Stater Bros. Markets Enhances Fresh Inventory Management with Afresh Partnership

Stater Bros. Markets has stepped up its game in fresh inventory management by expanding its collaboration with Afresh, a renowned company specializing in AI solutions. This new phase aims not only to cover produce but also extend into additional fresh food departments, enhancing its distribution center (DC) forecasting. Such integration fosters a cohesive strategy to manage fresh inventory from store orders to purchasing decisions at the distribution centers.

In 2025, the initial introduction of Afresh’s Fresh Replenishment in produce launched a series of impressive outcomes. The AI-driven replenishment system not only improved product availability but also sharpened ordering accuracy, while significantly reducing food waste - setting performance benchmarks across various fresh categories. The improved inventory flow allowed Stater Bros. to optimize on-hand stock levels, ultimately freeing up working capital. Positive endorsement from store staff demonstrated faith in Afresh's AI-order recommendations, reinforcing operational trust and user-friendliness.

Bertha Luna, Executive Vice President of Store Operations at Stater Bros. Markets, praised the partnership, noting the impactful results: “Produce losses have decreased, our shelves are well-stocked, and customers have begun to notice marked improvements. When our team sees a solution supporting their workflow, adoption becomes seamless.”

Addressing Fresh Inventory Challenges

Traditionally, procurement decisions for produce at Stater Bros. relied heavily on manual methods, backed by extensive regional knowledge and hands-on merchandising practices. However, as the company evolved, it began using conventional forecasting tools that align more closely with stable items typical of center-store categories. Unfortunately, these methods often struggled to navigate the complexities and unpredictability associated with fresh products, particularly during promotions or for perishable items like bulk and catch-weight products.

The limitations of these forecasting techniques became glaring with erratic demand, showcasing shortages in stores, surplus aged inventory, or missed sales opportunities. Recognizing these hurdles, Stater Bros. turned to Afresh for a more sophisticated solution capable of adapting to evolving demands in the fresh food sector.

Afresh’s DC Forecast has been recognized for exactly this, designed specifically for the unique dynamics involved in fresh item procurement. With its capabilities, this system addresses SKU discrepancies, incorporates multiple vendor options, and accounts for constantly changing delivery schedules. It utilizes real-time store demand data to better assess inventory flow, aging, and movement across networks, assisting teams in proactive planning and decision alignment.

Matt Schwartz, CEO of Afresh, articulated the nuances of fresh operations, stating, “Fresh product management is inherently unpredictable—conditions evolve, signals change, and outcomes are not always consistent. By extending intelligence from order fulfillment at stores directly into distribution center forecasting, Stater Bros. can unify decision-making throughout the supply chain, minimizing waste, enhancing service levels, and ensuring customers receive nothing short of fresh produce.”

Revolutionizing Procurement Processes

This partnership facilitates a major shift for Stater Bros. buyers as they can now redirect their focus away from extensive data mining across various platforms towards actively engaging on the warehouse floor. This hands-on approach enables them to inspect product quality, nurture stronger supplier relationships, and work more closely with warehouse teams. The resultant focus intends to enhance fill rates and maintain better inventory levels on store shelves, thus delivering a consistent shopping experience for customers.

Jacob Cadwallader, Director of Produce at Stater Bros. Markets, emphasized the uphill battle against time-consuming data synthesis efforts and the urgency for precise fresh food logistical decisions. “Afresh's interlinked system connects store and DC decisions—a pivotal breakthrough enhancing accuracy and efficiency. Automating such forecasting allows our procurement teams to stay focused on store support, refine long-term purchasing strategies, and bolster our promise of quality to customers.”

Looking Ahead

Afresh continues to reshape the landscape of the fresh food supply chain, positioning itself at the forefront of AI-driven technology. Founded in 2017, the company is dedicated to minimizing food waste while ensuring accessibility to fresh products across the retail spectrum. With over 12,000 departments at various grocery chains, their rapid growth reflects a commitment to revolutionizing how grocery markets manage fresh products- something that Stater Bros. is increasingly leveraging to meet customer expectations.

In conclusion, the enhanced partnership between Stater Bros. Markets and Afresh is paving the way for greater efficiency in fresh inventory management. With intelligent systems at play, both companies are prepared to meet the challenges of fresh food procurement head-on, ensuring customers receive only the best in terms of quality and availability. The benefits are clear: a stronger bottom line for grocery operations, improved sustainability through reduced waste, and enhanced customer satisfaction.