Summary
In recent times, a myriad of technology companies, both established and emerging, have made significant inroads into the grocery sector. This article presents a concise overview of several noteworthy participants observed at the Groceryshop trade show held on September 20, 2022, amid an evolving retail landscape influenced by the pandemic and economic challenges. The pandemic has undeniably altered consumer interactions with grocery stores, prompting a comprehensive reassessment of the industry’s operational frameworks. Compounding these shifts are ongoing inflationary pressures and persistent supply chain issues, which present various challenges for grocers. Against this backdrop, an array of high-tech enterprises is stepping in, offering solutions to alleviate the burdens faced by retailers. One prominent company is Afresh, which was established in 2017 and has recently succeeded in raising $115 million to further its mission. Based in San Francisco, Afresh specializes in employing artificial intelligence to improve forecasting, inventory management, and ordering processes within the fresh produce sector. The firm’s strategic plan includes expanding its services to encompass meat and bakery items. By the conclusion of the year, Afresh’s platform will be available across more than 2,300 Albertsons locations, marking a significant expansion of its customer base, which has tripled over the past year to include notable retail chains such as WinCo Foods, Heinen’s, Save Mart, Bashas, and Cub Foods. Another influential player is AutoStore, which prides itself on pioneering cube storage automation since its inception in 1996. The company is now focusing on grocery retail, partnering with establishments including H-E-B and H-Mart to optimize inventory storage space and enhance order fulfillment efficiencies. Brightdrop, a commercial electric vehicle brand under General Motors, has ventured into the grocery domain, recently securing Kroger as its inaugural food retail client. Brightdrop’s innovative product, the Trace Grocery electronic cart, addresses the logistics of transferring groceries from stores to vehicles for curbside pickup. In the realm of customer service, Gladly is integrating its robust support platform into the grocery arena. This service empowers brands to offer assistance across various communication channels while minimizing the workload on their employees. Microblink is leveraging artificial intelligence technology to not only analyze receipts for promotional activities but also to facilitate shopper engagement with products on store shelves. Its cutting-edge system allows consumers to access detailed information by simply scanning grocery items with their smartphones. The evolution of on-demand delivery services is epitomized by Uber Eats, which has broadened its focus to include grocery and convenience store deliveries. The platform is currently modernizing its application to feature a vast array of non-restaurant retailers, while also collaborating with Nuro, an autonomous vehicle company, to enhance delivery capabilities. Lastly, Upshop, formerly known as Applied Data Corporation, recently announced a merger with Itasca Retail, creating a consolidated platform dedicated to real-time inventory, ordering, and forecasting functionalities across grocery store departments. With over 28,000 retail partners, Upshop aims to streamline operations for major customers, including Wegmans and Kroger. In conclusion, the grocery sector is witnessing a significant transformation fueled by technological advancements. As these companies continue to innovate and adapt, they hold the potential to reshape the grocery shopping experience profoundly, ultimately benefiting both retailers and consumers alike.
Original Source: www.supermarketnews.com
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