We’re in a unique time in which technology is so far advanced that new innovations can occur at lightning speed, often making it impossible to keep up. In the grocery sector specifically (largely due to the pandemic), supermarket-based technologies had to jump years ahead just to meet the standard needs of the communities and, although there were a lot of headaches and growing pains that came with those radical but necessary adjustments, now that grocers have made those changes and investments, there’s no going back to the more traditional days of retailing. Plus, because there are now so many different store options available to the consumer, banner loyalty is no longer the standard. The marketplace is overstored, so it’s a dog-eat-dog world in the grocery business with too many retailers fighting for the same dollars. Therefore, to not only survive but also thrive in such a highly competitive industry, the modern-day grocer will need to continue to find ways to stand out from the crowd and keeping up with the tech that not only helps them become extremely efficient but also elevates the user experience will be key in keeping them in the game.
PYMNTS, a global news and data analytics company that provides insights on commerce trends, released a list of what it thinks are the top four grocery technology trends to watch in 2023:
Computer Vision-Powered and Smart Cart Checkout: As computer vision (a field of artificial intelligence enabling computers to derive information from images, videos and other inputs) technology becomes more readily available and more shoppers become more accustomed to it, more grocers will need to adapt these technologies to stay relevant.
Data Powered Campaigns and Promotions: Last year saw many retailers heavily investing in their data-powered retail media offerings, essentially creating in-house marketing businesses. Expect to see these grocery chains utilizing these analytics to offer brands the opportunity to customize their marketing campaigns to their customers.
A Shift Away From Online Shopping Subscriptions: Although we saw big retailers introducing subscription programs in which consumers paid an annual fee for free and upgraded delivery options à la Amazon Prime, shoppers have started cutting back on their subscription spending due to inflation and rising prices. This in turn may have grocery chains shifting towards lower-commitment options for their customers in their digital investments.
Rise In Grocery Delivery For Remote Workers: According to a Q3 study conducted by PYMNTS called “How The World Does Digital,” 44 percent of the more than 30,000 people surveyed indicated they had worked online remotely and were found to use digital methods to make grocery and retail purchases four times more often than those that did not work remotely. Of these remote workers, 63 percent stated that they had utilized a digital channel to order grocers within the last four weeks of being surveyed. Not only is the number of people who still continue to work from home part-time or full-time high, but it has also become a greatly desired benefit that job-seekers are requesting. As remote work options will continue to become the norm, especially as technology will only continue to advance, many grocers will need to be ready to provide this demographic with efficient shopping and delivery options that are as agile as they are.
With so many industry tech advancements emerging and still in the early stages, this small list is not the be-all and end-all, but it definitely is a good place to start.
While we are on the topic of technology, one retailer that goes all-in and continually ups the ante in this field is Kroger. Therefore, it’s no surprise that the Cincinnati, OH-based company was named one of the 2023 Best Places To Work in IT by Computerworld for the fifth consecutive year. The annual ranking lists what it considers the top 100 companies with work environments for technology professionals based on a comprehensive 52 question survey regarding company offerings across six categories: IT turnover, promotions and growth; IT retention and engagement programs; DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) practices; remote/hybrid working; benefits and perks; and training and career development opportunities. Additionally, the surveys were evaluated by a panel of industry experts.
“Our technology and digital teams empower Kroger to serve as America’s grocer, bringing a seamless experience to our customers and our associates,” said Yael Cosset, Kroger’s senior VP and chief information officer. “This win supports our long-term strategy to invest in our associates and focus on making workplace culture a priority.”
Kroger not only ranked as the 43rd best place to work in the Top 100 list of large companies (organizations with 5,000 or more employees), but also specifically ranked third in the category of employee engagement and was the only grocery retailer to make any of the lists, regardless of size. Way to go, Kroger!
The National Grocer’s Association (NGA) will offer a brand-new educational offering at next month’s NGA Show in Las Vegas summarizing their a look at grocery technology from multiple perspectives. Dubbed The Technology Summit, it will be comprised of fast-paced and interactive sessions that will span the full spectrum of technology, including AI and tech designed to improve the customer experience, food-centric technologies, and retail media networks that can shape interactions between retailers and their customers. Among the number of presenters in the technology summit are: Chris Rogers of Instacart; RJ Hottovy of Placer.ai; Bill Lipsky of UNFI; and Bob Perry of NBCUniversal Media.
In touching upon the latest addition to the annual conference’s programming lineup, Greg Ferrara, NGA president and CEO commented, “The NGA Show is unique in that it consistently provides retailers and wholesalers with the cutting-edge experts and knowledge necessary to adapt and thrive in an industry that is constantly changing.”
Another industry member actively providing educational opportunities is Goya. The Jersey City, NJ-based manufacturer of Spanish, Hispanic and Caribbean food products recently announced open enrollment for its annual Culinary Arts and Food Science Scholarships in which four students entering their freshman year of college with an undergraduate degree in culinary arts and/or food science will each be eligible for a total of $20,000 each. The scholarships, which are available on a competitive basis to students entering an accredited two-year or four-year institution, are in the amount of $5,000 awarded per academic year starting in Fall 2023 and are renewable for up to three additional years provided the student remains eligible to receive funding.
Students can apply from now until March 1, 2023 and will be selected based on the standard requirements established under the Goya Gives program and administered by Scholarship America including academic achievement, leadership, community service and financial need, as well as an evaluation of an essay explaining how Goya has enriched their family traditions.
“We believe every student should have access to a good education and an opportunity to go to college,” says Bob Unanue, president of Goya Foods. “As one of the leading food companies in the world, we want to provide the next generation with the possibility of pursuing their passion in the culinary arts and food sciences, while helping to alleviate some of the financial burden of college expenses.”
The Goya’s Scholarship Fund, which was started in 2011, has granted more than $1.7 million in scholarships to students nationwide as well as to the children of Goya employees.
I truly believe that providing educational opportunities is one of the most impactful and rewarding contributions a company can give to its employees and communities, so kudos to Goya for its continued generosity and for year after year giving the gift that keeps on giving.
Until next month…
Karen can be contacted via email at: [email protected]