized offers and other benefits tailored to their shopping preferences. These programs are a competitive tool that help retailers deliver greater value to customers.
"Similarly, electronic or digital shelf labels do not determine or dynamically adjust prices based on individual consumers. They replace paper shelf tags with digital displays that improve pricing accuracy, help retailers update promotions more efficiently, and in keeping with state laws, ensure the price displayed on the shelf matches the price charged at checkout.
"As retailers continue to adopt new technologies, maintaining consumer trust remains paramount. FMI looks forward to working with Congress on bipartisan policies that encourage innovation while protecting consumer privacy, promoting transparency and preserving the competitive marketplace that benefits American shoppers."
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.
