Upshop, Invafresh Merge

Upshop and Invafresh have merged. Through united entity, Upshop, its leaders aim to empower communities by improving access to fresh, safe, and affordable food, said Upshop.

The combined Upshop organization offers a global retail enterprise operating platform that will be used by more than 400 retailers in 35 countries across 50,000 stores, said Upshop. Some of the platform's functionality includes fresh inventory and ordering management, omnichannel order fulfillment capabilities, a framework to support a direct store delivery strategy, and a foodservice operations service that supports expanded prepared food offerings and workflows.

"We do not settle for better; we strive for the best from our platform, our people, and our partnerships with food retailers,” said Shamus Hines, CEO of Upshop, in a statement. “The impact our technology has on retailers' supply chains means millions of families will have access to the freshest and healthiest food, every day."

In addition to addressing operational and service challenges, the unified Upshop app will also tackle food waste through the anticipated launch of a global Food Waste Initiative that will leverage industry partnership and data and analytics, said Upshop.

The unification comes as Food Safety Modernization Act Section 204 comes into effect, an FDA compliance requirement to enhance traceability. Upshop will launch a solution at the end of July to help facilitate the transition.

Upshop is used by national and regional grocers including Associated Food Stores, Kroger, and Southeastern Grocers. Invafresh is leveraged by chains including Meijer, Whole Foods, and Hy-Vee.