SpartanNash will pilot Afresh Technologies' artificial intelligence-powered predictive ordering and inventory management solution at 10 of its Family Fare stores in Michigan.
"Our partnership with Afresh will help SpartanNash deliver fresh produce to our store guests while also minimizing food waste, which is a key focus area for our Company's ESG efforts," said SpartanNash chief merchandising officer Bennett Morgan in a statement. "Leveraging the strength of artificial intelligence and digital workflow will provide our Associates with insights to create solutions that benefit our corporate retail store guests."
Afresh equips SpartanNash's Fresh Department managers with technology to support fresh ordering decisions, including predictive analytics using real-time data. The tool helps minimize food waste by ensuring the appropriate inventory levels are maintained based on insights from guests' shopping habits.
"SpartanNash takes pride in empowering store leaders with buying decisions and providing the freshest foods for its store guests," said Afresh CEO Matt Schwartz in a statement. "Afresh is proud to partner with the SpartanNash team to help better manage the ever-changing nature of fresh. As the only built-for-fresh solution that intelligently navigates hard-to-predict data to drive optimal decisions, Afresh takes a unique approach to solving the complexities of a fresh department."
Related: Saladworks Added to Kroger Food Halls; Fairtrade America Predicts Trends