#United States #San Francisco #Afresh Technologies #Albertsons Companies #Fresh Inventory

Afresh Partners with Albertsons: Revolutionizing Fresh Inventory Management

In a significant leap for the grocery sector, Afresh Technologies, recognized as a trailblazer in fresh technology, has fully implemented its Fresh Replenishment solution across all Albertsons Companies stores, effectively transforming how perishable food is managed. The rollout encompasses a range of fresh departments, including bakery, deli, meat, seafood, and produce, helping stores like Safeway, Jewel-Osco, and Vons maintain optimal inventory levels based on real-time demand.

Key Features of the Fresh Replenishment Solution

Afresh's innovative platform leverages advanced artificial intelligence and data modeling techniques to streamline operations, ensuring that fresh products align with customer demand. The implementation has been particularly beneficial for managing the immense variety of items offered by Albertsons. From cakes to flank steaks, the technology helps retailers avoid overstock and stockouts by providing precise insights into what needs to be ordered and when.

Bakery Innovations

The bakery is one of the most challenging departments when it comes to inventory management due to the common practice of tracking multiple items under the same retail ID. For example, popular items like donuts may include various flavors such as chocolate, glazed, and sprinkled, yet traditionally they are tracked as a bulk item. Afresh resolves this issue with its tailored inventory management that ensures the right variety is available in sufficient quantities, enhancing customer satisfaction and reducing waste.

Deli Complexity Addressed

Deli items present their unique set of challenges, particularly for products like pre-made sandwiches. These items require accurate tracking of both the finished products and the individual ingredients used. Leveraging patent-pending recipe data modeling, Afresh assists in forecasting demand not only for the final products but also the ingredients, thus streamlining preparations and orders.

Optimizing Meat and Seafood

For the meat and seafood departments, Afresh's technology shines by clarifying the complexities in managing subprimals, which can be processed into various sellable cuts like steaks and roasts. This advanced modeling connects orders directly to sales, allowing for effective inventory management and minimized food waste.

Produce Management

The fresh produce department is notoriously difficult due to random-weight items and high spoilage rates. Afresh's technology helps retailers optimize efficiency, ensuring that they stock the right quantities of produce to meet customer preferences while minimizing waste. The system continuously adjusts to daily demand patterns, driving sales and promoting customer satisfaction.

Supporting Distribution Centers

Apart from enhancing in-store operations, Albertsons Cos. has also integrated Afresh’s demand forecasting features into their distribution centers. This advancement provides store buyers with daily insights into expected demand, further refining inventory management practices throughout the grocery chain.

Advancements Through Partnership

The collaboration between Afresh and Albertsons began in 2022, culminating in this full-scale implementation of the Fresh Replenishment solution. Michelle Larson, EVP and Chief Merchandising Officer at Albertsons Cos., noted that the partnership has significantly modernized the company’s fresh operations, enhancing the shopping experience for customers and ensuring product availability.

Matt Schwartz, CEO of Afresh, emphasizes the mutual benefit of the partnership, describing it as foundational for both parties. He highlights how the tailored solutions provided to each department not only modernize operations but also contribute to sustainability efforts by reducing food waste.

Future Implications

As grocery shopping trends evolve, the role of innovative technology in fresh food management gains increasing importance. Afresh's partnership with Albertsons represents a significant step towards building a sustainable and efficient grocery model that prioritizes both quality and waste reduction. The pledge to improve grocery operations while ensuring customer satisfaction positions both companies at the forefront of the food retail industry, setting a precedent for future collaborations.

Afresh continues its mission to revolutionize the fresh food supply chain, advocating for smarter decisions in retail environments to enhance profitability while making fresh food accessible. With partnerships spanning over 10,000 departments across 40 states, Afresh solidifies its role as a critical player in the grocery sector.

For more information about Afresh Technologies and their innovative solutions, visit afresh.com.