Oct 16, 20243 min read

By: Doug Baker, Vice President, Industry Relations, FMI

FMItech at Midwinter

The rapid changes sweeping the food industry are both exciting and transformative, and this will be showcased at its best during our upcoming FMItech program during FMI Midwinter. Together with our partners, technology leaders and innovators, we'll tackle the most pressing topics shaping the future of food retail.

It's not just about keeping up with the latest tools; it's about using technology to drive business results, elevate the customer experience and build a data-driven future. Alongside the valuable FMItech B2B meetings that provide direct face-to-face time with innovative technology service providers — our technology focused sessions will explore groundbreaking ideas. I'm excited about the expertise and plans we have in store.

Innovations Shaping the Tech Landscape

Our session on the Digitally Engaged Food Shopper, co-hosted by NIQ, will explore trends driving online shopping and technologies helping retailers meet these evolving needs. A session, Retail Media — Driving Revenue and Customer Engagement with NIQ and Think Blue, will examine how retailers can monetize their digital spaces to create personalized experiences that add customer value and boost revenue.

The Power of AI, Accelerating Growth and Optimizing Operations, organized by Microsoft, will demonstrate how AI helps businesses optimize inventory and customer service through real-time decision-making. We will also tackle how RFID and SMART Packaging push efficiency and customer engagement boundaries, transform inventory management and reduce waste.

The Daunting Data Dilemma, a panel organized by Accenture, will discuss how retailers can turn the flood of data into actionable insights without becoming overwhelmed.

Tech Pitch Competition Semifinalists

One of the highlights of FMItech is the exciting Tech Pitch Competition, where real-world innovation takes center stage. From 20 impressive submissions, six standout semifinalists emerged, each offering something unique:

  • Badge, offers a no-code mobile wallet platform for personalized in-store customer experiences.
  • NoxuData, provides AI-powered analytics for food industry operations.
  • TITAN7, creates engaging digital experiences to connect consumers with brands.
  • Relocalize, pioneers micro-fulfillment technology to improve efficiency and sustainability.
  • Workrz, is a flexible job-sharing platform bridging freelancers and businesses.
  • Yondu, develops robots to autonomously pick, stock and face shelves in grocery stores.

These companies share a common theme of leveraging technology to enhance customer experience, streamline operations and offer innovative solutions across various operational areas including:

  • Customer-centric solutions: Badge, TITAN7, and Yondu focus on improving the connection between brands and consumers, whether through personalized mobile wallets, engaging digital platforms or autonomous robots for in-store interactions.
  • Efficiency and innovation: NoxuData, Relocalize and Workrz prioritize optimizing processes using cutting-edge technologies like AI, logistics automation and flexible employment solutions to improve operational efficiency and reduce waste.
  • Technological integration: All these companies utilize advanced technologies, such as AI (NoxuData), robotics (Yondu), no-code platforms (Badge) and digital experiences (TITAN7), to innovate and provide seamless, future-ready solutions.

As I look at this lineup, I'm reminded that we're at the crossroads where food, retail and technology become inseparable. The future of food retail is tech-first, and these companies are helping to chart the future.

At FMItech, we're not just envisioning the future — we're building it together. I hope you have plans to join us.

FMItech at Midwinter